I woke up this morning with a slight headache which I rarely have. One which I could have used as an EXcuse to smoke. In fact my mind characterized it as such. However, I knew that I wasn’t going to smoke because I no longer choose smoking as an option. Yep, I could believe the lies that the nicotine addiction tells but thankfully I have passed the point of being fooled. No matter what “I don’t do that anymore”!
So I look at the situation. Why do I have a headache? Not enough sleep, need to eat or my eyes tired from too much computer time? I focused on the reasons instead of focusing on telling myself that I “need” a cigarette? (Brain washing) I equated this situation with other life experiences; sickness, grief, death, job loss, anxiety, depression, divorce or just life in general. You can name your experience and put it here.
You have heard it before and I will say it again, “Life does not stop just because we quit smoking”. At times it may feel life has taken on a new intensity (brainwashing) but we can’t blame it on not smoking. Life happens every day and we have to take time to step back, evaluate and relearn how to handle things without a smoke. Nonsmokers do it all the time, so can we. We have to stop believing that lighting a cigarette will help. (Brainwashing) It won’t. To get to this point we must go through the task of learning new life skills without smoking. It may not be easy to start and we may not like the moods that we see ourselves in but the process is doable. The main part of the journey is learning and relearning how to handle life without smoking. We learn by no matter what NOPE(Not One Puff Ever).
With practice this mindset can become automatic if we allow it. We are simply reversing the I "need" a cigarette mentality. It does not happen overnight but by continuously saying NO to smoking you will get there. You will act, think, believe and live a wonderful life as a nonsmoker. So come here first if you are having difficulty and ask for help. Someone here may have experienced what you are going through they can and will help you.
Hang tough, stay close. Don’t give up, Don’ give in ! No matter what protect your quit.
Do Not put the stinking thing to your lips!
I am a nonsmoker and I approve this message. NOPE saved me. BTW, I ate a meal, took some Tylenol and my headache is gone.
