I'm in!

[Souliman]

But, from experience, the next 50 days or so are incredibly unpredictable for you. This bitch hides in the corner and comes out of nowhere.


I want to challenge you though... try to think about your quit whenever you can. If the workshop use to be a craving place then think about that before you go. Most important think about it as much as possible when you are in a social situation.


Buddy, I congratulate you on all 16 days and however many minutes you might be quit. It better just be the start for you. I want to see you succeed, that is why I am suggesting that it is important that at your point in the fight that you keep the nic bitch in your thoughts. I know from experience that she will actually go away just so that she can find a vulnerable spot to sneak up on you.

This is good stuff. Magnum is spot on. Own it.

Nice work Taz.

[tazmed]

Day 16

I just spent the past three hours out in the garage doing some woodworking.  Not one crave...not one thought about having a dip in my mouth.  That's HUGE for me!  I know it's still early for me, but just realizing that I never thought about having one makes me feel like my quit is strong.  If I was the type of guy who would throw out a Booyah, I'd do it right there...but that's just not me. 

Hey Nic Bitch... kiss my  'arse'

First off, congrats on your 16 days.

Second, I don't like to do this and sound like the guy that is looking down on you or telling you you're doing something wrong. Obviously you're doing everything right because you're 16 days quit.

But, from experience, the next 50 days or so are incredibly unpredictable for you. This bitch hides in the corner and comes out of nowhere.

I do agree that you are getting somewhere in your quit. The fact that you didn't think about dip when you normally would have never been seen without one is great.

I want to challenge you though... try to think about your quit whenever you can. If the workshop use to be a craving place then think about that before you go. Most important think about it as much as possible when you are in a social situation.


Buddy, I congratulate you on all 16 days and however many minutes you might be quit. It better just be the start for you. I want to see you succeed, that is why I am suggesting that it is important that at your point in the fight that you keep the nic bitch in your thoughts. I know from experience that she will actually go away just so that she can find a vulnerable spot to sneak up on you.

At day 143 I can honestly say most days I never even think about tobacco but I have also had some of the worst craves.

Keep it up but I have to say be careful because 16 days is damn well in the vulnerable zone. I am just trying to look out for your quit, not trying to shoot you down for your newfound freedom.

Yep, totally understand where you're coming from and I appreciate your warning...and in no way do I think I have this thing licked. I just realized that for the first time in 30+ years I was doing something without a dip and without even thinking about it. Three weeks ago that would have been impossible. Just expressing a little happiness about what I feel is an accomplishment.

See my Day 15 post to see how I'm approaching my quit. Thanks for your support!

[magnum9]

Day 16

I just spent the past three hours out in the garage doing some woodworking. Not one crave...not one thought about having a dip in my mouth. That's HUGE for me! I know it's still early for me, but just realizing that I never thought about having one makes me feel like my quit is strong. If I was the type of guy who would throw out a Booyah, I'd do it right there...but that's just not me.

Hey Nic Bitch... kiss my 'arse'

First off, congrats on your 16 days.

Second, I don't like to do this and sound like the guy that is looking down on you or telling you you're doing something wrong. Obviously you're doing everything right because you're 16 days quit.

But, from experience, the next 50 days or so are incredibly unpredictable for you. This bitch hides in the corner and comes out of nowhere.

I do agree that you are getting somewhere in your quit. The fact that you didn't think about dip when you normally would have never been seen without one is great.

I want to challenge you though... try to think about your quit whenever you can. If the workshop use to be a craving place then think about that before you go. Most important think about it as much as possible when you are in a social situation.


Buddy, I congratulate you on all 16 days and however many minutes you might be quit. It better just be the start for you. I want to see you succeed, that is why I am suggesting that it is important that at your point in the fight that you keep the nic bitch in your thoughts. I know from experience that she will actually go away just so that she can find a vulnerable spot to sneak up on you.

At day 143 I can honestly say most days I never even think about tobacco but I have also had some of the worst craves.

Keep it up but I have to say be careful because 16 days is damn well in the vulnerable zone. I am just trying to look out for your quit, not trying to shoot you down for your newfound freedom.

[tazmed]

Day 16

I just spent the past three hours out in the garage doing some woodworking. Not one crave...not one thought about having a dip in my mouth. That's HUGE for me! I know it's still early for me, but just realizing that I never thought about having one makes me feel like my quit is strong. If I was the type of guy who would throw out a Booyah, I'd do it right there...but that's just not me.

