I like trying new things. Taking a 1000 mile challenge, learning how to paint a picture, speaking in front of 75 people.....new to me means being able to step outside my comfort zone and grabbing life. To me there is nothing like feeling like I am really living.
No quote for me here today, not even in my head. So this is new as well as I try to write a post without inspiration myself.
I am 55 miles away from meeting my 1000 mile challenge. Walking intentional miles and I have completed 945 of them. Super excited to meet that goal by the end of the year. Next year I am looking at signing up for a kindness challenge as well. And becoming a certified yoga instructor.
I left worrying about my quit behind me.....over 1270 days ago. Because I had a plan. I had ways of distracting myself when cravings hit. I had ways of being excited about upcoming events and situations and adventures to take the sting out of not smoking.
And I found, to my great delight, that it worked for me. I never focused on how miserable I was because....I wasn't all that miserable. Pangs here and there, of course, but nothing that wasn't overshadowed by the excitement of meeting my goals or the thrill of learning something new. The more I added to my life, the less I missed what I took away from it.
So when I read about quitters asking when the cravings are going to end, I wonder what they are doing to end them. Do you have distractions? Do you have your own coping skills? Do you get excited over upcoming events or trying something new or developing your talents? Do you step outside that old familiar comfort zone that geared everything you did around your addiction? Because that will certainly help! Get rid of those dusty routines...those tried and true methods which keep your addiction alive and kicking.....and create a life for yourself that brings in all you love. Talents, perhaps, hobbies, friends, career goals....whatever brings a song to your soul. Do those things with a passion and do them with joy.
Cravings are supposed to happen. It means that you are breaking the cycle of addiction. It does not mean you are supposed to smoke....it means you are supposed to celebrate the freedom. Well, just my opinion, of course....and it worked for me.
