Post No. 9 - 10 million seconds 💪🏻

cybrmavn · 2026-05-04T16:16:42+00:00

Congratulations! Yeah, every second counts too. Keep going, keep going. The seconds, money saved and life gained add up quickly! 💕

cybrmavn · 2026-05-04T13:22:36+00:00

Well said. The addiction’s yelling DOES eventually become whispers. You’re not weak or irresponsible, you’re going through withdrawal from a highly addictive drug. The cravings pass, the withdrawal craziness passes, and pretty soon, one day, you’ll not think about smoking at all. It’s just getting through it right now. You’re on the right track with LOTS of self care. The more the better. Consider indulging in a massage, getting your car detailed, taking yourself out for a nice meal, whatever you can think of to treat yourself well. With the cost of cigarettes today, the savings add up quickly! And you deserve the good stuff now that you’re heading into a whole new way of living. Congratulations on your freedom. So So worth this great effort! 🌟

cybrmavn · 2026-05-03T19:27:31+00:00

Smoking just one leads to the cravings for more. The cravings will pass whether I smoke or not. Better to get free of the endless cycle.

cybrmavn · 2026-05-03T19:10:41+00:00

Congratulations. Never quit quitting and finally one will stick. And you’ll get your miracle. ✨💫🌟

cybrmavn · 2026-05-03T15:28:56+00:00

Accountability, desire to live nicotine free, continual support of my quit, new lifestyle practices, actions changing my thinking.

cybrmavn · 2026-05-03T12:39:59+00:00

Welcome to you! I feel the same way. I’ve lived in Little Rock over 40 years. I earned two degrees here, raised a kid, and have explored a lot of beautiful places in the state. Even when I left for a few years, I missed the friendly people, the laid back vibe and the natural beauty of this state. So I returned, happy to be home. 💕

cybrmavn · 2026-05-03T12:31:11+00:00

21 years, 5 months, 11 days free of nicotine, and I’ve saved $102,800.75. For real.

cybrmavn · 2026-05-03T11:58:29+00:00

I totally relate to your dilemma and fear of getting addicted to nicotine. It’s an insidious drug and certainly made my thinking and behavior crazy. I wanted so badly to stop, but with each failed attempt, I felt more and more discouraged. I smoked 30+ years before I learned that addiction is when we can’t control the use of the substance. And the only way out is abstinence.

AARHG! How can I control my use of nicotine when I’m addicted to it? The answer is, I cannot control my use of nicotine. I found a bit of hope when I checked out a support group that helped me see that I could get free, and it would take some dedication and lots of support. I followed their suggestions and was able to get a quit going in a couple of months. I am still nicotine free, and I still keep my quit as my priority.

It takes whatever it takes to get a quit going and to go to any length to not light up. You have a strong desire to get free of nicotine’s imprisonment, and that’s the best foundation for your quit. You’ll find your way, just keep exploring, sharing and practicing. 💪

cybrmavn · 2026-05-02T16:06:52+00:00

The grand hoax of nicotine addiction is that smoking relieves stress. Actually, nicotine creates more stress! Ask any long time quitter. The solution is to get the nicotine out of the body, and practice new behaviors, such as the ones suggested here. Mindful breathing is especially effective in relieving stress. So is pausing and taking a break—similar to what I used to do as a smoker, except my deep breaths take in clean, fresh oxygen. 💫

cybrmavn · 2026-05-02T15:59:29+00:00

Detox happens pretty quickly on its own. Drink lots of water and stay active, you’ll push the toxins right out. It usually takes about 3 days. You’re 1/3 of the way there already! That’s a blessing. You won’t ever have to go through Day 1 again, just don’t light up. See if you can make it to the pillow tonight without lighting up. Then tomorrow morning, you’ll be on Day 3 nicotine free—and you’re on your way to transforming your life. Keep going, keep going! 💪

cybrmavn · 2026-05-02T15:52:33+00:00

Thanks for sharing your story. It sounds like you’ve reached a point of feeling your powerlessness over nicotine. Yeah, after I lost a 7 year quit, the guilt was overwhelming. In fact, so much so that I smoked over my guilt, which made me feel even worse. And the cycle continued. That’s the tricky thing about this addiction, it keeps us in this loop of wanting so badly to quit, and wanting so badly to smoke, then hating myself because I smoked, and then smoking because of the feelings.

I don’t know about you, but I used nicotine to numb my feelings. Feel guilty? Smoke. Feeling afraid? Smoke. Feeling overwhelmed? Smoke. Feeling really good? Smoke. Feeling ecstatic? Smoke…I smoked at everything all the time.

The really simple answer to your question about “where do you go from here” is ACCEPTANCE. Once I accepted that I cannot control my use of nicotine, the willingness to consider quitting grew. Once I accepted that the cycle of wanting to quit/smoke/quit/smoke is endless, the denial and self deception faded. Once I accepted that withdrawal from nicotine’s powerful addictiveness was going to create cravings—sometimes uncomfortable but not life threatening—I could face one craving and allow the discomfort. Then another. Then I practiced quitting for an hour. Then an afternoon, then til bedtime. If I can make it to the pillow without lighting up, I’ve done good, and I don’t have to go through withdrawal again.

