Canvasback Intro

[Krusty]

Day 50...Nice work, Canvas! Safe travels, stay strong, and, if necessary, pull over to the side of the road to blow up some phones with texts. You got this, and quit with you today.

[Minny]

I need to air the following thoughts publicly, as a layer of accountability.

Today is day 48. On day 50 (which is a milestone of sorts, one that I plan to take pride in), I have a long road trip.

615 miles, 9 hours, 15 minutes. Alone. Just me and my thoughts.

This is my moment of honesty: I am terrified. Perhaps it wont be as scary as I am imagining, but I know myself, and I know that every gas station I pass will be a trigger. So, I am going to detail my plan here, and ask your support in it.

1. Explain fear and plan to friends on KTC in my intro.
2. Same explanation to wife.
3. Post roll before I start the pickup.
4. Tools- water, seeds, jolly ranchers, gum, KTC numbers and friendships.
5. Hatred of nicotine.
6. Follow up on intro when I arrive.

I'm not trying to be a doomsday, nancy pants over here. Im just simply recognizing a potential weak link coming up, and I'm doing what I can to shore it up before it happens. I am not losing sleep over this, but I am guarding my quit with my life... because thats what it is to me: life.

A wise man whose opinion I greatly value gave me the following guidance / support early in my quit:

"ODAAT is an important mindset in the first couple of weeks.

You will find your mind wondering to 'If I want dip this much today, how bad am I going to want next week?'

It's a trick. It gets EASIER, not harder.

Just keep yourself from dipping today. Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow."

I've referred back to this when I've gotten anxious about potential triggers. Hope it helps -- and thanks for sending to me in the first place, Canvas.

Canvasback
There is nothing "nancy pants" about admitting the power dip had over you and making a plan stay quit. That is what you are here for. The fact that you are planning for your trip and filling your toolbox means you are serious about this shit. Only the serious remain quit. Good job!

You can do this drive whether it happened today or in 2 days... don't sweat it and overthink it. You own this quit  you own your decisions now. You have hit similar obstacles during your 48 days  have passed. Why would this be different. You are quit  you can conquer any challenge today.

You came up with a plan  that plan is hopefully damn near what you are doing today to stay quit.

Now, what you need to do is stop stressing over a drive you are going to have in 2 days. We can't overanalyze  get fixated on the future here. You need to get back to today  just focus on being quit today. Nothing wrong with making special preps for a road trip because that is prudent... but driving yourself crazy  stressing about it is not prudent. That is why we quit ODAAT.

Take a breath. Relax. Quit today.

I like the post, Canvasback. You're going to encounter several "firsts" throughout your quit. The first road trip, the first hotel stay w/o the missus, the first time you're with a group of dippers, and so on. You will slay these dragons one at a time and doing so will strengthen your quit. Then, one day you will slay a dragon without even realizing it. I sat in a deer stand for a day and a half before I realized that dip hadn't even crossed my mind, for example. I used to not be able to imagine duck hunting without chew (got my first canvasback this year, btw) but now I can't imagine throwing away my quit. I have nightmares about it in fact!

In any event, post roll on day 49, and again on 50. I have no doubt in my mind that you will make it. Caving is not an option.

[ZillahCowboy]

I need to air the following thoughts publicly, as a layer of accountability.

Today is day 48. On day 50 (which is a milestone of sorts, one that I plan to take pride in), I have a long road trip.

615 miles, 9 hours, 15 minutes. Alone. Just me and my thoughts.

This is my moment of honesty: I am terrified. Perhaps it wont be as scary as I am imagining, but I know myself, and I know that every gas station I pass will be a trigger. So, I am going to detail my plan here, and ask your support in it.

1. Explain fear and plan to friends on KTC in my intro.
2. Same explanation to wife.
3. Post roll before I start the pickup.
4. Tools- water, seeds, jolly ranchers, gum, KTC numbers and friendships.
5. Hatred of nicotine.
6. Follow up on intro when I arrive.

I'm not trying to be a doomsday, nancy pants over here. Im just simply recognizing a potential weak link coming up, and I'm doing what I can to shore it up before it happens. I am not losing sleep over this, but I am guarding my quit with my life... because thats what it is to me: life.

A wise man whose opinion I greatly value gave me the following guidance / support early in my quit:

"ODAAT is an important mindset in the first couple of weeks.

You will find your mind wondering to 'If I want dip this much today, how bad am I going to want next week?'

