I think it's interesting to see when people started smoking, when they came to the realization to stop smoking and their reasons for doing so. Most started smoking because they thought it made them look cool in adolescence. Somehow it gave them confidence and power, toughness. Others started smoking because they believed it relieved their stress. Others started smoking because they really enjoyed the taste of a cigarette and the smell of it. I was the latter.
There are many reasons to stop smoking, COPD, emphazema, circulation problems, the list goes on. Some stop because their significant other wants them to stop. They somehow feel that their physical presence or impression to others are now looked upon badly. Their loved ones have noticed some debillitating aspect showing up that they are concerned about and want them to stop. Mine was the mixture of increased headaches and dizzy spells and shortness of breath when doing any type of physical activity. Some people simply stop for a time or try to quit because their insurance rates could be or will be increased or to passify someone in their lives and then they just go back to it.
I know in my case all the previous very short stints of quitting, anger was my biggest trigger. Sometime I would simply find anything or everything to be angry about and just run to the store to buy a pack of cigarettes, because my addictive mind told me that it would make everything better. That will calm you down. Realizing some of those triggers are very important even in an 8 ½ month quit like mine. Just the other day I had roofers, complainers, barking dogs, three people wanting something from me all at the same time and wanting it NOW. I could have very easily went to the store and bought a pack of cigarettes and started puffing away like a steam engine. BUT what would that help, what would that change, what would that make anything easier or better for me?
Just remember, those triggers are everywhere and will pop up from time to time. It's called life and life doesn't stop when you stop smoking. Life is full of stress, frustration. It's important to learn how to act differently to the reactions that we did for so many years. It's also important to look on the positive side instead of the negative. Check out Positive Affirmations for Success: You can take what you want and leave the rest. And you can always find and contribute your own.
When you click the Group Button just to the right of the Blog button and when that window comes up look for the featured group button we are the first group listed Also for awhile we are on the Home Page under Featured Groups. OR just click this link
https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/positive-affirmations-and-support
But don't miss the Daily interactive Discussion called Love Yourself. Whether you're dropping in to say Hello, offer Love and Support to your Friends or need a place where you will truly feel listened to, we are there - every single Day! Take a Look and feel Free to join us! ALL are Welcome!
https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/thread/3533-love-yourself
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