Day 1 for peters6278

[ZillahCowboy]

Day 40

Just a little bit of unsolicited boasting here first.  My wife and I ran our first running race (hers ever and mine in 17 years) after just a month and a half of exercise.  It was an 8K dirt course with 687 participants.  I finished in 35:31 in 30th place (25th out of 250 guys and 3rd in my age group), her in 41:22 in 93rd place (29th out of 437 girls and 4th in her age group).  It was awesome and a great experience on several levels, except of course for the fact that I got beat by 6 girls....two of them under the age of 16.......oh well I'm no spring chicken any more and there is always room for improvement.

But why I mention it here.  Somewhere in the vicinity of mile 3, pushing, sweating, and panting like a little Taliban bitch in the middle of a water-boarding session....I actually spaced out for a few strides to think about my KTC experience and my quit buddies.  I thought, I am proud of them, and they would be proud of me.  In that moment, the race was like the very essence of my quit.  I'd been here before, many years ago, but now found my self fighting much harder than I ever thought I would have to.....or even knew I could, but doing it...and killing it...none the less.  Just like my quit, my race was a feat that constantly hung in the balance.  On one hand every cell in my body was screaming "I'm tired, I want to stop, I want out, I want to give up".  Just like with my quit, there were only two options:  Easy - side with weakness and take the comfortable path, or Hard - side with strength and push on down the difficult, but correct path.  And just like my quit......I had to keep pushing, every single step of the way, one step at a time......for to stop just once and it would be all over. 

Like any race, an 8K is nothing more than the summation of many single steps, each one no more or less important than the ones that preceded it, and each one entirely uninfluenced by the future steps yet to be taken.  You don't successfully rock a race thinking about each of the hundreds of steps you need to take coming up....you do it by focusing on the very step you're taking at the moment....one step at a time.  The cumulative effect of just a little extra push each step of the way, when measured against the race as whole, is where the race is won.

Anyone who's ever competed in an endurance event, and done so at a level that pushes their physical limits to the breaking point, knows that there is always an enigmatic moment somewhere in the last half in the race where you realize that YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE IT.  It may have been a real bitch getting to that point, and there may be plenty of difficulty ahead...but the decision has been made, the accomplishment it real, and there is absolutely no stopping, no going back.  You're KILLING it, and you're WINNING.

Just one more 'step' in the TAKING-MY-LIFE-BACK K race today with the full realization that I AM GOING TO MAKE IT...starting with this step right here.

This is the good stuff here! A new outlook... positive changes... better health. Badass man

Okay, I'm getting out the kryptonite. You're superman on this running thing. 25th out of 250 with only 6 weeks of prep? Nice work. And I like the added metaphor of comparing our quits to a race. It's the same. Step after step after step...the only way to succeed. Thanks for sharing this. Keep that great quit going, and congrats on Day 40.
ZC

[AppleJack]

Day 40

Just a little bit of unsolicited boasting here first. My wife and I ran our first running race (hers ever and mine in 17 years) after just a month and a half of exercise. It was an 8K dirt course with 687 participants. I finished in 35:31 in 30th place (25th out of 250 guys and 3rd in my age group), her in 41:22 in 93rd place (29th out of 437 girls and 4th in her age group). It was awesome and a great experience on several levels, except of course for the fact that I got beat by 6 girls....two of them under the age of 16.......oh well I'm no spring chicken any more and there is always room for improvement.

But why I mention it here. Somewhere in the vicinity of mile 3, pushing, sweating, and panting like a little Taliban bitch in the middle of a water-boarding session....I actually spaced out for a few strides to think about my KTC experience and my quit buddies. I thought, I am proud of them, and they would be proud of me. In that moment, the race was like the very essence of my quit. I'd been here before, many years ago, but now found my self fighting much harder than I ever thought I would have to.....or even knew I could, but doing it...and killing it...none the less. Just like my quit, my race was a feat that constantly hung in the balance. On one hand every cell in my body was screaming "I'm tired, I want to stop, I want out, I want to give up". Just like with my quit, there were only two options: Easy - side with weakness and take the comfortable path, or Hard - side with strength and push on down the difficult, but correct path. And just like my quit......I had to keep pushing, every single step of the way, one step at a time......for to stop just once and it would be all over.

