I'm getting a bike

[Lills]

Good for you dippy egg, I'm afraid I never learnt how to ride a bike and now having had two knee replcements I never will, but you go for it girl, have you put a lot of weight on??? I do go swimming though twice a week. Do you find that you have more motivation now to go and do things, I do anyway and a lot more energy xxx

[Dippy Egg]

Originally Posted by una-g

Honestly for me it has been a struggle but I recognise (hopefully) in you the same ****** stubborness that means you wont give in. Good luck and keep on cheering us up!

Una...your instincts are good. I'm as stubborn as a mule. Stubborn is my middle name and stubborness is my absolute worst character trait (normally) You and I havent spoken before, but i've read everything ever written on this forum heh heh.....and am well aware of your struggles. I've been very lucky and found it 'fairly' easy.....hence its easier to sound a lot more cheerful. You deserve a medal for how you've battled your way to that penthouse. When I get there....which I will coz i'm VERY stubborn tee hee......i'm gonna seek you out and the drinks and anything else you want are on me. People like you have been totally inspirational to people like me.....maybe especially so because of the struggle you had.....and the not being beaten by it. I'm not one of those who thinks there is a right or a wrong way to do this. I'm one of those who thinks whatever works for you is the right way.....and as long as we don't stick a lambert and butler in our gob and light it we are all winners. Hooooo bloomin raaaaah

Lills. I'll just give you a backy heh heh. Yeah I put on weight. Course I did. Didnt everyone? Its settling now though....and I must say that the bike has much more to do with fun and happiness and health than weight loss. Hope there's decent bike sheds at that penthouse. Dont want to lose mlle Sylvie. Heh heh

[una-g]

Dippy thanks fo those really kind words. There has been much debate on the forum as to whether us longer term quitters should say how wonderful we feel to inspire newbies...or admit to awful struggles and risk putting newer members off!!! I think some people find it much easier than others actually because we are all different. For me it is stubborness and sheer ****** mindedness that sees me through and I dont know if I'll ever be able to shout that I've won the struggle but possibly that keeps me ever vigilant. There are some wonderfully supportive people on this forum, too numerous to name, and without their support I would still be whining and moaning at the start of my journey. Onnwards and upwards and best of luck to you See I'm cracking some smiles x

[Una]

Originally Posted by una-g

There has been much debate on the forum as to whether us longer term quitters should say how wonderful we feel to inspire newbies...or admit to awful struggles and risk putting newer members off!!!

I think both are important. It really helps to know that others are struggling with the same things. On the other hand, knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel can keep us focused on winning through.

[una-g]

Yes Una there is light at the end of the tunnel..even I can go days without dwelling on cigarettes now and truly I think it's just remembering the times I thought they were helping. 40+ odd years of smoking is a bit of a habit to break but gradually!!!!!!we get there. To go back to the original topic of this thread, Dippy was excited about a new bike and I certainly think that new and interesting pursuits can fill the gap left by smoking. Some of the more thoughtful posts on this forum really reinforce our reasons for quitting, especially those from people who have had health scares and really regret there mis-spent time in smoking. There but for the Grace of God springs to mind. Good luck it's not all awful I'm just a wimp!

[Lills]

I'm afraid I'm like Una, it's been a long hard struggle for me and I still think of a ciggie at least once a Day, but then it just disappears, God forbid that I never ever smoke again but it's a fine line between smoking and not smoking. I am now around 5 and a half months and very proud of myself, having smoked for 50 years. Keep going everyone xxxxx

[HAZE56]

Originally Posted by Lills

I'm afraid I'm like Una, it's been a long hard struggle for me and I still think of a ciggie at least once a Day, but then it just disappears, God forbid that I never ever smoke again but it's a fine line between smoking and not smoking. I am now around 5 and a half months and very proud of myself, having smoked for 50 years. Keep going everyone xxxxx

Lills, Una, Una-g, dippy and everyone else who has quit WE ARE ALL WINNERS we have all done brilliantly! I haven't found it easy and the weight issue is really ****** annoying! But we are all quit......... that sends out a very strong message to newbies that people who have smoked for most of their lives CAN GIVE UP! Even if sometimes they find it a struggle! Nothing worth having in this life comes easy!

[una-g]

Well said Haze..I think it is harder for us rather mature quitters (habit mostly) but we are doing it AND WINNING

[Dippy Egg]

Una G. When I'm a hundred....... Which I clearly one day will be now I've stopped smoking. I expect to still be able to come on here moaning if I'm struggling. This forum is about getting help and support if we need it as much as its about giving it where we can...........no matter how long or how short a time we've been quit. We're all needy ex smokers here. Its a special thing we've all done. A special bond we have between us. A particularly particular shared struggle. It makes us proper bessy mates. Its the reason if I really do live to be a hundred i'm sure i'll still come here to rejoice at the day, with your help, I saved my own life.

On a lighter note......i've ordered bike lights and a bike computer.......

On an even lighter note....Haze...you really truly are a cheery little blossom chops

[HAZE56]

Oh my god! Bike lights and bike computer. You really love that bike don't you. Good for you we, have to treat ourselves we deserve it!