Hey Nic Bitch... kiss my 'arse'

[Souliman]

Thanks for the props Taz. I'm really glad to hear you got something out of my analogy. For me, that powerful moment of liberation, of freedom happens when you see that the addict ego is mucking things up for the real you and that the two are real and both exist. When you can separate those two, BOOM...that's quit bro. Right there. That's what I think.

Glad to quit with you. Keep up the good work. Reach out if I can do anything.

[per034]

Day 15

I was reading a post from Souliman and it got me thinking.  If you haven't read his stuff yet, get on it.  The man has a deep understanding of what we're going through.  So this is kind of a response to his post about the addict and the truck.

I think the way I'm looking at things is that for 34 years I had this person who everyone thought was me, but in reality it was my addiction.  It looked just like me, talked, walked, spoke, and even smelled just like me...but it wasn't.  That person started showing up when I was 10, taking the Red Man from my friend's dad when I was playing baseball.  Over the years every time I'd take a dip, chew, or smoke, that person was there and before I knew it, that other me was the only me.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago and I'm reading an article on, of all things, sexual addiction...don't ask why, I don't even know.  Anyway, some of the behaviors they listed started jumping out at me and at that point I had the revelation that I was addicted to Copenhagen/Nicotine.  Wow...holy shit...I'm a fucking addict!  That's what brought me here to KTC.

I think I mentioned somewhere that I tend to get long-winded...sorry.  :(

That revelation triggered something in me.  I started really taking a look at myself and the things that I've done over the years and I realized that there was the person I thought I was, and then there was the person everyone else saw.  The person that everyone else saw was always sneaking off to do "something" just to get a little dip time; hiding the bulging lip from the kids who weren't smart enough to notice; taking the quick look around to see if anyone would notice me spitting.  The person I thought I was didn't really exist...until June 22nd.

So, the discussion over in Souliman's intro talks about how we see/visualize our addictions.  Really taking a look at mine looks a lot like multiple personality disorder.  Only with these two personalities, I'm having a war.  In one corner we have the addict, in the other...the husband, father, coach, mentor, teacher, leader. 

Well, the addict has finally been dealt a punishing blow and now he's locked up in a box...and that's how I visualize my addiction.  It's locked away, under wraps today, but always with the potential to escape.  To counter that I must remain ever vigilant and on-guard.  I do that by being accountable to slattern and ShawnNJ, who both quit on the same day as I did.  I do that by posting roll each day as soon as I'm awake enough to jump on the computer (yes, most days even before coffee).  I do that by reading posts from others who have gone before me and drawing strength and knowledge from them.  I do that by reading posts from new quitters and offering my support to them.  I do that by telling my family how my quit is progressing and making sure they hold me accountable.  And finally, but most importantly, I do that by being a man of my word, honest to myself finally, and promising that just for today I WILL NOT USE NICOTINE.

I've only been at this for two weeks...+1, and there have been days when I thought "this isn't so bad, I can probably do this without KTC."  But then I come back to check the site and find something else so honest and insightful that I'm inspired and renewed in my dedication to quit.  I don't know who first got KTC started, or how it developed into what it is today, but I thank God that it, and more specifically the people, are here to help me through this.

Thank you KTC; you have given me my life back, just for today...+1

'clap'

[dante]

Day 15

I was reading a post from Souliman and it got me thinking. If you haven't read his stuff yet, get on it. The man has a deep understanding of what we're going through. So this is kind of a response to his post about the addict and the truck.

I think the way I'm looking at things is that for 34 years I had this person who everyone thought was me, but in reality it was my addiction. It looked just like me, talked, walked, spoke, and even smelled just like me...but it wasn't. That person started showing up when I was 10, taking the Red Man from my friend's dad when I was playing baseball. Over the years every time I'd take a dip, chew, or smoke, that person was there and before I knew it, that other me was the only me.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago and I'm reading an article on, of all things, sexual addiction...don't ask why, I don't even know. Anyway, some of the behaviors they listed started jumping out at me and at that point I had the revelation that I was addicted to Copenhagen/Nicotine. Wow...holy shit...I'm a fucking addict! That's what brought me here to KTC.

I think I mentioned somewhere that I tend to get long-winded...sorry. :(

That revelation triggered something in me. I started really taking a look at myself and the things that I've done over the years and I realized that there was the person I thought I was, and then there was the person everyone else saw. The person that everyone else saw was always sneaking off to do "something" just to get a little dip time; hiding the bulging lip from the kids who weren't smart enough to notice; taking the quick look around to see if anyone would notice me spitting. The person I thought I was didn't really exist...until June 22nd.