Like any race, an 8K is nothing more than the summation of many single steps, each one no more or less important than the ones that preceded it, and each one entirely uninfluenced by the future steps yet to be taken. You don't successfully rock a race thinking about each of the hundreds of steps you need to take coming up....you do it by focusing on the very step you're taking at the moment....one step at a time. The cumulative effect of just a little extra push each step of the way, when measured against the race as whole, is where the race is won.

Anyone who's ever competed in an endurance event, and done so at a level that pushes their physical limits to the breaking point, knows that there is always an enigmatic moment somewhere in the last half in the race where you realize that YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE IT. It may have been a real bitch getting to that point, and there may be plenty of difficulty ahead...but the decision has been made, the accomplishment it real, and there is absolutely no stopping, no going back. You're KILLING it, and you're WINNING.

Just one more 'step' in the TAKING-MY-LIFE-BACK K race today with the full realization that I AM GOING TO MAKE IT...starting with this step right here.

This is the good stuff here! A new outlook... positive changes... better health. Badass man

[peters6278]

Day 40

Just a little bit of unsolicited boasting here first. My wife and I ran our first running race (hers ever and mine in 17 years) after just a month and a half of exercise. It was an 8K dirt course with 687 participants. I finished in 35:31 in 30th place (25th out of 250 guys and 3rd in my age group), her in 41:22 in 93rd place (29th out of 437 girls and 4th in her age group). It was awesome and a great experience on several levels, except of course for the fact that I got beat by 6 girls....two of them under the age of 16.......oh well I'm no spring chicken any more and there is always room for improvement.

But why I mention it here. Somewhere in the vicinity of mile 3, pushing, sweating, and panting like a little Taliban bitch in the middle of a water-boarding session....I actually spaced out for a few strides to think about my KTC experience and my quit buddies. I thought, I am proud of them, and they would be proud of me. In that moment, the race was like the very essence of my quit. I'd been here before, many years ago, but now found my self fighting much harder than I ever thought I would have to.....or even knew I could, but doing it...and killing it...none the less. Just like my quit, my race was a feat that constantly hung in the balance. On one hand every cell in my body was screaming "I'm tired, I want to stop, I want out, I want to give up". Just like with my quit, there were only two options: Easy - side with weakness and take the comfortable path, or Hard - side with strength and push on down the difficult, but correct path. And just like my quit......I had to keep pushing, every single step of the way, one step at a time......for to stop just once and it would be all over.

Like any race, an 8K is nothing more than the summation of many single steps, each one no more or less important than the ones that preceded it, and each one entirely uninfluenced by the future steps yet to be taken. You don't successfully rock a race thinking about each of the hundreds of steps you need to take coming up....you do it by focusing on the very step you're taking at the moment....one step at a time. The cumulative effect of just a little extra push each step of the way, when measured against the race as whole, is where the race is won.

Anyone who's ever competed in an endurance event, and done so at a level that pushes their physical limits to the breaking point, knows that there is always an enigmatic moment somewhere in the last half in the race where you realize that YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE IT. It may have been a real bitch getting to that point, and there may be plenty of difficulty ahead...but the decision has been made, the accomplishment it real, and there is absolutely no stopping, no going back. You're KILLING it, and you're WINNING.

Just one more 'step' in the TAKING-MY-LIFE-BACK K race today with the full realization that I AM GOING TO MAKE IT...starting with this step right here.

[SirDerek]

So I find myself camping with my two best friends from high school. Then I notice something.....there is a big ol' fatty in my front lip and I'm standing over a sink spitting that think brown juice and watching it slide down the drain. What the fuck! How did this shit get in my mouth!? I'm on day 37 and I have a whole backup plane in place if I ever get soft. My phone is loaded with KTC numbers....why in the hell didn't I call any of them. Shit.....I caved! How could this have happend. Maybe I can pretend like it didn't happen and post roll tommorrow....no, I can't. I gave these guys my word. I have to go back to day 1....FUCK! I start to cry and my tears fall into the sink, mixing with the brown poison juice.

