When I quit I gave up alcohol. If memory serves I went 2 weeks, maybe 3 without it. In my psyche I had figured that if I drank I would HAVE to smoke, right? Because the egg got laid before the chicken? Ha ha or some such nonsense. I never ever pictured myself as being able to drink w/o a cancer stick. And when I did pop open a beer... wow! I didn't reach for any smokes. I didn't cry like a baby that I needed one with the other. N.O.P.E.
That's one of the signs I knew that I had turned a corner. I was home, there was no one to bum a smoke off of and I was in a "good" place. No stress triggers.
Now, over a year later... out at a bar or tavern I whiff that nasty-ness and say a silent prayer.
Thank you, God, for giving me the clarity to want to save my life.
There is sooooooo much mental masturbation about quitting that now that I'm on the back side of the hill and cruising to a healthier me, I realize it was all in my head. I could have used drinking as an excuse to relapse. I could have used a stressful time at work or in my personal life as a reason to go back.
Once and for all, I made a decision. No excuses.
N.O.P.E.
You will know in your heart when you can drink again if you want. The Elders are right - PROTECT YOUR QUIT.
Hugs,
Belle