So, the discussion over in Souliman's intro talks about how we see/visualize our addictions. Really taking a look at mine looks a lot like multiple personality disorder. Only with these two personalities, I'm having a war. In one corner we have the addict, in the other...the husband, father, coach, mentor, teacher, leader.

Well, the addict has finally been dealt a punishing blow and now he's locked up in a box...and that's how I visualize my addiction. It's locked away, under wraps today, but always with the potential to escape. To counter that I must remain ever vigilant and on-guard. I do that by being accountable to slattern and ShawnNJ, who both quit on the same day as I did. I do that by posting roll each day as soon as I'm awake enough to jump on the computer (yes, most days even before coffee). I do that by reading posts from others who have gone before me and drawing strength and knowledge from them. I do that by reading posts from new quitters and offering my support to them. I do that by telling my family how my quit is progressing and making sure they hold me accountable. And finally, but most importantly, I do that by being a man of my word, honest to myself finally, and promising that just for today I WILL NOT USE NICOTINE.

I've only been at this for two weeks...+1, and there have been days when I thought "this isn't so bad, I can probably do this without KTC." But then I come back to check the site and find something else so honest and insightful that I'm inspired and renewed in my dedication to quit. I don't know who first got KTC started, or how it developed into what it is today, but I thank God that it, and more specifically the people, are here to help me through this.

Thank you KTC; you have given me my life back, just for today...+1

Taz...

Some noob is going to read this thread, and have the "A-Ha" moment that you describe. Thank you for posting this. This post just made my quit stronger today.

Proud of you...glad to be quit with you today!

[nicofiend]

Day 15

I was reading a post from Souliman and it got me thinking. If you haven't read his stuff yet, get on it. The man has a deep understanding of what we're going through. So this is kind of a response to his post about the addict and the truck.

I think the way I'm looking at things is that for 34 years I had this person who everyone thought was me, but in reality it was my addiction. It looked just like me, talked, walked, spoke, and even smelled just like me...but it wasn't. That person started showing up when I was 10, taking the Red Man from my friend's dad when I was playing baseball. Over the years every time I'd take a dip, chew, or smoke, that person was there and before I knew it, that other me was the only me.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago and I'm reading an article on, of all things, sexual addiction...don't ask why, I don't even know. Anyway, some of the behaviors they listed started jumping out at me and at that point I had the revelation that I was addicted to Copenhagen/Nicotine. Wow...holy shit...I'm a fucking addict! That's what brought me here to KTC.

I think I mentioned somewhere that I tend to get long-winded...sorry. :(

That revelation triggered something in me. I started really taking a look at myself and the things that I've done over the years and I realized that there was the person I thought I was, and then there was the person everyone else saw. The person that everyone else saw was always sneaking off to do "something" just to get a little dip time; hiding the bulging lip from the kids who weren't smart enough to notice; taking the quick look around to see if anyone would notice me spitting. The person I thought I was didn't really exist...until June 22nd.

So, the discussion over in Souliman's intro talks about how we see/visualize our addictions. Really taking a look at mine looks a lot like multiple personality disorder. Only with these two personalities, I'm having a war. In one corner we have the addict, in the other...the husband, father, coach, mentor, teacher, leader.

Well, the addict has finally been dealt a punishing blow and now he's locked up in a box...and that's how I visualize my addiction. It's locked away, under wraps today, but always with the potential to escape. To counter that I must remain ever vigilant and on-guard. I do that by being accountable to slattern and ShawnNJ, who both quit on the same day as I did. I do that by posting roll each day as soon as I'm awake enough to jump on the computer (yes, most days even before coffee). I do that by reading posts from others who have gone before me and drawing strength and knowledge from them. I do that by reading posts from new quitters and offering my support to them. I do that by telling my family how my quit is progressing and making sure they hold me accountable. And finally, but most importantly, I do that by being a man of my word, honest to myself finally, and promising that just for today I WILL NOT USE NICOTINE.

I've only been at this for two weeks...+1, and there have been days when I thought "this isn't so bad, I can probably do this without KTC." But then I come back to check the site and find something else so honest and insightful that I'm inspired and renewed in my dedication to quit. I don't know who first got KTC started, or how it developed into what it is today, but I thank God that it, and more specifically the people, are here to help me through this.