Wait a minute...what is a sink doing in the woods?...I'm dreaming!....I wake up. It's 4:00 in the morning and I just had the worst most vivid dip dream ever.....but I'm here and I didn't cave. My heart slows down and I lay back down. F, that was intense!

So I'm floating along in my calm seas and the bitches comes up out of now where like fucking Jaws and rocks my world. Good thing I had my trusty KTC engraved bitch smacking boat oar by my side....and whacked her right in the nose. Back to the deep you bitch. I'm sure we'll meet again, but I'll be ready for.

You new quitters out there....not to sound all hommie-ish and all, but the bitch ain't playin'. She's out there, lurking and ready to strike the instant you let your guard down. Stay frosty and quit hard.

watch that Siren Song, it can be very alluring to those out sailing along.

but every time it leads down the wrong path.

Instead keep giving your word one day at a time and stay on the path you are here.....it leads to freedom and much more

quitting right beside you today...

[peters6278]

So I find myself camping with my two best friends from high school. Then I notice something.....there is a big ol' fatty in my front lip and I'm standing over a sink spitting that think brown juice and watching it slide down the drain. What the fuck! How did this shit get in my mouth!? I'm on day 37 and I have a whole backup plane in place if I ever get soft. My phone is loaded with KTC numbers....why in the hell didn't I call any of them. Shit.....I caved! How could this have happend. Maybe I can pretend like it didn't happen and post roll tommorrow....no, I can't. I gave these guys my word. I have to go back to day 1....FUCK! I start to cry and my tears fall into the sink, mixing with the brown poison juice.

Wait a minute...what is a sink doing in the woods?...I'm dreaming!....I wake up. It's 4:00 in the morning and I just had the worst most vivid dip dream ever.....but I'm here and I didn't cave. My heart slows down and I lay back down. F, that was intense!

So I'm floating along in my calm seas and the bitches comes up out of now where like fucking Jaws and rocks my world. Good thing I had my trusty KTC engraved bitch smacking boat oar by my side....and whacked her right in the nose. Back to the deep you bitch. I'm sure we'll meet again, but I'll be ready for.

You new quitters out there....not to sound all hommie-ish and all, but the bitch ain't playin'. She's out there, lurking and ready to strike the instant you let your guard down. Stay frosty and quit hard.

[kana]

We have storms behind and storms ahead, but the sun is always shining. Even if you can't see it, it's still and will always be there. I find solace in that. storms are temporary, the sun is permanent.. well, for a few billion more years anyway

[srans]

Some serious quit going on here. Peters isn't playing. He came for one reason. QUIT!!!

One day at a time and you can have back a lot of what the poison has stolen. Never again for any reason and you can keep it. Quit with you today.

[Derk40]

Your doing great bro. I liked your post yesterday and I wanted to comment on your "uncharted territory" comment.... I would argue that the charts are well established and clear. They are KTC charts and those before you have laid the track line for success. You have been on track and owning your quit for 37 days.

I get what your saying and I was there when I could not believe I had been quit for XX days. Then 1 day that thought just left my mind. It was like a light switch clicked on.

Remember this, all we are worrying about is today. Number of days quit don't matter. You know the territory... You quit yesterday and it is the same today. The recipe and territory is well known and you are working the KTC playbook. You are not a fish out of water. It is really simple when you break it down... Wake up, Post roll, honor your word, repeat next day. Don't worry about the past, the future... Just today. Doing that and accepting you only control today will help you focus your quit and will make you live a better life. Live in this moment.

Don't overthink this... Slow it down and keep it simple.

And you are not alone on that boat of yours... you have thousands of quitters sitting there with you.

Proud to be quit with you today. QLF ODAAT.

[apogeeammo]

I realized that today, being day 36 of my quit, marks the longest I've been without nicotine polluting my body in almost 4 years.  My last 'stoppage', having failed at 5 weeks and well before I had become part of the KTC family, seemed a whole lot tougher than my new reality, my quit.  Now I know why.  Some people can go it alone and I get that.  My hat goes off to them if they are successful, but it hasn't and doesn't work for me.  THIS works.

