Have you ever driven a route that you really don't have to think about where you are going? When you get to your destination you can't quite remember the trip. Sometimes we do things automatically, without thinking about them, smoking included. I want to blog on a topic that helped me tremendously, Mindfulness.
Mindfulness: is a state of quietly and gently paying attention to your thoughts and feelings and avoiding responding automatically.
It is a known fact, during holidays addicts tend to put recovery on the backburner. One could easily become mindless with all the preparations and EXcitement. We do so many things automatically during the holidays like wrapping gifts, decorating, baking, shopping, traveling, errands and cleaning etc. We must recognize this is a crucial time which should not be taken lightly. “So I won’t”. To be honest, I think more about my quit than I think about smoking. Which is a good thing for me. I am headed to my second season and it is my job is to protect my quit and NEF never ever forget that I am an addict.
How am I going to do that? First, by paying attention to what is going on with my thoughts and feelings.. Also by not being overwhelmed with the going on of the holidays. For over a week I have occasionally been smelling cigarette smoke. I am not sure where it is coming from, but I will not allow it to be a trigger. So I have scented candles burning when necessary. I still have my water close by ready when I need it. I plan to remain calm, breath and relax. I will think positive thoughts and prepare for those unforeseen moments of stress. Breathing always worked here. I will be mindful of alcoholic consumption and not drink when my smoking antenna is up. I will be mindful not to forget how important my quit is to me. I will be mindful that this is just another season and I will make it through without smoking. So I plan to prepare and protect my quit. Basically, taking one day at a time with a grateful and humble attitude which means remembering the true meaning of Christmas. JOY I have a friend who says JOY is Jesus Over You. So I have JOY in my quit. Most of all I will relax and enJOY Christmas because my quitting smoking journey is a deep, sincere gift of learning to love myself, the greatest gift of all,
The first time I read the concept it changed the way I managed my quit. Thomas has written several blogs on the subject, Mindfulness Meditation. An EXtra tool to use. Thomas recently wrote another blog that reminded what an impact mindful had. Use the tool. You will be amazed what a difference it will make in your quit. I could not find the original blog that I read but here is a link to another one. https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/Thomas3.20.2010-blog/2016/03/15/spring-into-freedom
Thank you Thomas
There is also a blog by Dr. Hayes link here. https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/community/expert-advice/blog/2015/06/05/practicing-mindfulness-in...
Merry Christmas everyone. Hang tough, be mindful, stay close, don’t give up, don’t give in, protect your quit.
DOF 689
