Today I celebrate 40 glorious, smoke-free days!!
A few weeks ago, I was wondering if I was going to be spending the rest of my living/breathing days thinking about smoking as well as wondering just how much longer I’d be talking out loud to myself ( I don’t do that anymore. ) For those of you newer into the quit and wondering those same things--I have some encouraging news for you!! The last few days, I really haven’t even thought about not smoking anymore. I have reached a point where I am able to go through my days like a non-smoker!! I have had 1 or 2 episodes/day of what I am going to call “sensations.” It’s kind of hard to explain. I catch myself taking a deep breath which automatically triggers this “I don’t do that anymore” thought, and I have this mild “fluttery” feeling in my chest. By the time I am consciously aware of the breathing, sensation, and thought…it’s already dissipating and gone! BAM! Pretty much all I am left with (after realizing there is something going on in the 1st place) is a thought something like, “What the heck was that?”
I have found in this short journey that to entertain the thought of “just one puff” or “just one smoke” is like playing with fire!! DON’T DO THAT. If you even entertain a brief thought, your brain will wreak havoc on you with relentless urges. Don’t carry on an internal dialogue arguing with yourself as to whether or not you should smoke or not. It is very simple…. You don’t do that anymore and smoking is NOT even an option. Keep telling yourself NOPE and those urges to smoke eventually go away.
So, my friends-- keep strong. Keep those positive thoughts. I have found my personal journey to be more manageable through prayer and the power of positive thinking. Mind over matter is KEY! Keeping close to those who have been on this journey before us is beneficial. Staying vigilant of triggers is necessary. Saying NOPE is CRUCIAL!
Together – WE CAN and we WILL!
