Funny thing is, you never know what is going to be a trigger when you are deep into your quit. I am nearly 5 1/2 years into mine. Which is nothing but numbers in a straight line. You are safer from urges up here simply because you know how to deal with them. They are like little bullies - they tend to go away on their own if they don't have the effect they seek. But never mind that.
You never know what is going to be a trigger. I got fired. At 62, after great carreer success. Didn't want to smoke about it. I lost my house because I lost my job. Nic Demon did not come and visit. My darling cat, the fourth greatest love of my life, died of kidney failure. I wailed like a banshee (literally) but never wanted a cigarette.
And then, for no reason I could identify at the time, walking down the street at an art fair, I was hit up side the head by a craving like I hadn't had since I first quit.
I know now what the trigger was. But that, too, is another story. This is a story about being safe from triggers. Here's how I do it now, on the fly.
1) Run away. Go somewhere safe. Out on the street and want a cigarette? Get thee into a cafe or other non-smoking space.
2) Blow it off. Yes, this tip from the beginning of your quit still works. You know how to whistle, Don't ya? Breathe in, deep breath out.
3) Shout it out. Don't let that urge sit around in your head. Look it in the face and say, "I want a cigarette." Now that urge has nothing on you. You took it's power. Walk away and leave it alone.
If you are new to your quit and looking down the road, wondering what to expect, keep this in mind. You might as well look up and enjoy the day instead. Smoking urges aren't lurking behind every tree and light post. They're simple little slights of your own mind. Yes, they'll find you. But you already have everything you need to beat them. Just be sure to keep your armor polished.
