Hello and Good Day to You All.
Day # 7 without the almost constant desire for smokes. I have my plan for the Day in place and nothing will overpower all the tools I have at the ready.
I think one of the biggest reasons I wanted that first cigarette in the past was the desire for that little buzz, that sense of ease and comfort I thought a smoke would give me. But with the nicotine patch on my arm, that little buzz can't happen. All that's left is my mind's state and I have that in control ToDay, at least, most of the time. I call it course-correction. Anger is maybe my worst enemy. If, when it arises, I notice the agitation right away and correct my mind's course by redirecting my thinking to something more beneficial, it loses it's power.
This morning, I woke up remembering my dream. Something happened that ticked me off. I held onto that angry feeling, cultivating it, indulging in it. Then, the next thing I recall is being in a store, buying cigarettes and a lighter. When I left the store I found myself engaged in another activity and when I had the chance to light up, I didn't want to throw my 6 full days of being quit away. I knew the meaning of the dream right away...apply the course-correction method as soon as possible after realizing any agitation.
A craving may arise but I am confident that with all my tools and commitment, I will not indulge it to the point where it becomes a problem and I pick up...Just For ToDay.
I recommend you open that pack of cigarettes under a running faucet and watch your money go down the drain. I am SO proud that you didn't ALSO wash your quit down there!!!!! Throw out the lighter, too - unless you have candles or a barbecue in your life!
Perhaps you can make a plan NOW how you will handle that anger in the future? Will you maybe go for a brisk walk, or curse into a pillow (or out loud if you live alone) or punch it until you are spent. Maybe count down fro 1,000? Maybe march in place? You might also take a minute to understand WHY you are angry. You are re- learning your life as an ex-smoker - and this is part of the journey. What do you think people who never smoked do when angry? If you know any, maybe you can ask them!
At the end of today, H#ll Week will be YOURS! You conquered it! Now - on to Heck Week and the rest of your life.
I am SO proud of you!
Nancy