Quitting Does Not Have to Affect Creative Pursuits

[NewRetiree]

I just want to share a bit of inspiration. I write for a living, and my greatest fear about quitting was that I would never be able to write without a cigarette in my mouth. I suspect that other creative people may have this concern. But, now that I'm a seasoned Ex (joke--it's been about 75 days so far, though), I was surprised to discover that smoking had nothing to do with my creativity. If anything, it stalled me from getting on with my business.

If anyone out there has concerns about smoking stifling creativity, I'd advise them to put the idea out of their minds. But, it doesn't hurt to have plenty of replacement behaviors that don't interfere with the process. In addition to NRT (final phase now--6-8 hours apart!), I have a pouch of cinnamon toothpicks at my side. This seems to work without adding calories. Since I derive no financial benefit from this company, I can tell you to go to Flavored Toothpicks - Lemon, Mint, Cinnamon Toothpicks – FlavoredToothpicks.com. I believe that the cinnamon flavor works best for this purpose.

As you can see from this post, quitting has NOT affected my ability to write!

[CommunityAdmin]

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/community/expert-advice/blog/2017/07/26/does-smoking-make-you-mor...‌  Perhaps you want to read this blog.  Might be helpful

Mark
EX Community Manager

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Congratulations on 75 days smoke free.  Maybe you will write more blogs here so we may enjoy your creativity. 

[elvan]

Welcome to EX and congratulations on 75 days of freedom and your discovery that smoking was not part of your talent or your ability to express yourself.

Ellen

[MarilynH]

Congratulations on 75 glorious smokefree days yay for each day WON because Freedom Rocks.

[JonesCarpeDiem]

eXcellent

[elvan]

I was terrified when I was presented with my first problem solving that involved math, how could I possibly do MATH without smoking? Then I remembered that I couldn't do it WITH smoking.  We gave smoking so much credit that it did not and does not deserve.

[Giulia]

I just came upon your post.  My mind was ON FIRE when I quit smoking.  It was one of my more creative and humorous  writing periods.  I had so much craving energy and writing was my outlet for it.  My husband (who quit YEARS before I did) had the same fear as you - that he wouldn't be able to write as well and creatively.  And just like you, it didn't hamper that ability at all!  

So I'm in agreement with you.  Not only does quitting not have to hamper creative pursuits, it can ENHANCE them!  Kudos on your smoke-free days!