Day 7 and I went cycling....

[nsd_user663_62366]

Feeling kinda tired after waking up @ 5ish in the morning for a ride. I just realized there were triggers even along my usual cycling route, the usual coffee places where I take a fag break, or just on top of a small hill where a rest is usually taken before tackling the next hill, lots of them.

These triggers were a bother, and were distracting me from a totally enjoyable morning outing. Although my quit is intact, it was again touch and go. Day 7! I don't believe it after smoking this weed for 25 years... :confused::mad: This really is an emotional roller coaster.

Are there any good books/resource that deals with the psychological aspect of smoking, besides Allen Carr's ?

It's late afternoon now, weather is balmy and cool, as there were brief showers around the island all morning and afternoon. I'm here on my desks, looking @ cat pics, funny jokes, and basically thankful I got through the bike run. I also realized I can generate slightly more power off my legs to power through the mini hills, perhaps its just my mind.

Hope you guys have a wonderful Sunday, which should be just starting !

[nsd_user663_62313]

Hi Edged

Many many congratulations on coming to the end of your first week! How awesome is that? Remember, it's not the absence of triggers that's the goal, but that when they occur, THIS time we make a different choice (and they do go away - some of them - my MAJOR one, getting in the car, has gone after only two weeks).

Folks will be able to suggest some good reading material but my understanding so far is that this is not a habit - it's an addiction, therefore it's to do with responses and the chemicals triggered in the brain as well as all the other stuff. See the post from AnEggIsAnEgg that I copied into the Caterday thread.

Keep going as the alternative isn't worth thinking about...

[nsd_user663_62366]

There will be many many triggers for you over the next months. As each one comes and you don't smoke the less effect they have that is how it works

Jenny, thank you for this comment !!!

I was worried whether it will be just as bad the next time I go ride, wash the car etc. Anyway, one day, hour, minute at a time. Can't plan far enough into next weekend yet, just getting through today.

[nsd_user663_62366]

Hi Max, good point !

I will be vigilant and forge on, because like what BP said, the alternative ain't worth thinking about.

[nsd_user663_62023]

I found the book 'The Nicotine Trap' helped me to understand my addiction better. The stage you're at everything is associated with smoking and it takes time to break down the links in the chain.

It truly is a chain that keeps you hooked and every time you get through a routine without smoking the chains weaken and eventually break. Next time you do this run on your bike will be easier.

[nsd_user663_60964]

Morning Edge (or afternoon/evening for you I think? Hello anyway :))

Max & co are quite right. It takes time and (a bit like mourning) you can't bypass any of the stages unfortunately. The plus side is that every time you face out a trigger point or a crave you become stronger (just like building up muscles from exercise) and the weapons in your arsenal against the Demon Nic become more formidable. Eventually you reach a tipping point where it starts to feel normal not to smoke and those difficult moments don't happen any longer (or if they do they are fleeting and very easy to deal with).

You're doing fantastically well, mate, and I'm sure the additional power in your legs isn't your imagination. The benefits to quitting start to kick in very early indeed in my experience.

Onwards and upwards!

[nsd_user663_62366]

hello Skiddaw and Sued, thank you both for the words of encouragement, it really does help. I will look for the book, 'The Nicotine Trap', I'm sure I can learn more things about this nasty habit, that's killing me.

Onwards and upwards! Yes !