In some ways, I feel like I'm in uncharted territory right now....like a small sail boat upon the open ocean sailing out of a huge, black storm into sunny, calm, open water.  The sea extends to the horizon in all directions, and I'm not exactly sure what lies ahead.  I don't really know where to go here other than to stay the course, which is what I will do.  The only certainty is that there is no going back.  The thunderous dark clouds that lie behind me and the equally dark memories of what lie within compel me to push onward, into the unknown.

One day at time, I'm going to put a little bit more distance between me and that storm.  I'm not exactly sure what is in front of me, but I have this tiny, growing feeling that I know this place up ahead.....like I may have actually been there before, a long time ago.  Perhaps it's my former life, welcoming me back, or a new place that is similar, but carries with it a few scars of battling the storm and the pride of conquering one of the hardest challenges life has ever thrown at me....one tiny day at a time.

I know it's a little early in my quit for such philosophical ramblings, but it's how I feel.  I can only image what I'll feel a year from now.....but I'll let you know then too.

Thanks to all my fellow quitters who have and continue to make it happen for me.  Whether you interact here with me or not you posting, stories, and experiences provide for structure in my quit.  You are the gentle breeze that fills my sails and my sextant when I get lost on this open ocean journey of mine. 

I sail on with you, one day at time.

You beautiful sentimental resolute bastard you!

'cry'

I hear Lionel Richie somewhere singing Sail On!

Go man go! Quitting with you!

You and slug.go should get together to watch Ellen and eat bon bons.

Seriously though....

That's beautiful man, enjoy each day of your new freedom!

That's Weird Ammo! I could have sworn I heard "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Maiden playing! 'oh yeah' PS. Keep going peters. You are rocking this voyage!

Oops, You're off the hook Claws. I now see it was Ammo that likes Lionel!

OH OH SAIL ON . . . HONEY . . . GOOD TIMES NEVER FELT SO GOOD!!

'Sing and Drink'

That's cause he's EEEEEAAAAZZZZYYYY.....Easy like Sunday morning...

Oh man....you guys are brutal. You'd think I just posted something titled....'an ode to my girl....' or something like that....actually.......wait a minute.....up next......

Seriously I loved it and I just listened to the Commodores do that song on Youtube. It is one of my favorites from the 70's!

However, if you are going to call us sexy breezes up your skirt or whatever you said, you gotta expect a little chop bustin' is coming your way!

Keep it going ODAAT!

Quit with you again!

[peters6278]

I realized that today, being day 36 of my quit, marks the longest I've been without nicotine polluting my body in almost 4 years.  My last 'stoppage', having failed at 5 weeks and well before I had become part of the KTC family, seemed a whole lot tougher than my new reality, my quit.  Now I know why.  Some people can go it alone and I get that.  My hat goes off to them if they are successful, but it hasn't and doesn't work for me.  THIS works.

In some ways, I feel like I'm in uncharted territory right now....like a small sail boat upon the open ocean sailing out of a huge, black storm into sunny, calm, open water.  The sea extends to the horizon in all directions, and I'm not exactly sure what lies ahead.  I don't really know where to go here other than to stay the course, which is what I will do.  The only certainty is that there is no going back.  The thunderous dark clouds that lie behind me and the equally dark memories of what lie within compel me to push onward, into the unknown.

One day at time, I'm going to put a little bit more distance between me and that storm.  I'm not exactly sure what is in front of me, but I have this tiny, growing feeling that I know this place up ahead.....like I may have actually been there before, a long time ago.  Perhaps it's my former life, welcoming me back, or a new place that is similar, but carries with it a few scars of battling the storm and the pride of conquering one of the hardest challenges life has ever thrown at me....one tiny day at a time.

I know it's a little early in my quit for such philosophical ramblings, but it's how I feel.  I can only image what I'll feel a year from now.....but I'll let you know then too.

Thanks to all my fellow quitters who have and continue to make it happen for me.  Whether you interact here with me or not you posting, stories, and experiences provide for structure in my quit.  You are the gentle breeze that fills my sails and my sextant when I get lost on this open ocean journey of mine. 

