There's an old war story that I only sort of half remember and it goes something like this: An officer addressing the troops says that the mission is dangerous and possibly only one in three will survive. Each soldier looks to his right and left and thinks, "Poor ba$tards." It's human nature. We never think anything bad will happen to us, even when we absolutely know for sure that it can.
But this is only a really short list of possibilities:
- lung cancer
- losing teeth
- losing your larynx
- ulcers
- COPD
- chronic bronchitis
- heart disease
- senses of smell and taste diminished
- You didn't even read this whole list, did you?
Even while typing it my eyes glazed over. No one wants to think about this stuff. No one wants to think about getting sick or dying young or not being able to enjoy retirement some day.
Lots of folks here have COPD. Lots of us have lost teeth. Some of us have had stomach issues after quitting nicotine. (I just learned I have a fatty liver, which I had to look up because What?)
That's why warnings on packs of cigarettes don't work. Surgeon General statements don't work. TV ads don't work.
Because THAT WON'T HAPPEN TO ME.
Even after writing this post I can feel the denial deep inside my brain working overtime. That's why I believe only a positive motivation will keep us on our forever quit journey.
- Positive feedback (here!)
- Noticing the benefits (My hair smells great!)
- Feeling the freedom (Nothing to carry!)
- Feel free to add your own!
No denial needed for these.
