Hi Caron
I am so pleased that you found encouragement from my post today.
I just read through your string and it is bringing back lots of memories. It seemed like, at the beginning of my quit, I was always struggling, with one thing or another... I just kept putting time between me and nicotine until I ultimately found comfort. It came in dribs and drabs at first, and then in great waves, and now I am swimming in it. Your comfort will come too. Although quitting is challenging at times, especially at first, may I be so bold as to suggest that you embrace the challenges? You are leading your body out of withdrawal and away from addiction to a place of healing. Your body will adapt, as did mine; even the weight thing settled itself. The body has a tremendous capacity for healing. It is a marvel. Allow your body to heal itself; it will.
As a meditator, are you also familiar with restorative yoga poses; these may help with your sleep issue. But this too will sort itself out very soon. You were just a baby when you started smoking image. Your body hardly knows how to rest at all due having had to cope with stimulants in your system for all of your teenage and adult years.
You are still so young; congratulations for quitting now. You and your children will benefit tremendously.
Ilona
(7 months)