We do this blog every Monday to offer encouragement to those in No Man’s Land -- months 2-3-4 of a quit and to those in-between who have not yet made it to the 6% club, give or take a couple of weeks. This community has chosen to put a big, bright spotlight on NML – we’ve chased away the shadows, taken away the mystery, and put a lot of effort into bringing people in NML together. Because we understand that quitting isn’t over in a month.
Everyone who goes through NML blazes a trail for those that follow. You are not alone on this journey, and you never will be!
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No Man's Land is land that is unoccupied or is under dispute between parties that leave it unoccupied due to fear or uncertainty.
Do you ever feel like you are sitting between two cushions of a sunken couch or between two chairs about to split apart? Do you love your new non-smoking life without the feeling of being in jail due to your smoking addiction? Are there days you feel like a lost puppy?
You are not a smoker now, but I am sure you still have feelings of how it used to be. It may not last long and you can get through it, but it still happens. You may still get cravings for a sickarette.
The first weeks and months of your quit were filled with celebrations. Everyone was proud of you; everyone noticed you weren't smoking anymore, and you got support from everyone! The attention felt good....admit it. How long has it been since you stopped smoking? You are doing great! We are so proud of you! Are you still not smoking? those were the kinds of things you heard on a daily basis, I'm sure and it felt good to say, why YES I am still not smoking! It has been xxx days!
After a few weeks, people got used to you not smoking and the attention waned. Poof! The attention was gone and everyone moved onto something else. You are left waving your hand in the air.....um....hello? I'm over here! I'm still not smoking! Helloooooooo.........
You like being a non-smoker or ex-smoker and don't want to go back. The path ahead is full of landmines (or triggers). you have to be careful. One wrong move and BOOM!. It's over and back to day one. You need to walk ahead to that new beginning of non-smoking life which is confusing. It feels good, but also scary since you haven't done this before.
This is something we all need to do. We need to get through or cross NML. We have to watch out for the landmines, but there is something beautiful on the other side. We need to be careful.
Our lives are full of obstacles. We have to get through them when we decide to follow our dreams and missions. A wise elder once told me the only way out is through. One step and then another will get you to where yo want to be.
Think about it....what is your NML? What are some of your landmines?
Roller
