Hey FriendoBill-

Candrew here. I don't think I have seen you on Delphi for a while. Just wondering how you are doing. 

Things are good here. Going on month 4 without a hitch. Been keeping busy and staying out of trouble. Crave once in a while but nothing overwhelming. It has been extremely hot here in Central Florida, I think 95 today. I walk 3-4 miles with my walker each morning, then off to water aerobics for 45 minutes, water walking (if I feel like it) for 1/2 hour. Physical activity is new to me, I used to be a dedicated couch potato. I called it the "sit and smoke syndrome". No longer, activity is important to my program of staying smoke-free.  

Had a drink last week. Nothing serious, but of course it is playing with fire. I know what can happen if I become complacent. God knows, I don't want to go there. I get a little bored in the later evening after my wife goes to bed. Usually go to the pool (open until 11) and sit in the hot tube which relaxes me and minimizes any drink crave that I may have. Still not interested in having a Cigarette, really, I'm done with that routine.,.

How about you? Still sober I trust. How long? I had 5 years on 4/9/22 but as far as I am concerned, I am no longer a compulsive drinker. You know how AA'ers are about relapse. They want you to start it all over again. I disagree. 

Sitting here listening to Contemporary Jazz, drinking Perrier water and generally chilling out. Feel good about myself and the progress that I have made about smoking. It's great being free of the addiction to nicotine. 

Hope this post finds you well. I'm up on the site daily. Love to hear from you sometime.

Good day,

Andrew

Oh, I forgot to tell you that I am still using the pouches. I have become somewhat dependent on them. I seem to need them although I think I can eliminate them soon, (yea right, I need to make a date). Tomorow is another day. 

Andrew

You are welcome Andrew. I wasn't trying to press you, but I think information is lacking on the dangers of Nicotine itself. I. am very happy you stopped smoking cigarettes that is way more dangerous!

Keep updating me! 

Hey X

Just checking in. How are you today?

I am well and still smoke-free. 12 weeks and going strong. It seems like longer than 3 months. Sometimes I get my dates mixed up, slight dementia. Pushing 70 yrs. I am feeling like a teenager in a senior's body. Lately my outlook on life has changed so much, I can't believe it. I enjoy things like never before. Quitting smoking is only a part of my newfound state but it has also helped me to view life in a new and exciting way. 

Yea, I am still sucking on those damn pouches. Along with my excessive caffeine consumption I sail through the days with energy and enthusiasm.  I love to spread my positive energy to family, friends and even people I meet along the way. What a difference compared to my "old self". 

I never thought I would ever quit smoking. I was doomed to be lifelong smoker or so I thought. That coupled with overcoming my demon alcohol, I now have a new perspective of my life to come. What a difference.

My message to those who are still suffering from the addiction, keep trying. It took me decades to figure it out. I have never been so confident as I am today. A day at a time I can see 2023 and beyond. Wow!

I really appreciate all of the feedback that I get daily from everyone on this site. You are a huge reason that I have been able to stay focused. I hope to never lose sight of the importance of others in my life. We will overcome. together. 

Danci'n through the day and night. 

Andrew

I posted this tonight and decided to replicate it to some of my forum friends.

Just checking in. How are you today?

I am well and still smoke-free. 12 weeks and going strong. It seems like longer than 3 months. Sometimes I get my dates mixed up, slight dementia. Pushing 70 yrs. I am feeling like a teenager in a senior's body. Lately my outlook on life has changed so much, I can't believe it. I enjoy things like never before. Quitting smoking is only a part of my newfound state but it has also helped me to view life in a new and exciting way. 

Yea, I am still sucking on those damn pouches. Along with my excessive caffeine consumption I sail through the days with energy and enthusiasm.  I love to spread my positive energy to family, friends and even people I meet along the way. What a difference compared to my "old self". 

I never thought I would ever quit smoking. I was doomed to be lifelong smoker or so I thought. That coupled with overcoming my demon alcohol, I now have a new perspective of my life to come. What a difference.

My message to those who are still suffering from the addiction, keep trying. It took me decades to figure it out. I have never been so confident as I am today. A day at a time I can see 2023 and beyond. Wow!

I really appreciate all of the feedback that I get daily from everyone on this site. You are a huge reason that I have been able to stay focused. I hope to never lose sight of the importance of others in my life. We will overcome. together. 

Danci'n through the day and night. 

Andrew

Hi Andrew, my apologies, I'm on vacation and haven't been checking my emails regularly.

12 weeks, what a feat!!! especially for one who believed he will be doomed forever. The Pouches are definitely better than smoking. Well done my friend. I believe that eventually you will give those up too. Your your trust in your own abilities, for what you have archived and able to maintain, will lead to confidence in your ability to going completely clean.

I am well, can't believe its has been 13 months. I am in Paris right now, where I always  smoked and where cigarettes are everywhere yet I have no desire to smaoke and have no had any urges whatsoever. FREEDOM!!! 

Andrew your post makes me so happy! For you, for me, for all of us breaking free of an incredibly powerful and damaging addiction. I also love how there is no judging one another -- We're all just here to support fellow travelers on this quit journey.  At my young age of 63, I do believe I'm finally done with smoking. My first cigarette was with my friend Mary. We were 12. Good grief. Anyway, your positive energy is a blessing! Woot!

Best,

Martha

I have been hoping you would post up on Delphi sometime. We miss you. How are you doing my friend? Here is previous post I sent to you. Don't know if you got it so I am pasting it for your review.

Hey X

Just checking in. I trust everything is good with you.

I have been craving a lot these days. I know in my heart that I will not surrender to my addiction. I am very strong today and feel that I am in a protected state which will not allow me to waiver my decision. 

How about you? I'll never forget you saying that I must eliminate all forms of nicotine to really claim I am smoke free. My sister says the same thing. I guess I need to start listening to you'all. Still sucking on those damn patches, compulsively. They are a security blanket that I carry around at all times. 

Hot and humid here in Central Florida. Can't wait for fall.

Take care

Andrew

Dancin' with the Miricle of Life

Hi Andrew! I am doing well, on vacation. Your are doing so well! That you can stop yourself from smoking despite cravings is a big achievement. Perhaps you need more time to get off the patches. Maybe not stress too much now about it, if it distracts you from the process of smoking cessation. I’m almost 13 months nicotine free, and my last craving was in March of this year. It came out of nowhere after months of not having cravings at all, and it was quite strong. I now view it as the last jerk of my addicted brain.  I no longer have any cravings. It’s not that the thought doesn’t sometime cross my mind but it’s sort of a surreal thought. I can’t imagine myself actually inhaling this smelly choking junk into my lungs. I see people smoke and I actually feel sorry for them, especially young people.The are caught in a trap and some of them don’t even know it, they don’t view it as addictive. Anyways keep at it!