Hey Jerthie:                                                                                       Mon,Aug1,2022

Oh, actually I envy you. How many times I have dreamt of taking a big drag on my high tar and nicotine Marlboros. I used to think that was pleasurable (and it really was) but in my current attempt to change to the belief that smoking does absolutely nothing for you (me). Per Allen Car "The Easy Way to Quit Smoking". He says this and several other myths that we believe are undeniably a part the psychology of the, what he calls, the smoking trap. We have all been brainwashed into thinking smoking is cool, helps us in weight control, reduces stress and aids in concentration and many more un-truths. 

I can't lie, I loved to smoke. I don't care what Carr says. It takes more than awareness to tackle this program. It took my almost dying from a medication overdose and drinking, not to mention the cigarette smoking. They called it a stroke but In any case, it required that I change my lifestyle, big time. At the time I was unwilling to quit the smoking. It took 3 more years later for me to wake up. I found Delphi and the rest is history.

You must admit that this an incredible site. People who are going through the same stuff and truly care about you and your smoking. All good folks that support one and another in an encouraging and constructive manner. We are all very lucky to have found each other. 

Dancin' to Earth, Wind and Fire....

Andrew

Andrew... You are a very strong person to have overcome all you have! I did not smoke today but continue to use lozenges. You keep on dancing Andrew! Thank you for the encouragement!

Hi Andrew,

Sorry it took me a while today to reply...been a long day for a Monday.  I'm so sorry about your counters...that is terrible.  I wasn't really happy with how mine turned out but not to the point that I was willing to endure the pain of starting over.  They will be fine.  Not like I have a million dollar home or anything.

There's no shame in crying about your lost doggie..sometimes it's just a relief to let it out.  Lord knows I've done it so many times over the years for my doggies that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  Breaks my heart but I know I gave them a good life and they know how much I loved them.  Just think of that.

Hopefully things are all patched up with your wife.  You are still new to your quit and sometimes we blow things out of proportion because of what we're going through getting past through all of this.  I am absolutely sure I was not fun to live with during that time (and probably still not...lol).  I am very stubborn and controlling and set in my ways and my husband knows exactly how I am.  

Keep up your good thoughts to get you through this and take each day, hour, minute at a time.  You have so many of us here for you, cheering you on.  Have a great night and probably talk to you tomorrow!

Hey Cindi                                                                                           Tues Aug 2, 2022

No need to be sorry, everyone is on their own timetable. Just like the smoking thing. We all know what needs to be done and hopefully will take care of business when we are ready. I feel for those who have a sincere desire to quit but for some reason can't keep from having that first one again.

It's disheartening and frustrating time after time. There is no magical way to deal with nicotine addiction. One is no stronger than the other when it comes to fighting this thing. Everyone is different and will approach quitting in their own way no matter how long or how many times it takes. 

As much as we thought we enjoyed it, smoking sucks. We can make all the excuses in the world to remain smokers but, in the end, everyone knows it is bad news. Our children have been educated to hate smoking, Good for them.

Cindi you had said that you really didn't know much about me. I think we have had a chance to share much about ourselves. I have something personal in nature that I will PM to you and Jerthie tonight, I figured how to get your PM sent to me last week. 

Talk to you soon.

Slow dancing tonight

Andrew

Hi Andrew,

Hope you're having a good day.  Got your PM and replied.  Nothing really lets you know that you've gotten a PM so the few times I've gone in to that area, I have like 58 PMs I've never read.  Maybe there's some notification that can be set up...I haven't figured that out yet.

Talk to you soon.  Keep dancing

My gosh, it's Eve-

I ran across a private message that you sent a long time ago. I remember you when I first started on this site. We had some good conversations then, but I haven't seen you since. I hope you are well and still smoke-free. 

I am doing fantastic I don't have a lot of time under my belt, but I am feeling empowered in so many other areas of my life.  Really, I have changed so much since we last communicated. Life is good. 

Let me know how you are doing. Love to hear from you.

Good day,

Andrew

Good morning Andrew,

How is everything coming along? 
I miss Eve too! She was part of my “tribe”. Her, Peggy, SusanK1960, XVaper, and for a while Tiny Badger. I’m in touch outside of here with Eve and Peggy and X. Tiny fell off after I wrote a particular post that I think came off a bit harsh. It made me tremendously sad and I wrote a few times to make amends but she never came back. It is always a challenge on here trying to figure out what approach is most supportive for folks. Some seem to like just validation, some like encouragement, some just want to commiserate, some like a more philosophical approach, some do well with a “buck up” kind of tough love approach. I had mistaken the tough love approach as effective for her. I felt just terrible that it seemed to backfire. However, I also believe communication is a two way street. One can always say, “that felt a little harsh, was that the intention?” and give someone benefit of doubt too. So in my mind, I kind of see it that what I wrote gave the addict the right fuel and excuse to drop off and just smoke. That’s ok. Now I see what I just wrote may sound harsh to some too. Not intended. Please don’t make me part of “cancel culture “ hahahaha! 
I’ll send St Eve a message and let her know she is missed. 
Hope you are hanging in there!

Just dance!!

Hey Lori-

I am good. Other than Xfinity down, no internet, TV or phone.Thankfully I have my IPhone on 5G. Sitting here dancin’ to Earth ,Wind & Fire and looking for something to do. May go to the pool and do the hot tub thing.

I remember Eve very well. We had some great conversations. Nice lady! Same with you.

Hope your evening is good. 
 

 Good day (night)

Andrew

Good evening Andrew,

Its hard nowadays to be “disconnected “ from the internet. We don’t realise until it happens. Glad you are able to still get on and write. Boredom is never productive, and often very destructive for an addict. But look! You get to hang out and write and maybe go to the hot tub and not smoke! It’s pretty cool to be free of that and just go do your thing. Not worry about where are your cigs, do you have enough, where is the lighter, etc.

Enjoy it!!!!

Lori-

I can always go get one of my wife's cigs. They are the real thin Capri 100's. Yuk, I would have to be pretty hard up to smoke those. 

No matter, it's the furthest thing from my mind. I am firmly grounded in my new program. God knows that I have been waiting a long time for his blessings. Actually, he has always been there, I was just "asleep at the wheel" my whole life. 

I can't tell you how pleased I am to be alive, healthy and loved. I am truly blessed and wish to spread my newfound gifts to the world (Dance to this Gift Called Life).

To all my Delphi friends. I am grateful to have found you. We are going to make it, some sooner than others. But keep the faith and you will succeed. 

Andrew