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Give and get support around quitting

Roller831
Member

NML & In-betweener Weekly Check in - 1/29/2018

We do this blog every Monday to offer encouragement and camaraderie to those in No Man’s Land -- months 2-3-4 of a quit and for those between NML and the 6% club (1 year of a quit). Regardless of how long you’ve been quit, anyone who likes the conversation and wants to offer support is welcome to participate!

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This week’s topic: Are you in No Man’s Land?


Are you about a month into your quit? Are you feeling a little down, a little lost? Don’t fret – you’re entering No Man’s Land, the 100 days that start at the end of your first month.


The first month of a quit is emotional and exhausting; you’re living in the moment and focusing all of your energy on your brand new quit. Around the one-month mark, things start to change, and you spend the next 100 days or so in a place called “No Man’s Land.”


In No Man’s Land, you’ve come a long way, but still have a long way to go.
 The routine cravings are gone but the surprise cravings can really catch you off guard. Your family and friends think you should be “over it” while you still feel quite fragile sometimes. Your relationships with smoking friends/family may be feeling strained. Your inner junkie is still around, still whispering to you, and the temptation to give in can be overwhelming at times.


But here’s the good news
. In these same 100 days, for most people, your circulation has improved substantially, walking has become easier, and your overall lung function has increased noticeably. Sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath have decreased. Your body's overall energy has increased. The roller coaster is smoothing out, and you are feeling calmer and stronger overall. Good things are happening! 

 

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If you're in NML or an In-betweener right now, give a shout!  Reach out and find each other! 

 

Click here to read Dale’s helpful blog about No Man’s Land:https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/best-of-ex/blog/2011/05/24/no-mans-land-days-30-to130-appr...  

Click here to read what to expect in the first four months: /blogs/jonescarp.aka.dale.Jan_2007-blog/2011/06/26/what-to-expect-in-the-first-four-months  

 

Checking in here will help you get through NML and on your way to the first year where you can celebrate being in the 6% Club and graduate to eventually become an Elder!

 

Please let me know if you are interested in posting the NML Weekly Check In.  I am happy to continue it, share it, or pass it to the nEXt EXer in NML who is ready, willing, and able.

Tags (2)
45 Replies
Sandi4
Member

Thank you, Julie! I made it through the day without smoking. I’m now tucked in my bed and hoping sleep will come soon. 

I appreciate the support and wish you and all my fellow NNLers a restful night.

NeedToBe
Member

Hi,

I am at day 32 of my journey. As I enter NML,  I have this tendency to hear a sound track in my head from time to time. Something out of suspense movie, where the main character is moving slowly, watching their steps, trying to avoid booby traps.

Glad to be here and trying to think of this as another of life's experiences. Trying not to be too concerned or anxious but mindful just the same, a tentative balance to be sure. 

One day, one step. 

roller831‌, thanks so much for posting this weekly.

Thanks,

Jerry

minihorses
Member

Welcome to NML Jerry!  Glad to have you.

Julie

minihorses
Member

Hello fellow NML and In Between-ers!  I hope everyone had a wonderful smoke free week last week!!  I did well and can't believe it's been 92 days since my last cigarette.  I don't get much 'applause' or support from my family since I was the only smoker in the family; parents, siblings, husband, kids.  At least neither of my brats will ever smoke and they make no beans about that.  I've had some up days and some down days with the old bipolar garbage but I knew smoking wouldn't help.  Honestly, right now the thought of putting one in my mouth, lighting it and taking a drag is disgusting.  It's weird, but I can remember the smell and taste of cigarettes and it really turns my stomach to think of what it would taste like now.  I finally made a Starbucks run on Saturday.  My first in a long while.  I go through the drive through, go park on the side of the building, crank my heavy metal music and have some me time.  I used to smoke a couple cigarettes during that time.  Saturday I reached for the pack that used to be in the car center console and when my hand came up empty I did the old 'I forgot I don't smoke anymore', smiled to myself, continued sucking down the lifeblood that is cappuccino, and went back to singing and head banging.  It happened again getting in the car after grocery shopping last week.  I reached for a non-existent pack, said silly me, turned on the music and went home.  My biggest problem now is I seem to get hot or cold in an instant.  I absolutely loathe cold weather but I've literally thrown on shorts and a t-shirt and stood outside in 35 degree air a few times and then other times I'm so cold I have to wrap myself up like a burrito in 2 heavy blankets!  I lost the 'hot flashes' a while ago so I don't know what's going on with this but it's just a minor annoyance. My biggest problem right now is trying to figure out who the hell I am.  It's weird that smoking defined me so much that I feel like I don't know who I am anymore.  Ridiculous as it is, I'm still struggling with that part.  I basically need to get my sheep together and get back into some semblance of a life.  All things in time I guess.  I'm looking forward to another day free and reaching the triple digit club soon!  I hope everyone here has a great week, a FREE week!

Julie

92 Days Free

AnnetteMM
Member

Hi Julie!  Just some solidarity on the hot and cold issue. I'm well past the hot flash stage of my life but I all of a sudden get hot/cold for no reason since quitting. Chemistry, eh?

Annette

minihorses
Member

I hate that you have this too but also glad I'm not the only one!  Sounds like a chemical or lack thereof reaction to me as well.

lauralee66
Member

Hi I am on day 30 and had a hell of a struggle day .. wanted a smoke so  so bad... but minihorses i am so with you ... thanks

MichelleDiane
Member

Hi  lauralee66.  It's about 9:00pm here and day 30 is WON.  How about you?  It sounds like it was tough for you.  I know how you feel. My mind is like a tennis tournament.  It goes back and forth so many times it makes me dizzy.  Hang in there.  I am walking this road with you.  We can do this!

Hugs,

Michelle

lauralee66
Member

Thanks Michelle.. yes we can

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Roller831
Member

It is great to see so many of our January quitters making it to NML!  This can be a tricky time in your quit so please keep the site close, reach out when you need, and read the two blogs I linked to as they can be VERY helpful!  I have a great topic for next week so stay tuned!  If there is something you need or wish to discuss, let me know.  I am happy to take your ideas and use them in the weekly check in.  This is a place for all and all and feedback and input is welcome!

Roller - On my way to the 6% club with 225 DOF