Daily Pledge, Bonfires and Quit Celebrations: Traditions born from the members
if you're here to (make a pledge) to quit because you've decided without any prior thought to do so - think again. This is not just a place for end-of-the ear New Year's resolutions. The "Oh I REALLY NEED TO QUIT SMOKING" cry and so "THIS YEAR I'll really DO IT!" And "New Year's is the PERFECT TIME!." We've all been there, attempted that. For most of us that New Year's resolution was just a wishful thought based on hope and what our inner wisdom told us we should do for the benefit of our health. It was a beautiful, but brief, emotional desire, supported by very little else than the "I SHOULD."
Quitting takes so much more than that. It takes all sorts of thoughtful supportive measures. It takes desire, yes, but desire is not the deciding factor. Knowledge, dedication, commitment, sacrifice, homework, perseverance... all the words we really don't want to hear. That's what quitting takes. Well, the lasting kind, anyway. We want it to be easy. We want to take a pill and awaken the next day craving free. Doesn't happen. YOU have to do the work necessary to achieve the success you want. YOU have to make and take the time. YOU have to learn and apply that learning and you may have to make some sacrifices along the way. Are you willing? It's an incredibly empowering journey. You'll learn things about yourself you never knew And they are positively THRILLING!
No, it's not an easy ride. Smoking has consumed your days and twilights. For YEARS. It has consumed most of your being in more ways than than you have even considered. But you'll discover all that if you stick around and, well - just read. In order to overcome this addiction, you have to consume something else. A different mindset. Your brain, unfortunately was sabotaged without your knowledge. But knowledge will give you the keys necessary to unlock the door to your Freedom. It's YOUR choice.
What will you choose?
This is a one-day-at-a-time journey. Get through today and you will find it will aid your tomorrow. Each smoke-free day builds upon the next and adds strength and encouragement to those days which followl.
Those who have been a member of this group and have pledged daily, know the strength of this daily dose of commitment. You do us all honor every day. Thank you.
I, Giulia, pledge to remain smoke free this day as I have for the past 3,592 days. Take my hand and don't be afraid. It get's easier. Really it does! Rejoice! Who will join me?
Well here's a new member's hand to take. Welcome Boarsheadeli! Glad you've joiined us in the pledge group. Do YOU have any suggestions for making the pledge more exciting? If you do, feel free to SPEAK UP! We weclome suggestions here.
Sharon I especially like your distraction idea. The "reason to stay clean" - I fear we'll end up repeating ourselves before too long. And that will become boring also. So here's my distraction for today: Click on the Pew Research link that follows and take the quiz.
http://www.pewresearch.org/quiz/science-knowledge/
Here's another idea: Part of what's boring me is the same old "thanks for you hand...I pledge....here's my hand..." So I'm gonna asssume you know I thank you for your hand and that you also know my hand is held out for the next person. And I'm just gonna promise not to smoke in whatever way I feel like on any given day. It helps to be creative with it. Such as....
I'm FREE! You think I'm gonna put a cigarette in my mouth and give that up? NO WAY.
