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Share your quitting journey

Return to Normal

Thomas3.20.2010
6 5 85

We are often asked "When will I return to normal?" Although that's a common sentiment - I wondered the same thing - it misses the mark. "Don't look back - you're not headed that way!" Smoking Cessation will bring you to a New Normal. But in the rush to normal, use this time to consider which parts of 'normal' are worth rushing into. 

One of the most freeing things about the new normal is that you get to define how that looks! I changed some people, places and things in my life and I don't regret it. Some of my smoking buddies only shared one thing - addiction to nicotine. I had to let go of these relationships for awhile at least because I associated with some people only over tobacco. 

I had to changed my places at work, at home, even my car! I used to have my patio set up primarily for smoking. I did a complete overhall of it to be non-smoker friendly. I cleaned out and detailed my car making it nonsmoking only. At work I stopped going to the smoking areas and learned to hang with the nonsmokers - because that's what the goal is - Nonsmoker. 

I threw away my ashtrays, lighters, and matches - all my paraphernalia. It took me along time before I could play cards again. I replaced all of these objects with life fortifying objects.

Yes, I snatched at  my pocket for that missing pack of sickerettes. I hunted for lighters any number of times, I was compelled like a magnet to join my friends to the smoking areas. I felt nostalgia at times for the old normal. But I pursued my new normal. You see, commitment is the little choices we make every day that lead to the final results we're striving for.

There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in smoking cessation, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to quit smoking, you accept no excuses - only results! Make those small decisions about who, what, where you'll be and keep your eyes on the prize

You're worth it! Never quit quitting - No regrets!

LLAP!

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About the Author
63 years old. 20 year smoker. 11 Years FREE! Diagnosed with COPD. Choosing a Quality LIFE! It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. -Galatians 5:1