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Give and get support around quitting

Barb102
Member

Vacation - Advice Needed

I know we need to go through many things for the first time smoke free. This is my first vacation coming up. I know I can do this. Not sure how hard it will be. I’m sure it’s more the memory / habit craves that will attack me. I know so many of you have had the first vacation , while you were working on DOF and NML. I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions. Maybe , I just need to hear you tell me that it’s normal to feel a little apprehensive. I don’t like to fly , so it will be new to not smoke . But I do know that smoking didn’t stop me from being scared, at take off and landing. So how about it?  Let’s hear your stories of first vacations. I’m sure others are going to find this helpful. Those of you who have gotten to know me, know that I try to be positive. I’m looking forward to vacation , just a bit apprehensive about it

As always, I don’t know how I would be this far into my quit , w/o all of you wisdom, love, prayers and support. So it’s a great time for me to say thank you , from the bottom of my heart. May all your days be happy, healthy, smokefree days.

Barb

18 Replies
TW517
Member

Wish I could help, but I never smoked on vacation since I married a non-smoker 33 years ago.  So like an idiot, every vacation I would go without smoking for 5-10 days, then immediately light up in my garage when I got home.  So when I went on my 1st vacation last August after quitting in May, I had no problems.  What surprised me was the day after I got back, I had major cravings all day because I was used to trying to "catch up" on all the smoking I missed while I was gone.  One of those weird association things.

MichelleDiane
Member

Hey Barb.  On the way home from my daughter's graduation we stayed at a casino we have been to on a couple of occasions.  I was really petrified.  Not only did I not smoke anymore, but I would have to walk through or be around others who are smokers.  It was challenging, but I did it.  Try not to project.  Think about the wonderful things you are going to do on vacation as opposed to what you would do as a smoker like trying to arrange the trip knowing when and where you can smoke.  All that doesn't matter now.  You can just pick up and go on vacation and nothing will get in the way of you enjoying yourself.  Yay

Barb102
Member

Wow you are so right. I knew if I asked I would get the help I needed! Yes I need to focus on all the positive things about not smoking on vacation. Let’s see....well not going crazy waiiting for my bags so I can get out and smoke!!  Not spraying the rental car so we won’t get a $250 smoking fee. Not getting dirty looks on the beach , even though I don’t smoke near children and carry a baggy to put the butts in and not pollute the beautiful sand. ohhhh we should keep this going. Oh I can buy my granddaughter more surprises with the money I saved not smoking. Wow I’m really starting to like this!!!!

We can do 25 Things to be happy about not smoking in vacation. (Besides heath reasons, our pledge and NOPE)

Barb

JACKIE1-25-15
Member

It is okay to be a little apprehensive but believe in your heart that you will be okay.  You will see that life without smoking is far better.  You will be much happier no need to worry.  You got this.  You may not even think about smoking if you are having fun.  Make sure you have your toolkit and if you forget it remember DEEP BREATHING is always with you. BUTUntil you spread your wings, youll have no idea how far you can fly

I BELIEVE YOU WILL BE FINE.

ENJOY YOUR 1ST SMOKEFREE VACATION.

BE HAPPY ABOUT IT.  CELEBRATE YOUR NEW  FREEDOM. 

Barb102
Member

Thanks Jackie!!!  I’m going to fly!,

0 Kudos
JACKIE1-25-15
Member

If at any time you are vulnerable take a step back.  Breathe and THINK about what is happening and what you have to do to protect your quit.  Monitor your alcohol. 

Jennifer-Quit
Member

I just returned from the Ex6 Cruise -and traveling is so much less stressful as an ex-smoker.  No searching for a place to smoke between flights at the airport, no worries of missing a plane due to smoking, no worries of missing even one moment of your vacation because of smoking!  Take some good reading material for the plane ride - also healthy snacks and cold water.  You will be fine - hope you enjoy your trip!

Barbara145
Member

It is early in your quit.  You are doing great. Praying for you that you will focus on the blessing of  being able to go on a vacation.

Sootie
Member

I found flying to be so much EASIER once I quit. GOD! I had to have all my little routines set up that it became exhausting........it would have been funny if it was not so pathetic.

>I never flew direct....always a stop so I could either find the ever diminishing smoking lounge. I would "research airports to see if there were lounges. Once, I actually switched flights so that I could stop over in Cincinnati where there was a smoking lounge

> OR (no lounge??).....run outside to smoke and then have to come back in. Once at OHARE, I went out a wrong door and almost could not get back in. A person smoking next to me set a trash can on fire by throwing a lit cigarette in.

>After the ban on taking matches and lighters on board, it became a hassle to get a light IF I could find a place to smoke. LOVED Cincinnati because they had matches IN the lounge.

>Once---not knowing I couldn't have a lighter, I packed 10 lighters only to have them immediately confiscated at the check point. I will never forget the look on the woman's face.....must have thought I was crazy.

So----if  you feel a crave-----keep your sense of humor and remember what a supreme PAIN IN THE BUTT smoking was. And, it solves nothing. Enjoy your vacation.