Thank you KTC; you have given me my life back, just for today...+1

Very well said tazmed! Stay hitched to that outlook, and you will succeed. Stay strong! Proud to be quit with you brother! Nico

[tazmed]

Day 15

I was reading a post from Souliman and it got me thinking. If you haven't read his stuff yet, get on it. The man has a deep understanding of what we're going through. So this is kind of a response to his post about the addict and the truck.

I think the way I'm looking at things is that for 34 years I had this person who everyone thought was me, but in reality it was my addiction. It looked just like me, talked, walked, spoke, and even smelled just like me...but it wasn't. That person started showing up when I was 10, taking the Red Man from my friend's dad when I was playing baseball. Over the years every time I'd take a dip, chew, or smoke, that person was there and before I knew it, that other me was the only me.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago and I'm reading an article on, of all things, sexual addiction...don't ask why, I don't even know. Anyway, some of the behaviors they listed started jumping out at me and at that point I had the revelation that I was addicted to Copenhagen/Nicotine. Wow...holy shit...I'm a fucking addict! That's what brought me here to KTC.

I think I mentioned somewhere that I tend to get long-winded...sorry. :(

That revelation triggered something in me. I started really taking a look at myself and the things that I've done over the years and I realized that there was the person I thought I was, and then there was the person everyone else saw. The person that everyone else saw was always sneaking off to do "something" just to get a little dip time; hiding the bulging lip from the kids who weren't smart enough to notice; taking the quick look around to see if anyone would notice me spitting. The person I thought I was didn't really exist...until June 22nd.

So, the discussion over in Souliman's intro talks about how we see/visualize our addictions. Really taking a look at mine looks a lot like multiple personality disorder. Only with these two personalities, I'm having a war. In one corner we have the addict, in the other...the husband, father, coach, mentor, teacher, leader.

Well, the addict has finally been dealt a punishing blow and now he's locked up in a box...and that's how I visualize my addiction. It's locked away, under wraps today, but always with the potential to escape. To counter that I must remain ever vigilant and on-guard. I do that by being accountable to slattern and ShawnNJ, who both quit on the same day as I did. I do that by posting roll each day as soon as I'm awake enough to jump on the computer (yes, most days even before coffee). I do that by reading posts from others who have gone before me and drawing strength and knowledge from them. I do that by reading posts from new quitters and offering my support to them. I do that by telling my family how my quit is progressing and making sure they hold me accountable. And finally, but most importantly, I do that by being a man of my word, honest to myself finally, and promising that just for today I WILL NOT USE NICOTINE.

I've only been at this for two weeks...+1, and there have been days when I thought "this isn't so bad, I can probably do this without KTC." But then I come back to check the site and find something else so honest and insightful that I'm inspired and renewed in my dedication to quit. I don't know who first got KTC started, or how it developed into what it is today, but I thank God that it, and more specifically the people, are here to help me through this.

Thank you KTC; you have given me my life back, just for today...+1

[jbags5]

......

Just the other day I discovered the quitters spreadsheet.  Hats off to whoever maintains that...I think I remember seeing Trey88 attached to it, but I can't remember.  Anyway, I've found that checking that really motivates me.  Maybe it's my competitiveness, maybe something else...who knows?  When I scroll down to the bottom of the page I see the guys who have missed roll for a number of days, and then I see the list of those who have caved and that bums me out.  The saddest part is that I now know some of the guys on that list and I couldn't reach them.

What is this spreadsheet you speak of?

[tazmed]

Day 12 and half-way through a long weekend.

I'm feeling pretty good about my quit, finally sleeping through the night. The cravings yesterday were pretty intense at times and I went through a whole can of Hooch fighting them off. Speaking of Hooch, I got into the "Spitfire" flavor yesterday afternoon. Holy Bat Shit!!! I thought my tongue was going to burn off. Someone double up on the cayenne pepper out there??? Damn....

I also found myself looking for something to eat most of the day. I don't know if I was just bored, or if I just wanted something to chew on. Fortunately my old pal beef jerky wasn't far away. I really think I'm becoming addicted to that now.

I'll be up against another challenge today...driving up into the mountains. Where I live, I can get pretty much anywhere I need to be within 5 minutes. Today I'm heading here: Klamath Canoe Trail It's about a 75 mile drive and this will be my first trip of any distance since I quit. I'm sure the cravings will pop up again, but I'll be ready for them. I WILL NOT CAVE!!!

Just the other day I discovered the quitters spreadsheet. Hats off to whoever maintains that...I think I remember seeing Trey88 attached to it, but I can't remember. Anyway, I've found that checking that really motivates me. Maybe it's my competitiveness, maybe something else...who knows? When I scroll down to the bottom of the page I see the guys who have missed roll for a number of days, and then I see the list of those who have caved and that bums me out. The saddest part is that I now know some of the guys on that list and I couldn't reach them.