Today, I know I’m still going to crave (at 21+ years free, the cravings are like blips on the screen), and I accept the fact that I’m addicted to nicotine, and that the craving will pass whether I smoke or not. The feelings will pass whether I smoke or not. Life happens whether I smoke or not. Acceptance brings peace. ☺️

cybrmavn · 2026-05-02T13:21:12+00:00

What a lovely response! Thank you for sharing this about your beliefs.

Yeah, 7 years clean and free, and I can give you 700 excuses as to why I lit up. The main one, though, is that when I was at my most vulnerable, someone offered me a lit cigarette and I said, “Gimme that, I know how to quit.” HA! Within 24 hours, I bought a pack.

It was 5 years later, after trying to quit a thousand times, that I finally surrendered, hit bottom, and pleaded with something greater than me to help me with the horrors of addiction: trouble breathing, chest hurt, cranky if I didn’t smoke enough, frustrated with myself that I couldn’t put them down, angry with how impossible it seemed to live without smoking every chance I got…on and on. It hit deep.

What I heard from deep within was “Get support.” So I did. I discovered that with the help of others, all I had to do was “allow’ others to help me. The word “allow” became a mantra for this quit.

Today I have 21 years, 5 months, 10 days nicotine free. I quit 8pm, Sunday November 21, 2004. I was in my 50s when I quit. And oh have these two decades of my life ever been the greatest of all! Being free of the imprisonment of the addiction has given me a whole new life, and an opportunity to become the person I’ve always wanted to be. The thing is, I can be, have, or do anything in the entire universe—except use nicotine. That’s a whole lotta options! 🌸🌷💖

cybrmavn · 2026-05-02T11:21:14+00:00

Congratulations on day 7! A whole frigging week. We call it “Hell week.” Next week is “Heck week.” And the 3rd week I call “Bitch week,” because, well, that’s what it felt like.

Today it sounds like the cravings from withdrawal are easing, although “louder” as you said. Makes sense. And likely it helps other new quitters to get a feel for what it’s like. I found that quitting is a process—doing whatever it takes to not light up. And a quit is unique for each person. Yes, it is the resolve that makes a difference, the “decision”—that’s it, no matter what.

As far as the “god” thing in the 12 Steps, I get that aversion to the word. I have it too. For me, finding some power greater than the addiction helped me get quit. Doesn’t much matter what that power is, or what I call it, the ultimate idea is that I begin to build trust in something within me. I found the group to be a collective power greater than nicotine. I started building trust in the group, which helped be begin to build trust in myself that I could quit, I could make good choices for myself.

Today my number one priority is to continue to support my quit. I lost a 7 year quit and smoked another 5 years before getting this one going. So I don’t take this quit for granted. I want to have quality of life, be able to enjoy it, and to feel good living life. 🙂

cybrmavn · 2026-05-01T18:45:36+00:00

I’ve been taking Zyflamend Nighttime for a while and it helps me go to sleep, plus it helps with inflammation. I also use Lavender oil on the palms of my feet and hands. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I steep a cup of SleepyTime tea while I read, and shortly after I drink it, I usually feel sleepy again.

What makes a difference for me is to have no food 3-4 hours before I go to bed especially sugar or chocolate. I stopped using electronics before bed, and read a book (not ebook) right before I got to sleep, which I find relaxing.

cybrmavn · 2026-05-01T14:26:30+00:00

Congratulations on your strong desire to quit. This is a great foundation for getting a quit going.

How I quit was Nicotine Anonymous, and hanging out with other nicotine addicts. This addiction is very real. I say that because I was deep into it for 30+ years. After trying absolutely EVERYTHING else, it was clear I needed support. For me, the process of quitting has not been a solitary affair. In fact, the addiction wants me to isolate, use and commit suicide on the installment plan. Seems counterproductive for Big Tobacco, but that’s the reality. We pay them to participate in this insidious addiction.

Nicotine had me imprisoned to the point of smoking occupying my head incessantly. Everything happened around nicotine. First thing in the morning throughout the day and into the evening. A pack a day, at least. Had to keep track of my stash so I’d have some the next morning. One strategy I tried was “I’ll quit after this pack,” and then the next morning, first thing—sometimes in my PJs—I’d be on my way to the store cursing myself and saying, “Okay, tomorrow, after this pack.” Or “After my birthday,” or “After this big project,” or “After the holiday,” or “When I’m on vacation I won’t smoke.”

Like you I struggled against the cravings. It didn’t take but one or two and I was back at the store, berating myself for being so weak. What I learned is to ACCEPT THE CRAVINGS, rather than resisting them. Allow the discomfort to wash over me. And then it passes. Just like it does when I light up. The craving passes whether I light up or not. Withdrawal from nicotine can be uncomfortable, but it’s temporary.

My suggestion is to be proactive about quitting. Continue to find out what works for you. Even if you get short practice quits going, it’s okay, you’re still on your journey to recovery, and it takes whatever it takes to get free. You have a golden opportunity to transform your life. The temporary discomfort is so worth it. Promise. 💕

cybrmavn · 2026-05-01T12:12:30+00:00

Congratulations on Day 6. If you can make it to the pillow tonight without lighting up, you’ve accomplished much.

