Tutti, Danielle, Lynne, Windy, Imallclear, Kita and Anna: Thank you all so much for your wonderful words of congratulations. It means a great deal.
To my two favorite "Moms", Freemom and MomMom, thank you, too, for the nice words of support. Wine and chocolate? However did you know? Ha!
LouLou: So sweet of you to volunteer to use the name "Eeyore" -- you remember that post from long ago obviously. But I've decided you're actually the "anti"-Eeyore. I've read your posts and you're always so positive. I love seeing Eeyore at the bottom of your posts though, he's still my favorite Pooh character. BTW, Congratulations to you at 97 days -- we'll be welcoming you to the beach in just a matter of days! Amazing job -- good for you!
iwantapinklung: Congratulations on your 8 days in the books. You ask, "after how long will the desire to smoke fade away?" Here's what I so strongly believe: Who knows? It's different for everyone, some NEVER lose the desire to smoke, some do right away.
Keep reading on this site and you'll see that if it happens for you, it WILL be on a TUESDAY.
Here's the thing: It's your attitude (must be a positive and committed one) and your self-talk. When I was on that golf course and suddently thought about a cigarette, it would have been very, very easy to ALLOW myself to slip into talk like this: "Oh, wow, I could really use a smoke now". "How will I ever be able to get through this day of golf without smoking?" "Boy, this is so tough to quit. I'll never stop wanting to smoke." Do you get my point?
Instead, I focused on how thrilled I was that it took 6 holes of golf before it even entered my brain. Then I moved any other smoking thoughts aside and moved on to my next shot.
I made the commitment to be a nonsmoker -- it's stronger than ever after six months. It's easier now to avoid smoking thoughts for sure, but I also know my addiction well enough to know that if I allow myself the wrong self-talk, I could easily be back to 2 packs a day.
So, I wish you well -- you're on the right journey for sure. Be prepared with distractions, lots of water, read and post here often, and watch the words you say to yourself. You'll be amazed at the difference.
Keep the faith -- and that great start to the life o