Cravings
This is not my idea but one I discovered on this site. The cravings a smoker feels are those of the smoker. What if like another quitting smoker we give the craving a name. The person in this community has called the craving, Margaret, after Margaret Thatcher, the Iron Lady. Usually a craving is interpreted as what we want but if we realize the craving is really a trick being inflicted by another then we are in a better position to ignore this. On my first day I played golf at 11am, visited the 19th hole, said a few stern words to "Margaret" and at 7.30 still hadn't had a cigarette. Would like to thank the person who suggested this method. 45 years a smoker. No one tells me what to do, especially, Margaret....It is now day 3 without any cigarettes and any smoker who is seriously addicted knows how difficult the first 5, 10, or 15 minutes without the nicotine fix is. I just keep saying "No" to Margaret, (mostly using expletives) and it is working. I hope one day I might be able to breathe easy. And I really want to reclaim my money and how I choose to spend it as opposed to wasting/burning it. 2 weeks without cigarettes equates to a pair of designer shoes... Hmmm
That's great. I had not read about the "Margaret" tactic here but many months ago when my sister was giving up smokes I came up with an idea for her that she think of the cigarette as her ex partner, similar idea. I had totally forgotten about that until now reading your post & think it's great. I don't know why I had forgotten this tactic but will now try it myself. Thanks for that. I love your last lines. Did you get any odd looks at the 19th hole? ha ha. this conjures up a funny image in my head. Good on you, really, you keep up the good work! Don't let Margaret get the better of you, ever again. all the best.
20 hours since the last cigarette. My craving, named Margaret (Thatcher) was there this morning and again I was able to utter some strong words and a few expletives as I headed to the Nespresso machine. Normally I would be chain smoking my second cigarette. Saying no to Margaret is so empowering. I would never say no to myself. Can I actually taste my coffee? Sure smells good. Right now I would really like a ciggie but I know it's Margaret trying to pull my strings. She is trying all sorts of things to entice me. She has reminded me about past habits when I would habitually reach for a cigarette. I hope the time will come when I can stop using expletives when talking to Margaret and can politely say, No thanks.