I sail on with you, one day at time.

You beautiful sentimental resolute bastard you!

'cry'

I hear Lionel Richie somewhere singing Sail On!

Go man go! Quitting with you!

You and slug.go should get together to watch Ellen and eat bon bons.

Seriously though....

That's beautiful man, enjoy each day of your new freedom!

That's Weird Ammo! I could have sworn I heard "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Maiden playing! 'oh yeah' PS. Keep going peters. You are rocking this voyage!

Oops, You're off the hook Claws. I now see it was Ammo that likes Lionel!

OH OH SAIL ON . . . HONEY . . . GOOD TIMES NEVER FELT SO GOOD!!

'Sing and Drink'

That's cause he's EEEEEAAAAZZZZYYYY.....Easy like Sunday morning...

Oh man....you guys are brutal. You'd think I just posted something titled....'an ode to my girl....' or something like that....actually.......wait a minute.....up next......

[Grizzlyhasclaws]

I realized that today, being day 36 of my quit, marks the longest I've been without nicotine polluting my body in almost 4 years.  My last 'stoppage', having failed at 5 weeks and well before I had become part of the KTC family, seemed a whole lot tougher than my new reality, my quit.  Now I know why.  Some people can go it alone and I get that.  My hat goes off to them if they are successful, but it hasn't and doesn't work for me.  THIS works.

In some ways, I feel like I'm in uncharted territory right now....like a small sail boat upon the open ocean sailing out of a huge, black storm into sunny, calm, open water.  The sea extends to the horizon in all directions, and I'm not exactly sure what lies ahead.  I don't really know where to go here other than to stay the course, which is what I will do.  The only certainty is that there is no going back.  The thunderous dark clouds that lie behind me and the equally dark memories of what lie within compel me to push onward, into the unknown.

One day at time, I'm going to put a little bit more distance between me and that storm.  I'm not exactly sure what is in front of me, but I have this tiny, growing feeling that I know this place up ahead.....like I may have actually been there before, a long time ago.  Perhaps it's my former life, welcoming me back, or a new place that is similar, but carries with it a few scars of battling the storm and the pride of conquering one of the hardest challenges life has ever thrown at me....one tiny day at a time.

I know it's a little early in my quit for such philosophical ramblings, but it's how I feel.  I can only image what I'll feel a year from now.....but I'll let you know then too.

Thanks to all my fellow quitters who have and continue to make it happen for me.  Whether you interact here with me or not you posting, stories, and experiences provide for structure in my quit.  You are the gentle breeze that fills my sails and my sextant when I get lost on this open ocean journey of mine. 

I sail on with you, one day at time.

You beautiful sentimental resolute bastard you!

'cry'

I hear Lionel Richie somewhere singing Sail On!

Go man go! Quitting with you!

You and slug.go should get together to watch Ellen and eat bon bons.

Seriously though....

That's beautiful man, enjoy each day of your new freedom!

That's Weird Ammo! I could have sworn I heard "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Maiden playing! 'oh yeah' PS. Keep going peters. You are rocking this voyage!

Oops, You're off the hook Claws. I now see it was Ammo that likes Lionel!

OH OH SAIL ON . . . HONEY . . . GOOD TIMES NEVER FELT SO GOOD!!

'Sing and Drink'

That's cause he's EEEEEAAAAZZZZYYYY.....Easy like Sunday morning...

[apogeeammo]

I realized that today, being day 36 of my quit, marks the longest I've been without nicotine polluting my body in almost 4 years.  My last 'stoppage', having failed at 5 weeks and well before I had become part of the KTC family, seemed a whole lot tougher than my new reality, my quit.  Now I know why.  Some people can go it alone and I get that.  My hat goes off to them if they are successful, but it hasn't and doesn't work for me.  THIS works.

In some ways, I feel like I'm in uncharted territory right now....like a small sail boat upon the open ocean sailing out of a huge, black storm into sunny, calm, open water.  The sea extends to the horizon in all directions, and I'm not exactly sure what lies ahead.  I don't really know where to go here other than to stay the course, which is what I will do.  The only certainty is that there is no going back.  The thunderous dark clouds that lie behind me and the equally dark memories of what lie within compel me to push onward, into the unknown.