It's a trick. It gets EASIER, not harder.

Just keep yourself from dipping today. Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow."

I've referred back to this when I've gotten anxious about potential triggers. Hope it helps -- and thanks for sending to me in the first place, Canvas.

Canvasback
There is nothing "nancy pants" about admitting the power dip had over you and making a plan stay quit. That is what you are here for. The fact that you are planning for your trip and filling your toolbox means you are serious about this shit. Only the serious remain quit. Good job!

You can do this drive whether it happened today or in 2 days... don't sweat it and overthink it. You own this quit  you own your decisions now. You have hit similar obstacles during your 48 days  have passed. Why would this be different. You are quit  you can conquer any challenge today.

You came up with a plan  that plan is hopefully damn near what you are doing today to stay quit.

Now, what you need to do is stop stressing over a drive you are going to have in 2 days. We can't overanalyze  get fixated on the future here. You need to get back to today  just focus on being quit today. Nothing wrong with making special preps for a road trip because that is prudent... but driving yourself crazy  stressing about it is not prudent. That is why we quit ODAAT.

Take a breath. Relax. Quit today.

Let me add just one piece of advice that Diesel gave me early on in my quit...

"Get small" with your quit....days become hours, hours become minutes, minutes become seconds. The miles become 10th's of a mile. Manage it small.
That helped me not get overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task, project, road trip...etc. that was in front of me.
ZC

[Derk40]

I need to air the following thoughts publicly, as a layer of accountability.

Today is day 48. On day 50 (which is a milestone of sorts, one that I plan to take pride in), I have a long road trip.

615 miles, 9 hours, 15 minutes. Alone. Just me and my thoughts.

This is my moment of honesty: I am terrified. Perhaps it wont be as scary as I am imagining, but I know myself, and I know that every gas station I pass will be a trigger. So, I am going to detail my plan here, and ask your support in it.

1. Explain fear and plan to friends on KTC in my intro.
2. Same explanation to wife.
3. Post roll before I start the pickup.
4. Tools- water, seeds, jolly ranchers, gum, KTC numbers and friendships.
5. Hatred of nicotine.
6. Follow up on intro when I arrive.

I'm not trying to be a doomsday, nancy pants over here. Im just simply recognizing a potential weak link coming up, and I'm doing what I can to shore it up before it happens. I am not losing sleep over this, but I am guarding my quit with my life... because thats what it is to me: life.

A wise man whose opinion I greatly value gave me the following guidance / support early in my quit:

"ODAAT is an important mindset in the first couple of weeks.

You will find your mind wondering to 'If I want dip this much today, how bad am I going to want next week?'

It's a trick. It gets EASIER, not harder.

Just keep yourself from dipping today. Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow."

I've referred back to this when I've gotten anxious about potential triggers. Hope it helps -- and thanks for sending to me in the first place, Canvas.

Canvasback
There is nothing "nancy pants" about admitting the power dip had over you and making a plan stay quit. That is what you are here for. The fact that you are planning for your trip and filling your toolbox means you are serious about this shit. Only the serious remain quit. Good job!

You can do this drive whether it happened today or in 2 days... don't sweat it and overthink it. You own this quit  you own your decisions now. You have hit similar obstacles during your 48 days  have passed. Why would this be different. You are quit  you can conquer any challenge today.

You came up with a plan  that plan is hopefully damn near what you are doing today to stay quit.

Now, what you need to do is stop stressing over a drive you are going to have in 2 days. We can't overanalyze  get fixated on the future here. You need to get back to today  just focus on being quit today. Nothing wrong with making special preps for a road trip because that is prudent... but driving yourself crazy  stressing about it is not prudent. That is why we quit ODAAT.

Take a breath. Relax. Quit today.

[rdad]

I need to air the following thoughts publicly, as a layer of accountability.

Today is day 48. On day 50 (which is a milestone of sorts, one that I plan to take pride in), I have a long road trip.

615 miles, 9 hours, 15 minutes. Alone. Just me and my thoughts.

This is my moment of honesty: I am terrified. Perhaps it wont be as scary as I am imagining, but I know myself, and I know that every gas station I pass will be a trigger. So, I am going to detail my plan here, and ask your support in it.

1. Explain fear and plan to friends on KTC in my intro.
2. Same explanation to wife.
3. Post roll before I start the pickup.
4. Tools- water, seeds, jolly ranchers, gum, KTC numbers and friendships.
5. Hatred of nicotine.
6. Follow up on intro when I arrive.