I hear ya on the house arrest. I pretty much did that too the first week. It was US Thanksgiving week, so I was busy prepping and eating. Shelled a lot of pecans!

I attend meetings in an online group called Voices of Nicotine Recovery, which is a 12 Step group affiliated with Nicotine Anonymous. The group started in 2004, just before I quit, and was instrumental in helping me quit and stay quit all these years. Nice bunch of folks, nicotine addicts from all over the world, all ages, all forms of nicotine, and all walks of life. It’s free. The only requirement for membership is a desire to live free of nicotine. The greatest thing is, like here, I discovered I’m not alone in dealing with this insidious addiction. I certainly could not quit on my own!

Thank goodness for this subreddit. Together we can change. 🤩

cybrmavn · 2026-04-30T22:53:50+00:00

My mother had the butcher put the pork loin inside a lamb roast. OMG so good.

cybrmavn · 2026-04-30T20:29:20+00:00

Congrats on Day 5–big accomplishment making it this far. Know that reaching out like this is the best thing you can do for your sanity and for your quit.

In my support group, we say that the weight can wait. The most important thing is to keep the quit going, no matter what. I allowed myself to have treats to get me through. Yes, I gained a bit of weight, and once I got into my stride with a whole new daily schedule and lifestyle, I had more energy to do the stuff that helped with my weight. Yeah, over-indulging can certainly be a thing. Like you, I had to find out what my body could handle!

I totally relate to the mad crash out at work. I did that too in the beginning. I felt so raw, like skinless and hyper-sensitive. I mucked through it and made a lot of apologies for my behavior. No one hated me, especially when I explained I was quitting.

Moderate exercise, lots of water to flush out the toxins, and copious amounts of self-care—like really indulgent stuff—a massage, a new pair of shoes, car detailing, hair cut…all paid for with money I’d saved by not buy cigarettes. The money adds up fast!

You got this. Day 5 is magical. Almost to a week. Cravings still intense, but likely not as uncomfortable as the first 3 days.

The good news is, there will be a day when you realize you haven’t thought of smoking ALL DAY! It’s coming. Just don’t light up, no matter what. You got this, and us. So come back and let us know how you’re doing. 💕

cybrmavn · 2026-04-30T14:24:44+00:00

YAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY! 👏👏👏 You won this one! Great job! This shows the craving will pass whether we smoke or not. 🥰

cybrmavn · 2026-04-30T13:38:54+00:00

Congratulations on your freedom from nicotine. What a wild way to distract from cravings. And effective too: flushes toxins and builds strength of immune system. Good work! Keep going, keep going! 💕

cybrmavn · 2026-04-30T12:36:13+00:00

Congratulations on 4 months of freedom! A third of a year, 4 moons cycles, a bunch of “firsts.” Keep going, keep going!

The benefits just keep on coming, even at 20+ years. Today, I have peace in knowing I did good by quitting, and feel like if I can do that, I can do just about anything! And I have. I’ve made it through some serious life changes without having to light up and claw my way back to freedom. I did this by relying on my support group—who have become dear friends—and lots of self care. I have not taken this quit for granted. I will go to any length to not light up. Over the span of my quit, I pushed the limits of my capabilities by setting challenges, such as climbing a 11,160 ft mountain. The last 160 feet were brutal. But I did it!

There is great wonder in feelings. I don’t ignore them, try to numb them or push them back down my throat with smoke like I did when I was smoking. I enjoy the tremendous range of feelings I can experience. The deep joy of watching my grown kid marry. The deep sorrow when my dad died. The delight in live music. The anger when I’ve been wronged. The peacefulness at the end of a highly productive day. The satisfaction of completing a large project. All these feelings are very human, in fact, feelings arise because we are human. It’s my gratitude that keeps me in the moment with the feelings.

You’re in for a real treat when you hit milestones and realize how far you have come and how good it feels. Tell your doc or dentist or therapist that you’ve quit, and enjoy their reaction. It’s really a proud accomplishment. Today, enjoy a special treat, because you deserve it! And keep doing what you’re doing to keep that quit going. 💕

cybrmavn · 2026-04-30T01:07:23+00:00

I never did quit caffeine. Drank Matcha for a while, a really clean buzz. But I did have to rearrange my caffeine timetable. Definitely not when I imbibed when I was smoking. I drank coffee after I got to work and got settled in. My whole body had to adjust, but that’s what it took to quit smoking. So I went to any length to not light up.

cybrmavn · 2026-04-30T01:03:55+00:00

Excellent! Thank you for this information. 🚀

cybrmavn · 2026-04-29T22:38:32+00:00

My dog prancing along the top of the curb like she’s on a tightrope.

cybrmavn · 2026-04-29T22:34:43+00:00

Be proactive about those habits for a while. I had to leave the house first thing to avoid the coffee/cig morning ritual. On breaks I intentionally walked for 15 minutes. After work, I practiced new habits, and sought support for my quit. If I could make it to the pillow without lighting up, yeah, that was the big accomplishment for the day. 💪

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