Today while driving my mind went back to when I first quit smoking. I did not foresee this day of reflection but it was about the things that I don’t have to do anymore in order not to smoke. I was comparing the then and the now. With the help of the EXcommunity I have come a long way . Although I still keep my water close by, gone are the toothpicks, straws, gum, mints and other such that I kept as staples in my car. As time passes our minds tend to lessen the hard details or the intensity of quitting smoking. It is like a pain that has finally left. You remember the pain but you no longer feel it. I got through the pain because of determination so I will never ever forget what it took to get here. NEF (never ever forget) because it wasn’t all easy. It did not kill me and life is grander because of it.
I knew one day I would quit but I did not know how until I truly learned about nicotine addiction. Until, I took the time to study, research and read the suggested material to learn about nicotine addiction in depth, I would have been fighting a losing battle. Failing was not on my agenda and smoking was no longer an option. SINAO This did not happen over night. It took time and work of never giving in to the addiction. Thanks to the support here I was able to get through it. Imagine never ever putting another cigarette in your hands or to your lips AND making a vow and committing to it. My mind was made up that whatever it took, “by any means necessary” I was not going to smoke. Not easy but, oh so doable.
Now, an after meal smoke never crosses my mind. A cigarette is no longer my morning wakeup call or bedtime nightcap. I drink my coffee without being concerned about a trigger. I am mindful when to and when not to drink alcohol. Some things take time, others are easier but you have to get through the hard tough painful times to continue in the journey of freedom, which is the great reward.
In life we take lightly what we need to do to make changes in our lives. We hear words of wisdom and often times do not use them, especially when it comes to quitting smoking. What we emphasize here may seem like rhetoric and you may take it for granted but think of one of my reflections:
If you envision yourself as a non smoker and believe that you can perform the work required to achieve freedom from nicotine you will have success.
What is required? NOPE (not one puff ever.... no matter what! I know for a fact that it works. It has keep me free 892 Days. Tell yourself that no matter what…. I will not smoke and commit to your quit.
As always, Stay close, Be mindful, Don’t give in, Don’t give up, Protect your quit.
Peace
