liked this...Quitting is really a process and what we are doing now is working through it. Here I am at three and a half years free, and I must tell you, there is no "junkie thinking" in my head, at any time. But, just like the a new quitter, I remain one puff away from relapse. In time, not smoking will be a way of life without the pains of our addiction scratching at the door, hence, that little voice. I often try to remember the times where smoking was just perfect for the situation (a wedding, funeral - etc), just to show myself the illogical mindset I once had. I am so proud and grateful to recognize the truth behind the lies - the stupidity of it all and how my life was once controlled by such a dangerous regiment, both physically and mentally.
For everyone recovering, thoughts of smoking will simply become a form of relief and nothing scary or bothersome. It is sort of like remembering something we did in our youth that wasn't too smart, we shook our heads and wondered what in the world we were thinking. When it comes to making vital decisions in life, it is amazing what a bit of growth and
understanding will do for any situation.
That little voice tried distorting my mindset - I often wondered if being clean from nicotine was always going to be some sort of inner struggle. I was positive that I was different than the rest. Life is different for each of us, but as nicotine addicts the promise of complete comfort is the same. We have taken the time to educate ourselves on addiction, this is where we find the true freedom. Free, meaning that we TRULY UNDERSTAND that we can NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF...no matter what. Living out those situations and triggers associated to smoking and proving to ourselves, that life does go on without nicotine. No more going through the cycles of relapse or constant desires of wanting to quit and never knowing quite how. You are going to feel better, it will not be continuos work. Addiction has no cure, and of course, the remedy being... never taking that one puff. Be assured, you will not have to work on this forever.
The process is like learning to walk - it takes some patience and a bit of work to find our way...we do some observing and whatever it takes to get started...this along with the natural instinct to stand up and take those first steps...once we do....it may feel a bit unsteady...we hold on a bit and look to others for support...we do our best to keep going but we take little steps to keep the momentum going and give ourselves the chance to build up endurance and balance...we must be patient and take our time....before we know it....we are walking freely and all on our own....as time goes by it is natural that we take walking for granted....no more worries or work...we walk steady and enjoy our new freedom. BUT...no matter how long we have been walking freely....we must keep our eyes open and watch where we are going....if we happen to find an icy spot..we must call on our strategies that keep us from falling. There is no such thing as ONE PUFF for addicts, we would always end up taking ALL of them. A fall can cost us our lives.
It has always been helpful for me to read the concerns from new members, this not only serves as a reminder of what it once felt like to be an EXSMOKER IN TEMPORARY RECOVERY but gives me the pleasure to share the truth and hope of what it REALLY feels like to be an EXSMOKER IN TOTAL COMFORT. It gets better and better and I truly mean it. Pat yourself on the back for doing such a great job at working through this wonderful process, your life is certainly worth it!
Congratulations and a big warm welcome to all of our newbies. We hope you are finding the information and support helpful. Don't minimize for a second the great work you are doing, some folks could only dream of beginning this journey. So many smokers want to quit but can't quite find their way, very sad indeed. Just hold on tight because for each of us, the days of complete comfort do come. Thanks for being here with us, we look forward to making this wonderful journey with each of you. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to get in touch with us. We must hold on tight..our lives are worth any temporary challenges, we deserve to be free from a killer addiction...the way we were meant to be!
Onward with baby steps....one day at a time....not one puff...no matter what.