Did you ever see a Norman Rockwell Painting where Santa was smoking? How about A Wonderful Life where Jimmy kept taking a break from his soul searching to take a drag? Do the kids ever complain that you had to postpone opening Santa's gifts because you had to have a smoke first?
Thank God all that is over this year. You will suck it up. You will. Even if you just barely quit smoking and you really want a cigarette first thing Christmas morning, vow now that you're not going to do it. You're going to have that Norman Rockwell painting - the one with happiness and no smoking. You're going to build the bike or put the Barbie Dream House together without a smoke break.
You're going to think only of Christmas PAST with a smoke, not Christmas present or future.
Why? Because you care enough about yourself and your family to do the hard things for them. Not just the easy thing. The really, really hard things - like quitting smoking. You deserve a Christmas future. Think of all the Christmases over a lifetime. There is only one - this one - where you have to suck it up and quit smoking. The rest of the Christmases left to you will be free if you pay the price today.
You're worth the price. Remember to take your deep breaths. If you want something to do with your hands - grab a camera. Don't drink the whistle tea or the egg nog if it's going to make you want to smoke. You deserve this kindness. You do.
7 comments:
Hey Tracee,
This is the first time I have seen this blog and I just wanted to congratulate you and tell you how awesome it is!
I've never been a smoker so I can't really relate but I am still very proud and happy for you!
Joy and Blessings!
Karen
I'm so glad you're blogging again! And that picture of (I'm assuming is your)baby is TOO cute!
Every holiday, or new stress point is a challenge for those of us who used to smoke in order to remove ourselves from the real moment..have a wonderful time this year ,being in the moment!
"You deserve a Christmas future. Think of all the Christmases over a lifetime. There is only one - this one - where you have to suck it up and quit smoking. The rest of the Christmases left to you will be free if you pay the price today."
This is the absolute truth - getting through your first smoke-free Christmas is a necessary part of the process, Tracee. Next Christmas, this won't be an issue. Hang in there - your freedom from this addiction is worth all of the effort you give it. Your kids are cuties and you're setting a great example for them.
Best, Terry
Terry Martin, Guide to About.com Smoking Cessation
P.S. I've linked to your blog on my home page - http://quitsmoking.about.com
Thanks Karen.
Nan, I didn't mean to disappear, but we moved last week - so, enough said. We moved and I did not smoke.
That is so true about missing the moment. So many moments I had to excuse myself to go smoke. These days all my moments are MINE and I cherish them.
Thanks so much Terry Martin. I agree with every single thing you said.
With the Chantix, now that it's been several months, it's more magical than hard. But, I continue to write to honor how hard it was for those who are going through it right now.
Although it has been VERY HARD lately, I am proud to say that I, too, have quit smoking through a recent move AND am looking forward to being smoke-free on Christmas for the first time since 1989. I quit smoking with the help of Chantix, although I stayed on the drug for only 1 1/2 months rather than the recommended 3 months. My quit date was October 5th. This blog has been a blessing..anytime I feel the urge to smoke, I jump online for a quick reminder of why I quit smoking. It's unbelievable how even 2 1/2 months later I can get cravings like this is my first day quit. Not all days are like this..thank goodness, but they do still happen and it is tough. Probably will be with me for the rest of my life. I just found out a co-worker who quit in January just started back up on his 2 pack a day habit. It can happen..I just can't let it happen to me. Thanks, Tracee for all of your support!
Oh Tracee, Thank God for Tracee! I stumbled upon this blog on accident, and guess what? Today is my first no-smoke day while on Chantix!
I know the secret as well, and really wanted/needed some indirect type of support through this -and now I have it! In lieu of picking up the phone every morning with my coffee to talk to a stranger on a help-line (which is fine for some, just not me), I feel like I know you already and can relate to lots. You are really enjoyable to read.
Thank you so much - now every morning instead of going to my hideaway smoking spot to suck one down before my daughter's bus comes, I can look forward to sitting at the computer (where I never smoked anyway) and reading your blogs. Have a Merry and thank you again. Nancy
Nancy, welcome and thanks for the compliments. It's my greatest reward to help a smoker be a quitter. Help a smoker help a whole family - that's what I believe.
If you ever need encouragement just comment and I vow to respond. If it's a hard moment, remember there is a contents list on the side and I've probably written something that applies to your anger or sense of failure or any other emotion you'll experience.
You feel like you know me because you do. I was you - a smoker - and really, aren't we all smoking for the same reasons and quitting for the same reasons too?
You can do this Nancy - all of you can.
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