This is why I never posted a HOF speech. Hitting HOF isn't "arriving". There is no end for the quitting, it takes every single day to log on here and post another day of no nicotine. Do I really think that after spending 5+ years addicted to a drug I will suddenly, after 3.5 months be cured? No! That's why there are so many quit groups on this site! That's why there are so many people on here to continue to encourage each other well past the 1 year mark.
The hardest time for me to stay quit was the first week. The second hardest was when I hit the 100 days. I felt like it was over. "Well, that was tough, now let's have a dip" was the idea running through my head. This is not a sprint, this is a long long haul that will last for many many years. I recognize that and I accept that, and I would rather spend years denying myself an addiction than caving in a day and going back to that thing that was ruining my life all along.
Gelas: Bro, we quit with you for over 100 days. We all helped each other out, and just seeing peoples' names start stacking up day after day around mine was really encouraging. That being said, you know already that when a person fails and caves it does nothing but strengthen the resolve of the group. You're not taking anyone else with you, we're going to work hard on that. When you feel like quitting again, post a Day 1 and I will be right there to quit with you. Until then, enjoy that dip, because you're paying for it with years off your life.
'clap' Well said...You sir GET IT!
MOA
A HOF speech isn't about celebrating the final victory over addiction. I mean, that day will never come.
A HOF speech is about sharing your journey with others, maybe throw in some thank you's. New quitters are typically encouraged to read them. Stories of success are a positive influence for a new quitter.
For me, the speech was also about putting more skin in the game. It's one of the reasons I WILL NOT FAIL. It was just another step in this process that strengthened my quit. It was part of closing the door.
This is just my opinion: not writing a speech is one of those subconscious things that gives some quitters here a easier out to cave. "I didn't write a speech, I don't owe anyone here anything".
I see your point, Andrew. I just wanted to offer a different perspective.
Agree with LA on this one all the way.
I wasn't going to write a speech at all. Then I realized that some people really found helpful stuff in the speeches. I have even seen some say that HoF speeches were one of the only things that got them through.
That's why I titles my speech: This quit is for me, the speech for you
However, if not doing a speech is what works for you then by all means keep it that way!
I have to chime in here and point out, the reason I wrote a HOF speech is because those (the HOF speeches) are what really drove home the notion that folks can quit. Hell, you never know when something you say may inspire another person to quit this nasty ass shit.
If you are worried about being bit in the ass by your HOF speech........... You haven't flipped the switch. I still quit on a daily basis, don't get me wrong, but the switch has been flipped. The reason I am typing this here is because if I ever cave in the future, I WANT people to bring this up and say, "Hey, M'Fer, look what you said. WTF changed with what you said here and what caused a cave...."
The HOF is only a milestone on the quit journey. Just like every other day is (or hitting the 3rd floor, 5th floor, comma, etc.... If you believe that once you hit a certain amount of days, you are done quitting, you are sadly mistaken. This shit ain't based upon a timeframe. It's based on doing whatever you can for one day to keep that shit out of your mouth, rinse, and repeat the same plan the next day.
