Thanks Jerthie

First of all - Happy (Belated) Birthday.  I turned 59 recently so we are in the same decade (I'm decidedly older though ;-) ).  You've gone 10 years without a cig?  That's outstanding!!!!  If I'm reading your post correctly, you've been using lozenges during that time?  Your lungs must be thanking you for the relief!

I noted you mentioned the busy Christmas Season - which reminded me of some sage advice I got from the Forum.  Specifically, we all must conquer our triggers that we associated with smoking and a year is about the right timeframe to face each and every one.  I experienced that first hand as I experienced different triggers I had either forgotten about or hadn't expected.  I remember quitting on Easter and by the time Summer rolled around, I was fishing on a boat, drinking beer and naturally reached down for my pack of cigs....but they were not, of course, there!  The Summer Fishing trigger, lol.  Then, in the Autumn, our family normally had a huge clam bake - over 100 friends and family....I was in charge of the clams.  Again, drinking a beer and reached down for my pack of cigs.....and again, they weren't there.  The Autumn Trigger lol.  So yes, I would not be surprised if we all find the Christmas trigger!  Getting through the 4 Seasons, for me at least, was very helpful as I entered year 2 of my quit.

Got on the scale this morning - down to 289 already!  Happy Happy Happy!  I used to play some football in my younger days and spent many many years in the gym.  When I hit 50, I continued to eat but stopped exercising as my life was very hectic and my priorities changed (for the worse)...I went from 225 to 315 in a "New York Second" lol!  I think having the ability for self-examination periodically is something that should be cultivated and honed.  Upon some sober self examination, I found some areas of my life that were lacking and decided to do something about it.  Again, having the track record of quitting smoking  - arguably my toughest challenge I've ever faced, gave me the confidence and tools to face my next battle.  I think that is a good, solid take-away from this difficult journey.  Does it "suck"?  Indeed....but success in this effort of smoking cessation can positively effect so many other facets of our lives (if properly harnessed) that we come out better for our sacrifices.  I firmly believe that.

I'm thankful for my journey - and encourage everyone in this Forum as they go through their challenges.

I salute your success, Jerthie!  10 years is amazing and you've got an obviously winning attitude.  Well done!!!!

Loved reading your post.  Thank you for sharing.

The beautiful promise of quitting is, when you get to a certain point, sometimes 3 months sometimes a bit shorter or a bit longer, nevertheless inevitably, you will arrive to place in your life when you never think about smoking.  It becomes something that you used to do, and that is all. 

So to everyone who is fighting the crave waves, know that your efforts will be rewarded.  The crave waves do disappear and you will be born into a new lifestyle.  A non-smoking lifestyle with no crave waves at all. 

Just don't smoke.  It is so worth it. (2 years 11 months)       

Happy Birthday Jerthie!  Good for you quitting smoking at 41!  I was 59.5 years old when I got the quit to stick!

I am a game player, which I still play in this forum everyday.  Every month, I would try different “things” to assist with the quit. One month of sticky notes in normal smoking places, like car, porch, phone, with questions on them, changing the questions weekly, a month of meditation and relaxation music I hadn’t listened to normally.  The next month ice water thru a straw.  The next month, finding my favorite sayings, such as Turtles first one, which I still have hanging in the cabinet where I kept my cigs, etc.. For me, it kept my quit ‘fresh’ and occupied me with coming up with different activities to help.  
 

You are already a success! You are just cleaning up the edges

Thank you everyone for believing in me!!!

Perfectly said Anne!  

"..... It becomes something that you used to do, and that is all. ..."

Love it!  

You're approaching 3 years!!!!  Well done!!!

Susan

Love Love Love the games you devised to get you through your quit.  What a super idea!!!!!

Well done and congrats on your quit

Whynot... Thank you. I wish you every success in accomplishing your weight loss goals. You seem focused and determined. Good luck and again, thank you for your encouragement!!

Thank you Susan! Your words are appreciated more than you know!!

Excellent post and EVERY word is SO TRUE!!!  Thank you for keeping your promise and coming back to inspire others!  Best of luck on your new dragon to slay!  I recently (9/28) started a weight loss and exercise journey myself.  I was doing pretty well and had some recent set backs due to family issues.  I will get right back on the train very soon.

I don't think there is anything bigger than the dragon that you have already slayed.  Thank you again and be sure to check back in on your progress!  We're here to support you with that too!

Happy birthday Jerthie!  My birthday was last Saturday.  Lots of birthdays this time of year for sure!  Must have been Valentine's day or something. lol