Well one thing I'm learning is time outs are very helpful to re-energize and clear the mind . In the beginning , ( not sure anyone else felt this way ) but the more I talked or read about smoking the more I could almost taste it . I druled over it when I saw pictures of cigarettes posted . Oh my goodness!
It caused anxiety and craves and was most uncomfortable .
My mind had one path thinking only and that one path led to wanting to smoke and give up but I came into this quit from a past mistake and learned tomget through you have to walk through the doors that discourage you and keep walking .
My mind was all over the place newbies in the beginning . I feel for you and am excited for you both . In fact my mind was all over the place that entire first year so please know you aren't alone . Many here have been exactly where you are . Never be discouraged that you are not as far as others. You are exactly where you are suppose to be .
I won't forget the thoughts I had as a newbie.
Thoughts of the past ( the mistakes I made that led me to smoking ) the blame and the shame .
I won't forget the hundreds of excuses I used to justify my addiction, or the reasons I procrastinated .
I won't forget the times when I didn't see a bright future being smoke free and didn't think I was worth it , nor will I ever forget how hard the fight was to keep my quit .
I had a hard time .
Just for today seemed forever , forever was a scary thought and even just a few minutes of losing my 25 best friends took my breath away .
I never pledged like the rest of the group because I didn't trust myself. That's ok , we all have our own tools in the tool box .
To get through I told myself I'd have to say "no to smoking " every single time the thought was there .
I knew that I couldn't smoke if I didn't buy them , borrow them , or smoke them . Not even those darn butts which by the way I went looking for in the grass , on the street , in the garage , in closets and cupboards and in my coat .
That folks is when your eyes are opened how sickening this addiction is . My gosh you would have thought I was nuts , and trust me I felt like I was going nuts . Don't smoke , you are fine , in fact your normal .
I'm sure others here have their stories as well , and you have yours , so just know we are in it together , we can relate , and we get through it together .
So lol just a tip ...don't keep a can of butts around newbies . Toss all cigarettes , butts , lighters , ashtrays . All ! No safe keepings cause
Exes don't smoke em .
The only way through this is to get through it without smoking no matter what .
My little secret now .. cause maybe someone else out there feels the same . My biggest fear was not failure , it was actually the fear I might actually beat this .
I wondered if I could possibly function in my daily life without a cigarette . I thought I might lose control ....and that scared the begeebees outta me , but life isn't about control ....it's
about love . Love is the greatest gift of all hands down .
So the answer is yes you can function even better without the old ball n chain . Trust me .
Its been worth the ride however bumpy the road was .
Day one is the number that's of utmost importance for all of us . Its the beginning and the end to smoking . Everything after that is inspiration .
You can do it . Believe it , strive to achieve it . Be grateful for it .
Post , don't smoke , we got each other .
Maki
