Give and get support around quitting
I have, yet, discovered another thing about myself through this journey. After reading my blogs I recognize that the mornings are when I have the most difficulty. As I was doing my morning drive to drop my husband off (isn't it nice he has his own private driver) I dreaded the feeling I had. I suppose the old me would choke the morning off by smoking. It did not make it a good morning, yet it was what I was accustomed to. During the car ride I drank cold water, put a stick of gum in my mouth, and took some deep breaths. After I dropped him off I did some self-talk and visualized (as I often do) what would happen if I smoked. Again, I knew I would choke my brains out and be very disappointed in myself. Bottom line is that I did not smoke. Now I need to add something to my morning to get rid of those thoughts before I torture myself. Perhaps I will start meditation to calm my mind. I know that it works because I do it when there is too much going on in my life and I need to recenter. It is time to take it out first thing in the morning and warm it up like I do with my car on cold days. The feeling of smoking leaves me cold, so I will make myself warm by meditating. Thanks for listening.
-Michelle
Good morning. Mornings were rough with me and my coffee. In regards to Car rides, i cranked up the radio and sang to every tune. It does get easier and then before long you won't be thinking anymore about it. Have a good smoke free day!
Thank you ShawnP. I am starting to head into the day where my thoughts are less and motivation is more.
-Michelle
MichelleDiane I am really proud of you. Mornings were really hard for me at first because I started my day feeding the cat and smoking a cigarette outside. Once I got through the first few mornings and I was able to see that I COULD do it, I was stunned. I knew if I could get through the mornings, I could get through ANY time of day. Meditation is a great way to center yourself, exercise also helps me to feel more in control...after all I am the one exercising, right? There is a discipline there that makes me feel empowered. You are doing SUCH a good job, I love your phrase, "I will make myself warm by meditating."
Have a wonderful day.
Ellen
Yes that is an excellent phrase ! I so agree!!!
Sounds like your journey is showing you where your strengths and weaknesses are in regards to when you used to smoke. Also sounds like you have a pretty good handle on it.
i like that your coming up with ways to divert your attention to something healthier. I used to make my own veggie chips and kept them in the car to have.
i also like that your thinking through the action. The times I didn’t think it through and let my guard down and smoked, were so frustrating.... and I had brought it in myself by NOT thinking through the crave.
I admire your journey. Your gonna make it !
xoxoMissy
Thanks for the encouragement Missy. In a better place now and I didn't have to smoke to get here.
-Michelle
Hey there, you have gotten some stellar suggestions. I LOVED that extra time I got in the mornings...I was also pretty fond of the extra money in my checking account. The cold water was a lifesaver for me...as well as the radio. Congratulations on your journey, my friend, you are doing a great job!
Ellen
Thank you Ellen. Yes. Very good and helpful suggestions. I did think about the money I've saved so far and went out to buy some yarn to make my sister a scarf. (Her favorite color). Drinking loads of water and have found my way back to carrot sticks. I made it through the day and not hanging by a thread. I actually laughed a little and enjoyed some reading. Any smoking thoughts I had during the day were redirected. If I did think a little to long about it I would remember the wheezing and coughing and say to myself that I could not go through day 1 again and that I do not want to smoke anyway. I really don't. Well, I hope your evening is pleasant and thanks again, my friend.
-Michelle
You are SO welcome...I laughed a LOT when I first quit, I think I was reacting to the surge of oxygen and I was SO PROUD of myself...honestly, I am sure I was insufferable.