The Good News Channel

[Griffin NoName]

Yes, yes, and saving a fortune, can't believe how much I was spending on the filthy habit.

[Bluenose]

You know, I think part of it is to not beat youself up about having smoked before.  When I stopped, I just said "I don't smoke".  I didn't do anything special, when I felt like a smoke - for example when having a few with my mates down at the pub - I just reminded myself "I don't smoke".  I didn't make a big deal about it.  This seemed to help me not feel like I was missing out, after all it was no big deal...  I think we set ourselves up for failure if we keep on thinking about what we're not doing all the time.  I know its a bit like trying to not think about a purple hippopotamus with yellow polka dots, but the secret is to find other things to do, other interests and if you find yourself approaching a danger zone, just turn off the auto pilot and gently say to yourself, it's OK, I just don't smoke.  After a while dealing with those situations becomes easier and easier.

I know that for a while I had some pretty powerful cravings, but I would think you're probably getting past those now Griff.  I hope so anyway.  However, whatever you are feeling, please feel good about yourself for making the decision and then acting on it.  It is a good thing you have done and we all admire you for it.  Well done you.

[Sibling DavidH]

Yippee for Griffin!

[Griffin NoName]

Thanks Blue, David.....

I agree with what you say Blue. I find the "I don't smoke" powerful.

Am not yet free of cravings. Event driven. Had a massive one today due to a bad stressful event. As I have no cigs and too tired to go out and get any, there is little risk of caving in, so cravings don't last long as brain automatically tells me the craving is pointless. LoL.

[Bob in a quantum-state-of-faith]

Thanks Blue, David.....

I agree with what you say Blue. I find the "I don't smoke" powerful.

Am not yet free of cravings. Event driven. Had a massive one today due to a bad stressful event. As I have no cigs and too tired to go out and get any, there is little risk of caving in, so cravings don't last long as brain automatically tells me the craving is pointless. LoL.

Woot on your continued success.

I highly recommend some dark chocolate-- place in the freezer for safekeeping, and so you have to let it thaw a bit (it only takes 15 minutes or so-- well worth it).  I regularly use this method after the Valentines and Halloween candy sales and I stock up.

[pieces o nine]

We're betting on you, Grif...   

[Griffin NoName]

LoL@P09

Chocolate mmmmm have ordered Kit Kats

Just into Day 25, but prefer to think of it as nearly a  month

[Opsa]

Looks like 28 days today, definitely a February's worth most years. 

[pieces o nine]

She looks pretty happy after 28 days...

[Sibling DavidH]

28 days is 4 weeks!  That's a whole month, nearly.  Wow!

[Griffin NoName]

... and now it's a calendar month !

Still got cravings, dammit, but less often.

Still got mouth ulcers.

[Swatopluk]

Still got mouth ulcers.

I recommend chamomile for that. Either as tea or as a concentrated solution (available at any chemist or supermarket). For painful cases a chamomile gel/ointment(?)/salve with lidocaine (also available at the chemist) works very well for me. But check first that you are not allergic to the stuff.

[anthrobabe]

WOOT Griffin! Way to go!

[Griffin NoName]

Hey! Ababe. Great to see you.

[Sibling DavidH]

Keep at it, Griffin. 

Friday tomorrow, and we're off to the daughter's to see Cap'n B.

Cap'n B and his little girlfriend have been appointed the representatives of their year on the school council.  Whilst this is not quite cabinet level, it must mean that the school likes him.