I'm not trying to be a doomsday, nancy pants over here. Im just simply recognizing a potential weak link coming up, and I'm doing what I can to shore it up before it happens. I am not losing sleep over this, but I am guarding my quit with my life... because thats what it is to me: life.

A wise man whose opinion I greatly value gave me the following guidance / support early in my quit:

"ODAAT is an important mindset in the first couple of weeks.

You will find your mind wondering to 'If I want dip this much today, how bad am I going to want next week?'

It's a trick. It gets EASIER, not harder.

Just keep yourself from dipping today. Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow."

I've referred back to this when I've gotten anxious about potential triggers. Hope it helps -- and thanks for sending to me in the first place, Canvas.

Canvasback
There is nothing "nancy pants" about admitting the power dip had over you and making a plan stay quit. That is what you are here for. The fact that you are planning for your trip and filling your toolbox means you are serious about this shit. Only the serious remain quit. Good job!

[Krusty]

I need to air the following thoughts publicly, as a layer of accountability.

Today is day 48. On day 50 (which is a milestone of sorts, one that I plan to take pride in), I have a long road trip.

615 miles, 9 hours, 15 minutes. Alone. Just me and my thoughts.

This is my moment of honesty: I am terrified. Perhaps it wont be as scary as I am imagining, but I know myself, and I know that every gas station I pass will be a trigger. So, I am going to detail my plan here, and ask your support in it.

1. Explain fear and plan to friends on KTC in my intro.
2. Same explanation to wife.
3. Post roll before I start the pickup.
4. Tools- water, seeds, jolly ranchers, gum, KTC numbers and friendships.
5. Hatred of nicotine.
6. Follow up on intro when I arrive.

I'm not trying to be a doomsday, nancy pants over here. Im just simply recognizing a potential weak link coming up, and I'm doing what I can to shore it up before it happens. I am not losing sleep over this, but I am guarding my quit with my life... because thats what it is to me: life.

A wise man whose opinion I greatly value gave me the following guidance / support early in my quit:

"ODAAT is an important mindset in the first couple of weeks.

You will find your mind wondering to 'If I want dip this much today, how bad am I going to want next week?'

It's a trick. It gets EASIER, not harder.

Just keep yourself from dipping today. Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow."

I've referred back to this when I've gotten anxious about potential triggers. Hope it helps -- and thanks for sending to me in the first place, Canvas.

[Grizzlyhasclaws]

I need to air the following thoughts publicly, as a layer of accountability.

Today is day 48. On day 50 (which is a milestone of sorts, one that I plan to take pride in), I have a long road trip.

615 miles, 9 hours, 15 minutes. Alone. Just me and my thoughts.

This is my moment of honesty: I am terrified. Perhaps it wont be as scary as I am imagining, but I know myself, and I know that every gas station I pass will be a trigger. So, I am going to detail my plan here, and ask your support in it.

1. Explain fear and plan to friends on KTC in my intro.
2. Same explanation to wife.
3. Post roll before I start the pickup.
4. Tools- water, seeds, jolly ranchers, gum, KTC numbers and friendships.
5. Hatred of nicotine.
6. Follow up on intro when I arrive.

I'm not trying to be a doomsday, nancy pants over here. Im just simply recognizing a potential weak link coming up, and I'm doing what I can to shore it up before it happens. I am not losing sleep over this, but I am guarding my quit with my life... because thats what it is to me: life.

I respect the HECK out of this. Nice, nice work Canvasback. You will make it because you are this committed. If it gets hard, that's just another hard crave or two that you will slap to the curb and stomp the living daylights out of, never to be seen again. Count me among those you call or text if you need help.

Alterative framing to consider trying out, too- sometimes during the trip, notice how nice it is not to have to worrry about dipping, about spitting, about the mess in the vehicle. Notice how you can enjoy so many other things since you are not distracted by the old habit and addiction. Soak in that freedom.

Be prepared, but head straight in. You've proved you can live life without the poison. This is one more obstacle that must be added to your resume.

Pop the hood of the car/yourself and you will not find anywhere for the poison. As a matter of fact if you add a little to the gas the vehicle/you will not run right, eventually at all.

Get some toothpicks, candy and straws. Take the scenic root through the hills and parks. Enjoy the drive. No longer does the poison dictate what we can and can't do without it.

