Walking on Eggshells
Some people have thicker skin than others. Most are easy going and let things slide while others can take things more personal or literally. Thankfully I am the former and am still expressing my point of view in spite of a few (very few) disparaging remarks. If someone wants to punch me in the nose (now that's pretty personal) because I go back and read the history of a persona and try to get a sense of their situation, prior attempts, health, motivation, difficulties, etc, I should think most would appreciate the attempt to give some opinion based on fact. Some people think I am against Nrt , which is not true although I personally believe that cold turkey aka smart turkey (with some knowledge of the mindset) is preferable to me who would rather dive into the water and get it over with rather than endure the inch by inch process . No matter how you choose to quit, forums like this, knowledge and the desire to quit is crucial.
I tend to include bits and bobs of information when replying to posts. Sometimes it leads to other bits and bobs of pertinence.(or maybe not) I do this for the benefit of the newbies so that they learn, rather than a well done, congratulations! Again, nothing wrong with that. Just letting someone know you care goes a long way. So I apologize if my writing get repetitive, but there really is only so many facts to impart. Please don't anyone take things personally. I can only read so much into a one sentence post. That might spark something else in my head, but not pertain to the person directly. I have been called out on how long the nicotine stays in our bodies....far easier to say 72 hours (that it really affects us) but the truth is there is residual nicotine for a few weeks, and trace amount in hair and nails for a couple of months. One craving whether by nicotine or by our
psychological acceptance of this change we endure is still just a thought. At least in most cases. Other side effects thought to be from withdrawal can be caused by change in diet, too much caffeine, alcohol, stress or anxiety (among other things). If anyone has ongoing health concerns they should consult their doctor.
I am not the only one to have uncalled for remarks made to. We are grown ups here and the english language is imprecise. I would like to think that I have helped far more than I have offended in any way. I am sure I speak for a few others who have unwittingly stepped on someones toes while trying to help. If we are afraid to offer our support, then this site would be of little or no use.
Let's think positive. Don't sweat the small stuff.
I wrote a piece called "If You've Given' Up Givin' Up, Try This!" which is my own personal belief in what might work for someone. I call it my Backwards Quit because as with Alan Carr, you can smoke while you gain the knowledge and thus the power and mindset to quit smoking and to maintain that quit. I would love some feed back on it. I wrote it long after I quit smoking with hopes that those who had lost the belief in themselves could try to find it in themselves to try it yet again. As far as I know it is my own outline for learning the mindset and learning to really want to quit smoking. I did not read of it anywhere, but saw so many struggling. I wrote it for dear PuffNoMore, who despite personal help from a few of us just could not succeed. I do hope that one day he will try again. I pray that someday he will find the "resolve'. Many here remember him fondly and wish him well, and hope for his return to us.
Perhaps you have learned something that you truly believe to be your own concept Cantau31. Do you not wish to share something here that might benefit someone. Allan Carr wanted to shout his beliefs to the whole world so that it might be smoke-free. It fell on deaf ears. We are all ears here Cantou31. At least give someone a reason to buy a book with a different outlook.
iCanQuit took down his only post (after i just wrote this on it and couldn't post)which ended up being an advertisement for a book he wrote, but the title indicated that he FOUND it and it changed his life. Two of us quiet rightly and very nicely let him know that this was a support site, and hoped that he would share any insights. .....
Quite bluntly i would not have minded the posting if he had been honest even if trying to make a buck.
Vaping is another form of smoking, yet perhaps has it's place. I again don't think that although they may be trying to be helpful, to just say switch to vaping is really not helpful on this forum.
Someone recently had success with herbal cigarettes but was just using it as a quit aid , not a substitution. I have no problem with that.
CDB was also used successfully. I am open minded. But i will tell you the truth, even if i gloss over it sometimes.
I once discussed my thinking of using marijuana as a sleep aid, and because when i smelled it, i thought of smoking. In the end, i think inhaling anything is inadviseable. I still haven't tried edibles. Unfortunately , one member took exception to the discussion, for that I am truly sorry.
Been kinda quiet on here lately. I hope all are doing well .
Just my thoughts for today.......
While being honest.... i was wanting to substitute marijuana for my wine, not because of the smoke. I used to be a happy drunk when i over indulged, but since quitting smoking found that i have a dark side. THC was considered to replace wine. No I am not an alcoholic, but I enjoy letting go once in a while, I just don't like who i become sometimes lately. Has anyone else been affected this way?
We used to smoke more with alcohol because alcohol used up the nicotine faster, so we smoked more to compensate. Perhaps I miss smoking unconsciously while under the influence?
lol... I meant "subconsciously".....as i do not pass out.......see what i mean about the English language......And I am stone cold sober at the moment.
I think we think alot alike Red, and yes i was and am usually sober. I know I have had my moments ...:)
The example I gave, whether you or not does not matter. I respect you, and understand you and even came to your defense when I fist joined this site over the very issue I am writing about. I see it crop up here and there, but someone who encourages those who are serious about smoking to just take up vaping gets my craw. It is hard to re-invent ourselves to be EX-Smokers (perhaps a truer statement or term) without someone taunting members by asking what do you miss and couldn't it be satisfied by vaping (with nicotine at that!) I think it is just a shame that some people just don't get it and that others try to pedal their wares without any helpful advice. (the author that the site banned) Worst of all is the abuse some have given to those who sincerely try to be of help. Sometimes it is hard to gage the tone of a statement, so if we think that it is harsh, perhaps we should just put it down to someone having a bad day.
I'm not worried about me Red, I'm a tough old bird. I just think that this site has a great format where we can actually communicate with each other, share our experience and be of help and encouragement to others. Just like a newspaper though, it needs readers and writers to exist.
I am glad you responded Red. I always enjoyed your comments and support to others. No problem here if you think I am too harsh on someone who does not want to put in the work. Sometimes one needs a kick in the butt. Everyone is different after all, and I call em like I see em. I'm human, i never said i was perfect.
Have a great smoke free day everyone. Hugs, Red.
You write beautifully Nuts. All opinions are and should be given and received with respect. Debating choices is healthy and informative for new members seeking help. I hope that you and others continue doing such an awesome job of giving great advice and support. I would like to thank iCanQuit for such a great forum and for also respecting the members in their desires and preferences.
Cheers, and the best to all of you whether long time members or just newly starting out. We are here for you and we try our best to help you on your journey.
That's why we have this Forum. To help support and share. I appreciate ALL comments and advice. I'm learning so much. Thank you for taking the time to post.
That's why we have this Forum. To help support and share. I appreciate ALL comments and advice. I'm learning so much. Thank you for taking the time to post.