General Support

[tina26]

hi tam, I was thinking that the steps will be a big part of my program...stubborn is my middle name

[jv_]

AA Thought for the Day
  (courtesy AAOnline.net)

  ~ Scroll down for share ~

  October 28, 2009

  Turning Point
  Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point.
  We asked his protection and care with complete abandon.
  - Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 59


  Thought to Ponder . . .

  When I change the way I look at things, the things I look at change.


  AA-related 'Alconym' . . .

  O D A A T = One Day At A Time.
  A MEMBER SHARES:
  My name is Hope, and I'm an alcoholic. I feel I'm among family here. I am so grateful that my last drink was over fourteen years ago, but must never forget I have a chronic relapsing disease with a daily spiritual reprieve. Sometimes, I forget the second half of the First Step -- that my life can be unmanageable -- but I know now that the solution is always available. When I begin to think, "this is the worst thing that could happen," I've learned to recognize it as a 'turning point,' and know to ask for God's protection and care with complete abandon and to apply the Steps. Today, my friend, a newcomer, lost her first job sober and came to me in tears. I was able to remember when that had happened to me, and I helped her to make a gratitude list, and to see it as a turning point to something better and yet unknown. That is the freedom from alcohol that has helped me through all the stuff of life, and to think I am available to share it with others -- what a miracle!
  To respond to the sharer, please email DTShare@aaonline.net and it will be forwarded to them.

[jv_]

AA Thought for the Day
  (courtesy AAOnline.net)
  October 29, 2009
  Values
  I stood off and took a long look at life and the values I found in it:
  I saw a paradox, that he who loses his life does indeed find it.
  The more you give, the more you get.
  The less you think of yourself the more of a person you become.
  - Experience, Strength and Hope, p. 431


  Thought to Ponder . . .
  We surrender to win; we give away to keep;
  we suffer to get well; we die to live.


  AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
  A A = Attitude Adjustment.

  AAOnline.net is going to host a Hospitality Suite
  at the International Convention in San Antonio, Texas USA, July 1-4, 2010,
  and you can help too. If you're interested, please visit:
  aaonline.net/2010/

[jv_]

AA Thought for the Day
  (courtesy AAOnline.net)
  October 30, 2009
  Pain
  Indeed pain is one of our greatest teachers.
  Though I still find it difficult to accept today's pain and anxiety
  with any degree of serenity -- I can, if I try hard,
  give thanks for present pain nevertheless.
  I find the willingness to do this by contemplating the lessons learned
  from past suffering.
  - The Language of the Heart, p. 272


  Thought to Ponder . . .
  Pain is what I walk through. Misery is what I sit in.


  AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
  I S M = I Sabotage Myself.

  AAOnline.net is going to host a Hospitality Suite
  at the International Convention in San Antonio, Texas USA, July 1-4, 2010,
  and you can help too. If you're interested, please visit:
  aaonline.net/2010/

[freebreath]

Hello I just migrated over here a couple days ago. I am getting use to the new surroundings here. I have smoked most of but not all of the last 13 years. My most recent quit lasted 19 days. I derailed so fast I do not even remember what happened. I tryed day after day to jump back on the Quit and after three tries I got discouraged by a person accusing me of not taking my quit seriously. I am hoping that this group will have that mix of starters and those well established in a quit so that I find more of what I am not aware to support my quit through to the end. I want my quit to be as stronge as the worst addiction I want to be more enthusicastic and determined than my addiction. I want to feel that what ever it is that will escort me through the terrible down that I do experiance when the nicotene is out of my system and I do not smoke. It was very dark there the last time. And I am even more glum now although I have been smoking. Death by this addiction hasn't scared me. I have seen it all my life. The black tar visual, the ugly lungs, I have watche my family members loose their health and lay begging me not to smoke since I was younge. I have lost the man that I truly loved because I smoke. What I have not lost is the grip of the addiction on me. I want my freedom. I am going to keep trying until I get it. Thanks.

[cherhollembeak]

I can relate. I pray for the willingness to become willing (if that makes any sense). Continuing to immerse myself as much as possible in thoughts about not smoking, reading about not smoking and speaking with other quitters has really moved me much further in "wanting to want to". Best wishes to you - don't give up - something is going on with you that is directing you to explore quitting. Again, best wishes - Cheryl

[keep-on-trying]

Just joined this site. Have tried to quit many times. Didn't even start smoking until I was in my 30s. Worse decision of my lfe.
Have recently been able to cut back from a pack and a half a day to one pack a day. Much easier at home to cut back than at work. Very much social and a mental break here.  Just started Wellbutrin a month ago to help. Not sure how long to give myself time to prepare. The work part will be the hardest. Plus, I'm not sure exactly what this program involves. Would love to hook up with someone in the same boat.

[pearl-g]

I'm with you.   I want my freedom.  I want all of that, too.  And I've also watched my friends and family die from lung cancer. What I don't understand iis that I haven't smoked for 10 days, I feel really good but somewhat depressed.  But I still want a cigarette.  I'm using a nicotene patch so I guess it's just the habit right now.  I've smoked for 50 years.  It's a hard habit to break!!

[tyme2quit28]

Hi I 've just recently decided to quit smoking.  I chose not to try patches and gum, I feel like it's a waste of money.  I have two kids and a boyfriend that hates my habit and I understand why.  I have alot of triggers but I feel like I can find something better to do with my time when I have the urge to smoke slowly change my routine and train my brain away from the thought.  I'm taking it one day at a time. This not the first time I have tried to quit but the difference between this time is that I'm doing it for myself and before I was doing it for numerous reasons and really didn't want to quit in the first place. I use to have chest pains and ignore it I'm 27yrs old and wk in the medical field and have seen too many people die from cigarette smoking and they were near and dear to me so I know its time. Any help or ways to deter myself from smoking I would apprecaite.  Thank You

[musicatokc]

I started using an electronic cig this morning.  Haven't smoked a real cig all  day and haven't wanted to.  The E-cig is pretty realistic. 

[eagleflight7]

Hi Amy, I have decided Dec. 1,2009 is my quit date. I have quit about 16 times in the past 25 years. I know it's hard. But if we all stick together we can do it. Any help you can give will be appreciated.