One day at time, I'm going to put a little bit more distance between me and that storm.  I'm not exactly sure what is in front of me, but I have this tiny, growing feeling that I know this place up ahead.....like I may have actually been there before, a long time ago.  Perhaps it's my former life, welcoming me back, or a new place that is similar, but carries with it a few scars of battling the storm and the pride of conquering one of the hardest challenges life has ever thrown at me....one tiny day at a time.

I know it's a little early in my quit for such philosophical ramblings, but it's how I feel.  I can only image what I'll feel a year from now.....but I'll let you know then too.

Thanks to all my fellow quitters who have and continue to make it happen for me.  Whether you interact here with me or not you posting, stories, and experiences provide for structure in my quit.  You are the gentle breeze that fills my sails and my sextant when I get lost on this open ocean journey of mine. 

I sail on with you, one day at time.

You beautiful sentimental resolute bastard you!

'cry'

I hear Lionel Richie somewhere singing Sail On!

Go man go! Quitting with you!

You and slug.go should get together to watch Ellen and eat bon bons.

Seriously though....

That's beautiful man, enjoy each day of your new freedom!

That's Weird Ammo! I could have sworn I heard "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Maiden playing! 'oh yeah' PS. Keep going peters. You are rocking this voyage!

Oops, You're off the hook Claws. I now see it was Ammo that likes Lionel!

OH OH SAIL ON . . . HONEY . . . GOOD TIMES NEVER FELT SO GOOD!!

'Sing and Drink'

[rdad]

I realized that today, being day 36 of my quit, marks the longest I've been without nicotine polluting my body in almost 4 years.  My last 'stoppage', having failed at 5 weeks and well before I had become part of the KTC family, seemed a whole lot tougher than my new reality, my quit.  Now I know why.  Some people can go it alone and I get that.  My hat goes off to them if they are successful, but it hasn't and doesn't work for me.  THIS works.

In some ways, I feel like I'm in uncharted territory right now....like a small sail boat upon the open ocean sailing out of a huge, black storm into sunny, calm, open water.  The sea extends to the horizon in all directions, and I'm not exactly sure what lies ahead.  I don't really know where to go here other than to stay the course, which is what I will do.  The only certainty is that there is no going back.  The thunderous dark clouds that lie behind me and the equally dark memories of what lie within compel me to push onward, into the unknown.

One day at time, I'm going to put a little bit more distance between me and that storm.  I'm not exactly sure what is in front of me, but I have this tiny, growing feeling that I know this place up ahead.....like I may have actually been there before, a long time ago.  Perhaps it's my former life, welcoming me back, or a new place that is similar, but carries with it a few scars of battling the storm and the pride of conquering one of the hardest challenges life has ever thrown at me....one tiny day at a time.

I know it's a little early in my quit for such philosophical ramblings, but it's how I feel.  I can only image what I'll feel a year from now.....but I'll let you know then too.

Thanks to all my fellow quitters who have and continue to make it happen for me.  Whether you interact here with me or not you posting, stories, and experiences provide for structure in my quit.  You are the gentle breeze that fills my sails and my sextant when I get lost on this open ocean journey of mine. 

I sail on with you, one day at time.

You beautiful sentimental resolute bastard you!

'cry'

I hear Lionel Richie somewhere singing Sail On!

Go man go! Quitting with you!

You and slug.go should get together to watch Ellen and eat bon bons.

Seriously though....

That's beautiful man, enjoy each day of your new freedom!

That's Weird Ammo! I could have sworn I heard "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Maiden playing! 'oh yeah' PS. Keep going peters. You are rocking this voyage!

Oops, You're off the hook Claws. I now see it was Ammo that likes Lionel!

[Grizzlyhasclaws]

I realized that today, being day 36 of my quit, marks the longest I've been without nicotine polluting my body in almost 4 years.  My last 'stoppage', having failed at 5 weeks and well before I had become part of the KTC family, seemed a whole lot tougher than my new reality, my quit.  Now I know why.  Some people can go it alone and I get that.  My hat goes off to them if they are successful, but it hasn't and doesn't work for me.  THIS works.

