Good morning Andrew,

Yes, it is lovely here! The sound of the birds in the morning is amazing. Today I’m going to take the car and drive around to the North side of the island. I’m always just a tad nervous to drive in new places, not to mention in someone else’s car. I kind of figure I can only go so far in either direction and I’ll hit water, so eventually I should find my way back, lol! 
 

That’s too bad you don’t travel anymore, but nice that you’ve seen so many of the states. It is inarguably an in beautiful country we have. So much variety in terrain, climates, creatures, weather. All of it. Just a stunning place the US is. Hawaii is certainly very different from any other state I’ve been to. This trip was a bit on a whim. My friend’s husband lives between here and PDX and is in PDX until mid-September. When he found out I’ve never been here he said “condo and car are yours, go!” So I bought a ticket and here I am. Longest flight I’ve taken to go to another state and I left from PDX! Flying is one of those things that still triggers an urge to smoke for me. I remember the first time I flew (which wasn’t until I was 19!) and one could smoke on the plane still. Ugh! I was a smoker then but was so airsick I did not even have the urge to smoke. It didn’t help that I was surrounded by smoke, and I have a feeling that was a big contributor to the nausea I was experiencing. Thank goodness there is no more smoking on aircraft! 
 

I use my iPhone to track walks, runs, etc too. It’s a pretty handy little gadget. I sure didn’t imagine having such a convenience when I was a kid. Now, it is just a matter of every day life. It’s funny to know that my daughter has no idea what life was like before being able to be so “connected “. She cracks me up when she asks me about “the olden days”, . I do love to be disconnected though, and make a point to take even a short walk every day without my phone. I think it helps me stay more connected with myself. 
 

I will send some pictures later today! Am off now to explore this little slice of paradise. Have a wonderful day Andrew and don’t lament too much about the cigarettes. You e come too far to start all over again and besides that, you’re not missing a damn thing!

another good site

whyquit.com

Andrew

Another morning smoke-free.

Freedom - it feels so good to know that I don't have to smoke today

Today I am free of the need to light up another cigarette. 

I can't believe that I can really say I am a non-smoker.

It's been a long time coming and I now know that I am going to make it.

I wish all reading this post can join me in making this commitment for today.

Andrew

13 weeks 5-20-22

Way to go Andrew,  well done.  A battle well won.  Perseverance pays off and always will in this instance.  No matter what never take another puff.  Your smoke free lifestyle depends on it.

Congratulations - I know that you have worked hard to get to this point.  Never forget all the work you put into getting here.       

Thank you Anne

5 hours, 4 minutes and 17 seconds. 8 cigarettes not smoked, saving $12.46. Life saved: 40 minutes.

By hook or by crook I will get there

AT

Hi Andrew.  Hope you doing well. I am still battling but keep trying. You send me that link to get the audio version of the Allen Car book where it took me to the page but somehow I cant find it. So sorry can you send again.

Good Morning,

I hope that you are having another smoke free day and are feeling better each and every hour you are smoke free.  Keeping track of time and money saved was a huge motivator for me as well.  I also thrived when I heard from others that had been successful each day as they put one more "in the books" as a smoke free day.  

I am not sure of where you  live but I am currently living with family in Maryland.  It has been a very hot and sticky summer.  I have four wonderful grandchildren under the age of seven and I must say that sometimes I really do feel some stress.  In the past, I would head outside for a smoke break and I would feel like "that break calmed me down" however now I realize that the only thing I calmed down was my "nicotine withdrawal".  In about an hour's time, I would be feeling that "same need for a fix"!  Now,when I feel stressed,  I take some deep breaths, take a quick walk, get a drink of water, divert my attention to another task etc. etc. etc.  I no longer use the nicotine or smoking habit to deal with my stress.  I think this forum is invaluable and definitely was the reason I was finally to kick the habit and begin to live a happier and healthier life.  You've got this.  Keep on going one minute, one hour and one day at a time.  

You've got this!  

Marilyn 

Thanks Marilyn for your concern, I am in Nowra NSW Australia, I am making progress today I am going to use no NRT products and just ride it out, the cravings that is. It's wonderful that you have your grandchildren close by, I barely see mine, it seems they just don't care. any way  we battle on. there are brighter smoke free days ahead

Bye

AT

Way to go, Andrew.  So glad to hear your positive statements.  It’s been an up and down things with you and for most of us in our Quit.  Yet each day we grown stronger.  You are truly an example of one who has never lost hope.  I take your success to date extremely powerful.  Your words are a source of inspiration to me.  Thank you.  Anthony