I can't tell you about the first time I smoked a cigarette because I honestly don't remember it. But what I can tell you is that I spent many years in a co-dependent relationship with this nasty habit. I've never been a heavy smoker, not even close. I'd light up a cigarette here and there, during social events, after a meal, but especially if I was dealing with a stressful situation. Any time I felt stressed out, the first thought in my head would be 'I need a cigarette. And hopefully I will feel better.'
Well, guess what.
Cigarettes aren't problem solvers. They're not stress relievers. If anything, they're manipulative and deceitful because they make you think they have superpowers to solve all of your problems.
They don't. Cigarettes are like drama queens. They feed off of drama and prey on you when you are at your weakest- - the more you stress, the more they win. It's a vicious cylce that's so not cool, and a cycle I am breaking up with. I know we've broken up before and I vowed to stay away forever but this time, like Taylor Swift would sing, 'We're never ever ever...getting back together.'
Do you have any good tips on how to stay smoke-free especially after smoking for awhile? Did you do it cold turkey or with assistance such as a patch/gum?
If you're struggling too and need to find ways to relieve stress, refer to my recent blog post!
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First off, congratulations on being cig free for almost two weeks! That's such a great accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteWhat I did to quit was pick up another, healthier habit which was exercise. (I think I might have told you that already). Since you already have weights you bring to work, every time you get a craving just pump some iron. Cravings will come from time to time (I still get them sometimes), but its about distracting yourself from them. They typically only last a few moments & then they pass. So when you're in the midst of the temptation just tell yourself ”This too shall pass”. Because its true; nothing lasts forever. There's a season for everything, and when you're on the other side of the mountain you're trekking up at the moment, you'll look back so proud that you made it! Big hugs..miss you, Ash
Ashlee, I can't believe how long we've been friends for! I love you so much and I truly thank you for the support and motivation you've given me during tough times. This is definitely one of those tough times again and like always, your words of wisdom always keeps me on the right track!
Delete"This too shall pass" - you are so right, that craving will eventually go away. That's life! Best advice about quitting smoking thus far and am STILL going strong! Love you friend!
I've only ever smoked a couple of cigarettes and I just hate it, it's definely a habit I won't be picking up. But my dad smoked for years and years, tried quitting many many times. But just over 2 years ago, decided to quit and never went back, he didn't use patches or fake cigarettes, he just didn't pick one up, he kept some in his car for about 6 months, but never smoked one, I'm incredibly proud of him! =D
ReplyDeletexox
Good for you Beth!! It's not WORTH picking up or trying it again. That's great your father quit smoking, especially considering he didn't even use any type of patch or fake cigarettes. Good for him!! Keep NOT smoking Beth :) !
DeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteCathy am extremely proud of you because even though I've never been in the grip of this poisonous habit yet I still know of very close friends who are and how they find it almost impossible to get rid of cigarettes. I do hope and pray that this may be your last time and you emerge as the winner!
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much Savvy. I'm not even going to hope it's my last time, and just make SURE it's my last time ;) 2 weeks now and still going strong! Appreciate the comment so much!
DeleteOh my goodness, this is amazing. You're very strong. This is such a challenging thing to do. You're my hero!
ReplyDeleteI smoked for many many years. Next week it will two years that I quit for good. I had read Allen Carr's book three times. I believe the biggest motivation was my future. It was crystal clear to me that I wanted to be smoke-free while growing old and then I took the action to produce this result. As with everything, if you know what you want and you want it badly enough, it will be easy and you'll make it happen.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, I hope it is still going as well. I have never smoked myself as my parents both smoked heavily. My mum still does. I really struggle to understand what it's like to quit as I couldn't wait to leave the smokey environment. Good for you and stay strong.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I really appreciate all of your comments on my blog. I just can't reply directly as you're a no-reply commenter. xx