Privilege to be quit with you. 50, what a climb. Keep climbing canvas. Lotta good stuff coming.

Good that you have a plan. You'll do fine. Call me if you need to shoot the shit.

[srans]

I need to air the following thoughts publicly, as a layer of accountability.

Today is day 48. On day 50 (which is a milestone of sorts, one that I plan to take pride in), I have a long road trip.

615 miles, 9 hours, 15 minutes. Alone. Just me and my thoughts.

This is my moment of honesty: I am terrified. Perhaps it wont be as scary as I am imagining, but I know myself, and I know that every gas station I pass will be a trigger. So, I am going to detail my plan here, and ask your support in it.

1. Explain fear and plan to friends on KTC in my intro.
2. Same explanation to wife.
3. Post roll before I start the pickup.
4. Tools- water, seeds, jolly ranchers, gum, KTC numbers and friendships.
5. Hatred of nicotine.
6. Follow up on intro when I arrive.

I'm not trying to be a doomsday, nancy pants over here. Im just simply recognizing a potential weak link coming up, and I'm doing what I can to shore it up before it happens. I am not losing sleep over this, but I am guarding my quit with my life... because thats what it is to me: life.

I respect the HECK out of this. Nice, nice work Canvasback. You will make it because you are this committed. If it gets hard, that's just another hard crave or two that you will slap to the curb and stomp the living daylights out of, never to be seen again. Count me among those you call or text if you need help.

Alterative framing to consider trying out, too- sometimes during the trip, notice how nice it is not to have to worrry about dipping, about spitting, about the mess in the vehicle. Notice how you can enjoy so many other things since you are not distracted by the old habit and addiction. Soak in that freedom.

Be prepared, but head straight in. You've proved you can live life without the poison. This is one more obstacle that must be added to your resume.

Pop the hood of the car/yourself and you will not find anywhere for the poison. As a matter of fact if you add a little to the gas the vehicle/you will not run right, eventually at all.

Get some toothpicks, candy and straws. Take the scenic root through the hills and parks. Enjoy the drive. No longer does the poison dictate what we can and can't do without it.

Privilege to be quit with you. 50, what a climb. Keep climbing canvas. Lotta good stuff coming.

[brettlees]

I need to air the following thoughts publicly, as a layer of accountability.

Today is day 48. On day 50 (which is a milestone of sorts, one that I plan to take pride in), I have a long road trip.

615 miles, 9 hours, 15 minutes. Alone. Just me and my thoughts.

This is my moment of honesty: I am terrified. Perhaps it wont be as scary as I am imagining, but I know myself, and I know that every gas station I pass will be a trigger. So, I am going to detail my plan here, and ask your support in it.

1. Explain fear and plan to friends on KTC in my intro.
2. Same explanation to wife.
3. Post roll before I start the pickup.
4. Tools- water, seeds, jolly ranchers, gum, KTC numbers and friendships.
5. Hatred of nicotine.
6. Follow up on intro when I arrive.

I'm not trying to be a doomsday, nancy pants over here. Im just simply recognizing a potential weak link coming up, and I'm doing what I can to shore it up before it happens. I am not losing sleep over this, but I am guarding my quit with my life... because thats what it is to me: life.

I respect the HECK out of this. Nice, nice work Canvasback. You will make it because you are this committed. If it gets hard, that's just another hard crave or two that you will slap to the curb and stomp the living daylights out of, never to be seen again. Count me among those you call or text if you need help.

Alterative framing to consider trying out, too- sometimes during the trip, notice how nice it is not to have to worrry about dipping, about spitting, about the mess in the vehicle. Notice how you can enjoy so many other things since you are not distracted by the old habit and addiction. Soak in that freedom.

[Mogul]

Make sure you have a phone charger in that truck. You need another number, I will give you mine.

Let's not even let caving enter our mind. That door is shut, NAFAR, positive quit attitude and your friends here will get you through.

Send me a PM if you need another number.

[Canvasback]

I need to air the following thoughts publicly, as a layer of accountability.

Today is day 48. On day 50 (which is a milestone of sorts, one that I plan to take pride in), I have a long road trip.

615 miles, 9 hours, 15 minutes. Alone. Just me and my thoughts.

This is my moment of honesty: I am terrified. Perhaps it wont be as scary as I am imagining, but I know myself, and I know that every gas station I pass will be a trigger. So, I am going to detail my plan here, and ask your support in it.

