I just wanna thank everyone who wrote responses to my post, and thank everyone who just read them as well! It is great to be able to make these kind of public declarations, and know that you're being heard and understood.
It feels like years since my first post. I'm now on day 17, and I would like to say it's been easy, but it hasn't, well, not today anyway.
I'm not complaining mind you - if anyone had told me 17 days ago, that I'd be where I am now, I'm not sure I would have believed them!
But I've had to spend a couple of hours on the site today, just to kind of keep myself in check, not really sure why, just general edginess I guess. Inbetween, I've taken the dog for an hour long walk, and been for a long swim at the local pool. A lot of extra energy to expend I guess!
I've adopted the N.O.P.E strategy into my coping skills too. Although I wrote in my first post of just putting one foot in front of the other, of just dealing with say five minutes at a time, I found that the N.O.P.E. strategy really helps when I'm out with other smokers. I just remember Not One Puff, Ever! Even if I've had a couple of drinks, I am able to summon the expression to help me keep my distance, and to think through consequences! It really works!
My intention is to win with this quit. I am doing this for myself, and for no-one else.
You listening to me, three weeks? Cause you're not far off, and I've got you in my sights!
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/28/2006
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 16
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 320
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $112
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 15 [B]Mins:[/B] 12 [B]Seconds:[/B] 38