Hello Tony,
This journey is actually amazing, it's about self-discovery and it's very much like an awakening, at least it was for me...
There are many ways to ground it yourself, or center yourself. Meditation is a wonderful thing, even if it's a five minute meditation, to clear the mind... people try to make it complicated, but a meditation can be three to five minutes, sitting quietly, and just focusing on taking deep breaths. Focus on how your body reacts to each breath that you take.
A long hot bath, not only at the end of the day, but anytime is also incredibly soothing, Tony. This is something that calmed and soothed me, at the beginning of my quit - and it still does!
Being afraid, I believe, is part of this journey. We have been hiding behind a smokescreen for as long as we've been lighting up. And that smokescreen, my friend, has kept its very safe.
See if you can stay in the moment, focus on not looking into the future and not looking behind you. When you are afraid, the power is going to be in that very moment.
And very important, Tony, be gentle with yourself right now... you are healing, in mind, body, and spirit. The smokescreen that has kept us so safe, has also kept us from maturing in a myriad of ways.
Just take it one moment at a time, one step at a time. Make a list of a hundred things that you love, and keep that lives close by. Go to your list, Tony, anytime you feel stressed, or afraid. The things that you love, and that soothe your soul and spirit, will take care of you, and you learn to take care of yourself...
Oh, and that smokescreen also kept us from learning how to nurture and love ourselves, my friend. So what a blessing of an opportunity now, for these lessons...
Stay close to this site, and reach for support anytime you need it. And please spend as much time as possible reading, reading, and reading.
Reading old posts here, taught me how to build coping skills to take care of myself in the most challenging times. I learned from others who were kind enough to share their stories, what to do and what not to do.
Stay close, and post often. We are all right here with you and for you.
Many blessings-
Healer
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/5/2006
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 390