Manny: Welcome back. I know what you're saying about not feeling real, at least I think I do.
For me, having quit on more than occasion over the 35 years I smoked, whenever I did quit, I never felt "real" as a nonsmoker. In fact, I felt like a big faker. I would actually say to myself, "Who are you kidding trying to act like a nonsmoker? You're a smoker, always have been, always will be".
Wow, so what a surprise that I would alway cave. Listen to how I talked to myself! After I read Allen Carr's book and after I truly understood that I was a drug addict and got ANGRY about it, only THEN could I really believe in myself as a nonsmoker.
I think it's because I finally understood that I was making a CHOICE to be a nonsmoker.
I hope that makes some sense and relates in some way to what you wrote. But I believe it's your state of mind, your attitude and the things you say to yourself that can be so huge in making it all "real" again. Even with all the changes -- it will become real because that's what you've chosen. (Very smart choice, by the way!)
Keep the faith
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/8/2006
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 120
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 4,830
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $960
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 15 [B]Hrs:[/B] 19 [B]Mins:[/B] 1 [B]Seconds:[/B] 8