Maybe I'm just not having as hard a time with my quit as I should, but for me it's a simple decision. Today I will either put that shit in my mouth, or I will not. I choose to not do it...today, and every day. Why do some people cave while others seem to breeze through their quits. I don't think I'm any more committed than anyone else, or at least it doesn't seem that way. I get inspiration from some of the veterans who should probably be motivational speakers, but it still comes down to a personal choice that isn't that difficult. Today, I choose to be nicotine free... It's really easy to say, is it really that hard to follow through?

I know I'll probably get some shit from someone who's had a really hard go of it, and that's ok. My intent isn't to piss anyone off (not yet anyway), just logging some random thoughts. Anyway, I'm headed for the mountains to enjoy this beautiful weekend. Today I mark Day 12 with my June 22nd brothers, slattern and ShawnNJ. I'm quit with everyone in the September 2011 group, and I'm proud to be part of the overall KTC community. Thanks to everyone for the support!

[G]

Wow...Day 10...some random thoughts before coffee

If 100 days gets you into the Hall of Fame, I wonder if 10 days gets you into the Hall of Someone Noticed...I don't care. This is a milestone for me. I've quit in the past, but never made it past three or four days.

Then make the next 10 days another milestone. Focusing on the next post you will make that has meaning to you is a good exercise, whether it be to post another five days, 500 days or simply another even numbered day. I liked posting a 175 yesterday. It's just a nice, clean number. Now I'm stepping off another quarter. And it's good to know you're going to be here with me, Taz.

[tazmed]

FWIW, exercise definitely helps me, as does any activity that keeps both your body and brain busy. Playing the guitar or piano, playing video games, running, swimming, etc. Kind of obvious, but it helps to focus on activities where you can't chew rather than stuff you used to do while chewing. Day 7 for me today.

I'm not sure there was ANYTHING I couldn't do while chewing...up to, and including, playing brass instruments. Thinking about that now just totally grosses me out. Guess I'll be giving all my horns a good bath tonight. 'crackup'

Tomorrow morning I'll dust off the old Nordic Trak and see if I can remember how to make it work. I could stand to lose about 35 pounds, so why not use the same idea as here?

Tomorrow will be Day 11-1 Quit Day 11/Exercise Day 1

[TryingAgain2011]

FWIW, exercise definitely helps me, as does any activity that keeps both your body and brain busy. Playing the guitar or piano, playing video games, running, swimming, etc. Kind of obvious, but it helps to focus on activities where you can't chew rather than stuff you used to do while chewing. Day 7 for me today.

[tazmed]

Wow...Day 10...some random thoughts before coffee

If 100 days gets you into the Hall of Fame, I wonder if 10 days gets you into the Hall of Someone Noticed...I don't care. This is a milestone for me. I've quit in the past, but never made it past three or four days.

Last night was the first night that I've been able to sleep through since quitting, so I'm going to call that another milestone. That's been the biggest issue for me in quitting, no big cravings, occasional fog, shakes and headaches for the first two days, but not being able to sleep really got to me. I'm glad to finally be able make it through the night.

Something I've been thinking about...a lot of people say that you should get lots of exercise during your initial quit. About the only exercise I've gotten has been working in the yard on hot days. I need to get out and do SOMETHING...just not sure what. I play ball on the weekends and go camping from time to time, and it's finally warm enough to put the kayak in the water. Maybe that's what I'll do this weekend...

So I've been keeping track of my time and money savings on the KTC.org site and I'm up to $50.00 now. That should make the wife happy. Something just occurred to me though...I've been wanting a new mountain bike. If my math is correct, (most likely it's not, but that's never stopped me before) when I hit 100 days I will have saved $500.00. I can pick up a really nice bike for $500.00. B)

I wonder if it's possible to be addicted to beef jerky. Having a bunch of jerky in my mouth has helped in my quit since it gives me the sensation of having a dip in, but I finished off the bag this morning and I started thinking that I have to get to the store and get another one...just like when I finished my last can of Copenhagen. That concerned me a little. I know that smokers and dippers are orally fixated, but holy hell...beef jerky addiction???

Well, it's time to get in the shower and head off to work. Thanks to my quit brothers and sisters out there. Your words keep me motivated moving forward. I hope everyone has a great weekend! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!!


'usflag'