1. Explain fear and plan to friends on KTC in my intro.
2. Same explanation to wife.
3. Post roll before I start the pickup.
4. Tools- water, seeds, jolly ranchers, gum, KTC numbers and friendships.
5. Hatred of nicotine.
6. Follow up on intro when I arrive.

I'm not trying to be a doomsday, nancy pants over here. Im just simply recognizing a potential weak link coming up, and I'm doing what I can to shore it up before it happens. I am not losing sleep over this, but I am guarding my quit with my life... because thats what it is to me: life.

[brettlees]

40 days-- NICE! keep it up, you're doing exactly what you need to do!

[jake frawley]

4. Fake dip: I have never tried it. I am tempted to get some, but I'd like to hear the conventional wisdom on it. I'd like to think I could keep it around as emergency cave prevention, but I bet i would just chew through it. It's a hard thing to think about because it doesn't have nicotine, so I don't know exactly how my brain will react to it. Might even be nice to throw in when I'm around other dippers? But I'm afraid it's too close to the real thing, and that my desire to try it is really based out of desire to dip. Also, I've a made it 38 +1s without, and am enjoying being free  from spitters and stains. Thoughts?

Different schools of thought on this one. For me, the entire act of using dip is a turn off and fake dip allows you to engage in the act of dipping, just dipping with something that doesn't have nicotine. Personally, I like what ZillahCowboy wrote on his intro thread, which nicely elaborates on this type of experience. Yet despite differing opinions on fake dip, there is one consistency we all agree upon. If you need to use fake dip to keep from putting nicotine in your mouth, then by all means use fake dip.

Everyone has a different take on this. I was terrified of fake dip and quite frankly I still am at over 600 days. Just way too close to home for me.... On the flip side, lots of guys here have used or still use it. Whatever works bro - that's the secret. Whatever works for you, you run with it. Quit on!

I recommend trying it BEFORE you find yourself in an emergency. Decide early if you like it. If you end up in a crisis and then drive to a store to get some to try, you may find it go haywire. I went to walmart a few times in a crisis and then found they were sold out. That was a close call. It would have been too easy to buy a can of grizzly at that point. If you like it.... Keep a supply on hand. If you dont like it.... No harm done! It's a personal preference.

[Morgan1]

4. Fake dip: I have never tried it. I am tempted to get some, but I'd like to hear the conventional wisdom on it. I'd like to think I could keep it around as emergency cave prevention, but I bet i would just chew through it. It's a hard thing to think about because it doesn't have nicotine, so I don't know exactly how my brain will react to it. Might even be nice to throw in when I'm around other dippers? But I'm afraid it's too close to the real thing, and that my desire to try it is really based out of desire to dip. Also, I've a made it 38 +1s without, and am enjoying being free  from spitters and stains. Thoughts?

Different schools of thought on this one. For me, the entire act of using dip is a turn off and fake dip allows you to engage in the act of dipping, just dipping with something that doesn't have nicotine. Personally, I like what ZillahCowboy wrote on his intro thread, which nicely elaborates on this type of experience. Yet despite differing opinions on fake dip, there is one consistency we all agree upon. If you need to use fake dip to keep from putting nicotine in your mouth, then by all means use fake dip.

Everyone has a different take on this. I was terrified of fake dip and quite frankly I still am at over 600 days. Just way too close to home for me.... On the flip side, lots of guys here have used or still use it. Whatever works bro - that's the secret. Whatever works for you, you run with it. Quit on!

[Steakbomb18]

4. Fake dip: I have never tried it. I am tempted to get some, but I'd like to hear the conventional wisdom on it. I'd like to think I could keep it around as emergency cave prevention, but I bet i would just chew through it. It's a hard thing to think about because it doesn't have nicotine, so I don't know exactly how my brain will react to it. Might even be nice to throw in when I'm around other dippers? But I'm afraid it's too close to the real thing, and that my desire to try it is really based out of desire to dip. Also, I've a made it 38 +1s without, and am enjoying being free from spitters and stains. Thoughts?

Different schools of thought on this one. For me, the entire act of using dip is a turn off and fake dip allows you to engage in the act of dipping, just dipping with something that doesn't have nicotine. Personally, I like what ZillahCowboy wrote on his intro thread, which nicely elaborates on this type of experience. Yet despite differing opinions on fake dip, there is one consistency we all agree upon. If you need to use fake dip to keep from putting nicotine in your mouth, then by all means use fake dip.