My update

[jml02080419]

Going into day 12 and it is going great. That said I will not allow over confidence because then guards get let down and I want no excuse for a "slip".

The journey this far:

The cravings were terrible at first but with grit got past them. I think last night was a little patch of a mess for about 2 hrs, but all during the day there was a "oh lets take a break and have a smoke" and then I simply told myself- you don't smoke your an ex smoker and went on about my day.

 I want to be clear- I am readily around those that smoke and if I wanted to, I could make the excuse that I could have just one or a slip- but those are excuses and there are no excuses to continue to be a smoker and destroy health over time.

I am in it to win it and I choose to be an ex smoker.

Coming here and writing every few days is a blessing to me and I appreciate all of you who understand this is how I am choosing my Ex smoking journey.

Thank you for the support- it helps so much.

JML

Jenny

[daverson828]

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." 

I think it's a pretty small price, really. Life is so much better without being a slave to nicotine! 

Congratulations on 12 days!!!

[jml02080419]

It is! @daverson828  and thank you!

[McMoney · Accepted solution]

No Excuses!! No smoking no matter what  = Freedom from this nicotine addiction. 
Congrats on 12 days so far, double digits and almost through Heck week! 
Good job, Jenny!

[jml02080419]

Thank you! Excuses keep you a smoker- I am an EX smoker for life. I see you quit in 2023- congra

[McMoney]

Yes, thank you! I just hit 2 years a couple of days ago and like you, I'M NEVER GOING BACK.   

I hang around to encourage new quitters because I needed a place to vent and people who understood what a rollercoaster we're on the first days, weeks, months... 
Talking about excuses: quitting really forced me to shift my perspective. We have to be able to see every reason that we smoked was actually an excuse and an escape from something.  And when it wasn't that it was mindlessly chasing the repetition of dopamine. Once we decide to stop escaping then we have to learn how to deal with the uncomfortable moments and the celebrations alike and give the brain time to reset the balance of dopamine receptors.  I'm rambling, I'll stop and just say,  I'm very glad you're here! 

[jml02080419]

You are not rambling! May someone else see what you said and feel it- it might be their ticket to becoming and staying and EX. I 100% agree. Learning the triggers, the why's, what's and hows are just as important as remaining an EX. I appreciate you being here. Thank you.

Jenny

[Barbscloud]

@jml02080419 Congrats on 11 days of success.  Same here. Have stay around for over 7 years to  support quitters like you.  That support has been the key for many quitters like myself.

Keep doing what you're doing.  It's working!

Barb

[CommunityAdmin]

Hi @jml02080419! Day 12 is huge! Congratulations! The way you’re handling cravings and reminding yourself that you are an ex-smoker is exactly how long-term change sticks.

Keep up the great work! You got this!

Quiana, EX Team