You've said it before, I'm quitting smoking this year.
But, then you didn't. You couldn't. You just . . .
It's freaking hard!
I read this article in Oprah Magazine by Stephanie Losee, titled The Willpower Myth. It was based on a book Change or Die: The Three Keys to Change at Work and in Life
Change or Die.
When you're a smoker those are literally your choices. You can change and become a non-smoker if you want to live. Or you can choose to keep smoking and live with the consequences: emphysema, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, severely damaging your children. . . oh the list of negatives for smoking just never ends. They keep coming up with more and more reasons to quit smoking.
Let's face it - this is not new information for you. What will be different this time?
Chantix: it's a little blue miracle in pill form. It won't make it exactly easy to quit smoking but it will take you from the depths of hell into simple doable purgatory - which changes everything. Because when it was hell, you couldn't do it. Now that it's only purgatory - well, now you can be a quitter. Go get a prescription - you have nothing to lose.
Relationship: You need support and I'm a been-there -done- that kind of girl. I quit smoking in 2007 and I want to help you quit smoking in 2008. If you think you've got it worse than I did - read I Suck. Feel free to stop by day or night for any support you need.
Repeating: this probably isn't the first time you've quit smoking - so you're going to be better at it this time. All the other times were just practice. And you know what they say about practice.
Reframing: This may be the most important thing you're going to do for yourself. You're going to change your thinking. You're going to do whatever corny thing you have to in order to change your thinking. One thing that worked for me was to write I Am A Non-Smoker on my wrist and my bathroom mirror. I did it for months. Corny? Yes. But, who cares if it's effective?
You can do this. 2008 is your year.
Be a quitter!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Quitter!
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10 comments:
Hey Tracee,
I am looking forward to a smoke-free 2008. My cravings have subsided. Thanks for the support. Like you said, this is really freaking hard but it is possible. The Chantix definetly makes it a lot easer. I am still in the reprograming stage. Its hard to see my ideatity as that of a non-smoker. BTW, tried to link to "I suck" and the link is not showing up. Have a happy New Year.
Peace,
Diva
I look forward to 2008 being a smoke free year! Thanks so much for all your help getting me past my first week.
Mz Diva and Brandie - Know you're going to love to be smoke-free in 2008. You're not going to believe how much better your life is.
Hi Tracee,
I made it through the holidays! My first, smoke free. It's been 12weeks today since my husband and I quit. I'm still feeling fairly rocky about it all, but he's so thrilled with his quit. I couldn't have lasted this long if he had even remotely wavered. So, much of our sucess is his attitude. Isn't that odd? I still want to smoke daily, but it's easier now. I get myself busy, drink water, hard candy. Thanks for your help and support. Happy New Year! Susie
Susie - so proud of you.
What you discribe is the relationship part of change. Having a mentor or moral support or accountability partner is one of the major keys to success.
Why do you think AA works? It's not the program as much as the other people who are quitting with you.
If THEY can do it - I can do it.
It works with everything - money, drugs, alcohol, eating, smoking. . .
Since your husband can do it - YOU can do it. Go give him a kiss and tell him how grateful you are!
Proud of you, Susie. Things will start to get easier and easier now that you've passed the 3 month milestone.
I am also looking forward to a smoke-free '08. In the past week, I have been to the movies, a museum, restuarant, etc. and did not have to sneak away or get antsy for a cigarette. It is like having a whole new-found freedom! I can enjoy doing things, fully enjoy them without that nagging interruption. Wish I was able to do this a long time ago. Good luck to you all and a HAPPY AND HEALTHY New Year! Nancy
I know exactly what you mean Nancy. I used to step out of restaurants, movies, theater, museums, church and family gatherings.
It's so nice to just have a life.
Just wanted to let you know that I spent the New Year holiday in Vegas and didn't even think about smoking. Didn't even want one. I was very worried, however, the smokers didn't bother me!
Thanks for all your blogs and words of wisdom. They really help alot!
Mary
I'm so happy for you Mary. You really are a non-smoker if they smoking didn't bother you a bit. Proud, proud, proud of you and you should be of yourself as well.
Hey, Tracee, how're ya? I'll put this in the Carnival of All Substances at the end of the week.
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