I changed my picture to a less formal format, I think that means I am mellowing out about this whole affair. I am trying to take it (smoking) less seriously - to go easy on myself for relapsing. I so much want to be sucessful this time. 

Getting tired of the on off syndrome. The myth that I get pleasure from lighting up because it does absolutly nothing for me (Allen Carr) is true, so why I do not accept this myth is beyond me.

If you have access to Carr's book read the chapter on myths. It's very helpful. We are fooling ourselves to think that there are any positive things about smoking and accepting the many misconceptions is important to staying smoke-free. 

Almost 2 weeks into my quit I am fearful that I will start back up on an impulse which defies any meaning  of these myths. I continue to fool myself that I don't care, which is untrue. I would not be on this forum if that was the case.   

Smoking is a contridiction for us. I don't want to quit vs I do want to quit. That mindset puts smoking in the drivers seat when I get a strong urge. I have to fight it with all my might knowing that these feelings will pass in time.

On and on it goes. Feeling strong today and hoping the best for tommorow. 

Good day,

Andrew 

Have you noticed periods of time where you have forgotten about smoking?

Oh, yes Anne. I can go hours not thinking about smoking. It's only when a trigger sends my mind into a "got to have a cig now" feeling which puts me front and center to my addiction. 

 How nice it would be to have just one for the moment. But, I'm afraid forgetting will never happen, it's too ingrained in my head for the rest of my life.

So no, I don't  ever forget.

Good day,

Andrew

I won't lie.   The thought of smoking a cigarette has crossed my mind from time to time.  At least now thought it is only a thought and not a mind numbing body craving.  Now is more like a conversation in with myself.

Do I really want to go back down that road.  It's not going to do for me what I think its going to do for me.  I will choke and gag and then, have to fight of lighting upon a second smoke - right back to where I was 2 and half years ago.  Nope - I am way to lazy to go through that again.

Chocolate covered raisins - a long hot bath or shower - a few games of backgammon - browsing through this site and corresponding with the fine folks on this site who are working on the non-smoking lifestyle.  I still read allot of the posts. 

I go on this site every day throughout the week (office worker).  I never want to loose sight of were I am in my addiction.  It helps me remain grounded and to not take my quite for granted.

Keep up the good fight Andrew,  it does get easier and easier.  It is a life long abstinence.  

Cheers!!!      

Andrew, the interval between thoughts about smoking and their intensity does decrease over time. It's not a linear decline, and it's different for everyone, but it is a decline. 

Stay strong,

Paul

To Paul and anyone else interested

I ran across this affirmation today. Don't remember who posted it but it applies to me in a big way.

The secret of success... you have to want

to quit more than you want to smoke. 

Once you stop thinking that you are

depriving yourself of a cigarette and

realize that not smoking is the reward,

you will persist. 

I have this tacked on my wall at eye level so I see it when sitting at my desk.

I hope all is well today with everyone.

Good day

Andrew

 day,

Andrew

That is very true and the essence of quitting. Without this you most likely not succeed, and if you do manage to quit anyway lets say because of immediate health threat, you will be miserable thinking you have lost something and yearning for it every day.

Yup,

I think the key word is deprivation. No matter what your circumstances are, if you feel that you are being deprived of smoking you will never get over the obsession, even if you have quit for a period of time.

One week and going strong.

Good day,

Andrew

Well done! You can do it.