What does this mean to you?
Perhaps if you can figure this out it can aide you in your ability to quit smoking.
When I first jumped on the bandwagon to stop smoking I was doing it for many reasons...all which were commendable but not the right reason. It took more wisdom ( from which I gathered here on this site ) to come to understand that if I had to make my quit my first priority. Meaning, me first.
i was never comfortable with that. I have a tendency to take care of everyone but me. I had put 'ME' up on a shelf years ago and have taken care of everyone else's needs first. Meanwhile, I sat and collected dust. Oh I still managed to exercise and get out now and then and do the things I enjoy doing, but theres more to it than that.....
I recognized nearly 4 years ago it was time to climb down off of the shelf and dust myself off and get busy taking care of me. I needed to set boundaries with some people who were literally sucking the life out of me. I needed to learn how to say 'NO'. I needed to recognize that I wanted to quit smoking because I WANTED TO QUIT SMOKING. I was not quitting for my husband, my kids, my grandkids, my friends, my work.......I was quitting because I desired to be smoke free and healthy. I quit because it was time to take care of me.
Life is going to happen to us~good days-bad days-exceedingly joyful days and exceedingly sorrowful days.
Putting others first before you take care of yourself first, is one way to set yourself up for the more sorrowful days.
What would happen if you were asked to do something that deep down you really don't want to do but you feel if you say 'NO', you would be letting the other person down. Do you think they will forever reject you? Do you think they will think badly of you?
HUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.......Wondering if they are thinking about you as much as you think about them?
Just something to chew on, an example, per say.
Taking care of you first, getting to know the real you will help you establish your boundaries, of what you can and can't do or give.
So what has this got to do with Quitting Smoking? Well for one thing it will help reduce stress which is a huge trigger to smoke for many people and fr me...it was the biggest reason. I wore myself out trying to do to much and fix everyone when I was the one who needed fixed.
Anyway.....Taking care of me is still something I work at and I always will have to I suppose because I do love helping others...but we all need to recognize that perhaps the one who needs more TLC....is us...we are worth the investment.
