Nope - didn't hear a thing.    

Hey everyone. Hey Mercy. Sorry I couldn't find the June 2023 thread, so I am writing you back under July. I have been doing okay. Busy with work and enjoying the rest of summer. I have been exercising a lot and since last summer I have lost 7 or 8 pounds. I think it great work that you have made it to one month smoke free! Wishing you continued success on your journey!

Anthony

It's tough to quantify my use over a period of time. Smoked for some 40+ years without  so much as a break Not only nicotine but some some other "things" unmentioned.

it was smooth sailing for the past year. I was really convinced that I could make it beyond that milestone but my addiction took hold and I was "back in the saddle" again. 

I firmly believe that I was destined to overcome this darn problem.  After all we only have one life to live and are on our own timeline. Everyone is different. 

I depend on folks that visit this site to help me in my journey towards abstinence My direction is clear but I tend to get lost in the fog.

I wish everyone the best in overcoming this problem, Stay in touch with me as I will with you.

Danci'n with this Miracle Called Life

Andrew

Hey Andrew... You are definitely dancing and have not given up on quitting. I think that is pretty awesome. I know the feeling of knowing your direction, but getting lost in the fog. I have had 2 cigarettes thus far, this year. I am still using the lozenges, and sometimes want to smoke again. So any time I get the urge to smoke, I use a lozenge, which is still nicotine. So I am not free of the nico-demon. Yet. I have a vision for quitting after I am done this last pack. It would give me one more week. Then I get so nervous that I just continue to cut down instead of fully committing. But don't give up. You have a bright soul! Have you done any writing lately? Maybe you could continue on the work you started earlier? You were writing something, I remember. Lastly, stay close to the forum, especially during a quit. Know that the tough moments don't last forever, and to make it to the other side, you will go through challenging times now and then- but if you stay quit- those cravings and tough times will gradually lessen. What did you like most about your year that you were quit? Maybe remember how it made you feel... Free, calmer, whole, successful, relieved, happy, joyful and once again... Free! You can do it again Andrew. Will be praying for you. God bless your quit.

Dear Andrew,

Thanks for responding, I to have smoked for some 40+ years, and that's an awful lot of conditioning, even if we smoked 20 a day that's 7000 a year times 40 years that's 280,000 cigarettes, wow its a wonder I am still alive. so we have to (in my mind) reprogram our minds that is give the information that we need to equip our brains and so verbalise our utter horror towards these stinking arsenals of poison. Feelings are not facts. and we have personal value each one of us, we are a connecting link to each other. and so we unite in combatting the foe. I will defeat this addiction I will. Good luck Andrew.

We believe you can do it

Anthony

I've had a hiccup in my quit, Bought a packet last night, They're all gone now, meaning I smoked most of them. Anyway back to quitting. Pity I didn't listen to my own advice.

It's gonna be alright Anthony. You are big enough to confess this here to us, and you are not pretending. I commend you for that. And you said "back ti quitting" which means you are not throwing in the towel. Take this as extra precaution to be extra vigilant. I asked my coworker for a smoke tonight. She gave it to me and then at the last minute, I gave it back to her. I did not turn to a lozenge instead. I just put my head down and prayed Hail Mary three times. I know you are very spiritual. Does prayer hellp you with staying on track? I have had 10 lozenges today. I am not done with them yet. Have to do a few things atm, but wanted to quickly hop on here to tell you that I will pray for you tonight, for all of us actually. God be with you.

Thanks for your prayers Jerthie, I have just been to exercise class, thank you so much

Sorry I missed your question, Does prayer help you stay on track? I'd like to say yes it does, but I rarely pray, I just don't think of it at the time when I need it most. I read the Bible and sometimes my conscience informs me of what to do, if that's the Holy Spirit talking, I don't know.

It's great that you read scripture Anthony. I do recommend daily prayer. It doesn't have to be formal or even done at a church. Prayer is just quiet time with the Lord, our God. Pouring out our émotions, and then having the faith and courage to know that God will intervene and help us out. I hope you enjoyed your exercise class today. Take good care Anthony.