What Do You Know Now That You Didn't Know When You Got Here?

[JonesCarpeDiem]

Put on your thinking cap

Yes, you may scratch your head if that helps

Okay, if you can't think of anything right now, I'm planting a seed for you to consider what you've learned,so,

that you can answer tomorrow. 

[Barbscloud]

 I learned that I couldn't do it alone.   I need the support from all you Exer's.

[Thomas3.20.2010]

I learned that quitting is a choice and therefore relapse is a choice. So despite statistics I have 100% reassurance of Success! Thoughts and feelings are not actions! I decide my actions!

[elvan]

I learned to FEEL again...and I learned that it was okay, that I did not have to stuff my feelings, that by NOT stuffing them, I was growing a little bit at a time.  The psychological addiction is incredibly powerful and I am not sure I really accepted that before.

[Giulia]

I learned that offering support to others going through their journeys helps to reinforce one's own commitment and is a wonderful tool for quit maintenance. 

(Great question, Dale.)

[princessdeb]

Wow...I've only been smoke free for 2 days. Before I discovered EX  my knowledge about smoking and nicotine was limited. I've been here reading and reading and I can't seem to stop reading:)  the knowledge that I've gained brings me HOPE...which I've never had when trying to quit...always feel defeated.

Great question Dale!  Gave me something to reflect upon.

Deb 

[marciem]

Besides learning more about addiction in general, what hit home for me was that the only reason a cigarette seemed so "great" was that it was relieving the withdrawals from the previous cigarette... all the while setting me up for the next withdrawal/cigarette cycle,  I might add! 

[IrishRose]

I learned...

The addiction is real, it's powerful and it's deadly.

I am stronger than I ever thought myself to be.

I would be blessed with a group of wonderful friends on this site who would help me help myself.

Irish Rose    

[Kimshine]

I learned that I was actually an addict. For so many years, I believed that I had a nasty habit of smoking.

I have also learned that I am the master of my own destiny and the only way that I will ever smoke again is If I choose to.

[Legend]

I learned about this addiction and that I could get help here or I would have kept relapsing.

[shashort]

Yep you guessed it I am behind in reading but couldn't pass them one up as it is a great blog and discussion on what we learned. First  Think I learned the smoking was an addiction. SAY WHAT!!  I always thought it was just an ole stinking habit. I don't like the sound of addiction so I had to prove to myself I could survive the addiction.  I learned there are great people in this community who helped me learn different strategies and mantras that helped me get through such as SINAO, NOPE, I don't do that anymore, keep them away from my face.  I think the biggest thing I  learned  I am way stronger than the Nico dude and since quitting I have gained  higher self esteem and confidence in myself. Thanks Dale for all you do here.