In some ways, I feel like I'm in uncharted territory right now....like a small sail boat upon the open ocean sailing out of a huge, black storm into sunny, calm, open water.  The sea extends to the horizon in all directions, and I'm not exactly sure what lies ahead.  I don't really know where to go here other than to stay the course, which is what I will do.  The only certainty is that there is no going back.  The thunderous dark clouds that lie behind me and the equally dark memories of what lie within compel me to push onward, into the unknown.

One day at time, I'm going to put a little bit more distance between me and that storm.  I'm not exactly sure what is in front of me, but I have this tiny, growing feeling that I know this place up ahead.....like I may have actually been there before, a long time ago.  Perhaps it's my former life, welcoming me back, or a new place that is similar, but carries with it a few scars of battling the storm and the pride of conquering one of the hardest challenges life has ever thrown at me....one tiny day at a time.

I know it's a little early in my quit for such philosophical ramblings, but it's how I feel.  I can only image what I'll feel a year from now.....but I'll let you know then too.

Thanks to all my fellow quitters who have and continue to make it happen for me.  Whether you interact here with me or not you posting, stories, and experiences provide for structure in my quit.  You are the gentle breeze that fills my sails and my sextant when I get lost on this open ocean journey of mine. 

I sail on with you, one day at time.

You beautiful sentimental resolute bastard you!

'cry'

I hear Lionel Richie somewhere singing Sail On!

Go man go! Quitting with you!

You and slug.go should get together to watch Ellen and eat bon bons.

Seriously though....

That's beautiful man, enjoy each day of your new freedom!

That's Weird Claws! I could have sworn I heard "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Maiden playing! 'oh yeah' PS. Keep going peters. You are rocking this voyage!

dang. good catch rdad. you guys must be English majors!!!!!! ----new group name subtitle possibility for May!

[rdad]

I realized that today, being day 36 of my quit, marks the longest I've been without nicotine polluting my body in almost 4 years.  My last 'stoppage', having failed at 5 weeks and well before I had become part of the KTC family, seemed a whole lot tougher than my new reality, my quit.  Now I know why.  Some people can go it alone and I get that.  My hat goes off to them if they are successful, but it hasn't and doesn't work for me.  THIS works.

In some ways, I feel like I'm in uncharted territory right now....like a small sail boat upon the open ocean sailing out of a huge, black storm into sunny, calm, open water.  The sea extends to the horizon in all directions, and I'm not exactly sure what lies ahead.  I don't really know where to go here other than to stay the course, which is what I will do.  The only certainty is that there is no going back.  The thunderous dark clouds that lie behind me and the equally dark memories of what lie within compel me to push onward, into the unknown.

One day at time, I'm going to put a little bit more distance between me and that storm.  I'm not exactly sure what is in front of me, but I have this tiny, growing feeling that I know this place up ahead.....like I may have actually been there before, a long time ago.  Perhaps it's my former life, welcoming me back, or a new place that is similar, but carries with it a few scars of battling the storm and the pride of conquering one of the hardest challenges life has ever thrown at me....one tiny day at a time.

I know it's a little early in my quit for such philosophical ramblings, but it's how I feel.  I can only image what I'll feel a year from now.....but I'll let you know then too.

Thanks to all my fellow quitters who have and continue to make it happen for me.  Whether you interact here with me or not you posting, stories, and experiences provide for structure in my quit.  You are the gentle breeze that fills my sails and my sextant when I get lost on this open ocean journey of mine. 

I sail on with you, one day at time.

You beautiful sentimental resolute bastard you!

'cry'

I hear Lionel Richie somewhere singing Sail On!

Go man go! Quitting with you!

You and slug.go should get together to watch Ellen and eat bon bons.

Seriously though....

That's beautiful man, enjoy each day of your new freedom!

That's Weird Ammo! I could have sworn I heard "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Maiden playing! 'oh yeah' PS. Keep going peters. You are rocking this voyage!