Great post, something I need to re-read regularly!!

[nsd_user663_27255]

Just thought I'd share for it definitely applies to me on numerous occasions

Lost your quit?

No you didn't - you gave it away.

Harsh - but true. It doesn't matter what "method" you are using to quit, you are on this website reading this so you have access to all the information and help you could possibly wish for. And still you chose to smoke.

Doesn't matter if you're leaning on patches or any NRT. Doesn't matter if you're using drugs like Zyban or Champix to give you a start. Doesn't even matter if your voices are helping. The only person who lost you your quit is you. You put a lit cigarette in your mouth and inhaled.

Stressed? I'm sorry to hear that. Why add guilt and further withdrawals to your list of problems though?

Upset at something? I sympathise. I hope that stick of poison made you feel better for those couple of minutes before the self hatred of it made you feel worse.

Bored? Just how bored do you have to be that the only thing you can think of to do is smoke? Seriously?

Now, I'm fully aware that this post is a bit much from someone who hardly ever comes here anymore - and some of you haven't even read this far because of that... but... there is only one way to quit, no matter what way you choose to quit. That way is "don't smoke". It's really quite simple. If you choose "don't smoke" in response to any wish to smoke then you will be quit. Simple, isn't it?

I know just how hard it is (I do remember those early days very well believe it or not). I remember the loathing of failing a quit attempt, and the hatred of being trapped as a smoker too. But being difficult doesn't change the simple fact that to quit requires you to not smoke. If you smoke you are not quit. Many will remember me when I was a regular and my hardline refusal in most cases to say "there, there, it's only a blip - don't worry about it. Carry on with your quit". No. If you smoke you are not quit. If you have quit you don't smoke. It's a tough opinion, but it's how I survived.

One simple hard and fast rule.

Quitters don't smoke.

I feel very sad for people who come on here admitting they smoked and are desperate to quit - but for 5 minutes of strength they would still be quit. But for 5 minutes of strength they wouldn't feel so utterly helpless against this addiction. Again.

Being brutally frank with myself got me through, maybe it will for you? I am a nicotine addict. Like any other addict, I can only remain free if I do not take the substance I am addicted to. If I smoke, I am not quit. One puff means back to day 1. Black and white, hard and fast. Simple line in the sand. I do not smoke.

Of course - my approach is not for all. I offer my humble apologies to anyone who found this offensive, but we are all different. To all of you quit today - congratulations!

__________________

[nsd_user663_59642]

Harsh words from whoever that was, MrsMash. I understand the bit about self-hatred though.:rolleyes:

I just read your Day 3 thread and am so pleased that you are feeling so good. Carry on being good to yourself this weekend; have as nice a time as you can.

Whilst we are fighting our battles we need to treat ourselves as kindly and gently as possible because sometimes our battles can be bruising. Having nice things to look forward to helps enormously, I find. They don't have to be big things, just as long as they are nice!

Val

xxx

[nsd_user663_60104]

It is good mrsmash and if this helps you then keep it near for those times in need... we all work differently and what works for one won't work for another, this is true, but the truth is the part about if you want to quit "don't smoke" and again easier said than done!! keep it up mate, you will get there!

[NicFirth 10 Years Smoke Free]

It was StuartH who penned that, another 5 year+ quitter now.

Molly did a thread of posts which she found helpful, well worth a read of the links on it, there are even some of mine

The message from that thread is that you are the only person who is in control and its not always going to be a walk in the part and its down to you to remain steadfast when troubles arise because smoking is never the answer.

[AngryBear]

It was StuartH who penned that, another 5 year+ quitter now.

Molly did a thread of posts which she found helpful, well worth a read of the links on it, there are even some of mine

The message from that thread is that you are the only person who is in control and its not always going to be a walk in the part and its down to you to remain steadfast when troubles arise because smoking is never the answer.

Thanks Nic I was wondering who'd written that....it's a great post, puts "blips" and "slips" into their place nicely!

[nsd_user663_53658]

It certainly does. It was Stuarts post that stopped my blip in its tracks. It was a bit like a slap in the face. I think it was one of the things that stopped me going back to smoking and for that I'm really grateful.