Dismissing Thoughts
I had a honeymoon for six weeks. I said to myself "I don't smoke". I found things to do which were not challenging. I coloured in for a couple of weeks. When I thought of a cigarette, I drew on my previous experience from last year and did something else. Then I took on some housework. I found I could only do five minutes of work at a time without getting stressed. So, I did lots of five minute intervals to get it done. Then I tried to cook a special dish. I got angry and did not enjoy my meal. I wanted to smoke. Then later that week I had some other minor problem. I am not used to dealing with my emotions without a smoke. Now I feel as if something terrible is going to happen to me. This is an irrational fear. Nothing has gone wrong today. I have been quit for seven weeks now. I still don't feel up to challenging things like seeing my relatives. I am happy with my Husband and my dog.
Community Guru
Hello PenelopeJane. Being comfortable at home with your hubby and dog is just fine if you want to avoid smokers or family conflict and stress. This is your time. Your time to make a life long difference in your future.
The journey is much easier in the right mindset that we speak of. Read and accept . Learn how nicotine works, addicted you and how you can be free of it. Knowing this helps you to believe and to really want to be free of it, not just think you should be. A different perspective, a different view, and something "clicks" and enables you to let go of the past. Embrace the future and the positive changes it will bring.
Knowledge is power. Freedom can be yours!
Community Guru
I went back and tried to read some of the stories that you have posted over the years PenelopeJane/George. Although it is an improvement for our bodies however many cigarettes we can stop exposing it from, that really is not quitting smoking. Nicotine is out of the body after 72 hours, and yet you go this and beyond only to feed the monster and start the process over. To me that is a form of self torture and reminded me of something i read and posted a while back. Please take the time to read and consider it. I am impressed with your self control and know that if you have that kind of stamina, that with a push in the right direction you can end this cycle once and for all. I would be remiss to encourage your past years method of "supposedly quitting". Abstaining for a designated time and then "rewarding " your self with a cigarette is ludicrous and I want you to stop torturing yourself.
A lot of post in the last few months are about the mindset. Adopting this way of thinking wll make it easier to stay off the cigarettes permanently. Please take the time to read past posts. Have you read Allan Carr? I have posted a link if you wish to read it free on-line.
Here is a link from "Whyquit" about cutting back on smoking and how it only goes so far...please read it and break this cycle. Quitting smoking does not have to be this difficult.
Knowledge and positive thinking are key.
Community Guru
Forgot to leave the link.....https://whyquit.com/joel/Joel_01_13_gradual_withdrawal.html
Community Guru
How's it going today Penelope. I finished reading your whole story from start to finish. I would like to know if you are totally NOT smoking at all for this past period of 7 weeks and if you are still on gums and lozenges (NIcotine Replacement Therapy) NRT?
Think positive thoughts instead of negatives. Think how your cuddly pet will love being around you in clean un-smoked smelling clothes. Isn't it great to replace a detrimental health hazard with something as good and wholesome as an apple a day.! I am glad you are eating breakfast these days and getting better quality rest as they all affect our well being.
I would love to tell you more, but I really need you tell tell me how many cigarettes you have had in the past 7 weeks and if you are on an NRT? I hope to have the answers soon and we will talk more. Thanks PenelopeJane!
Community Guru
I read that you enjoy reading PenelopeJane. Please read this book written by Allan Carr. I read it after I had already quit smoking for reinforcement. It is easy to ready and understand and it really helps you to understand nicotine and your relationship with it. Please read it. Just rn your curser over it and highlight it. Then right click and click the GO To address..... Enjoy the read
http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf
Community Guru
So where do you live Penelopejane? I am ruling out Australia because it does not show with your name. The expense a year rules out Canada and the U.S. for the amount you say you spent and saved. Since you use dollars, i am guessing New Zealand? I am in Canada and also build our own home. It is amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it. You can learn how to do pretty much anything on the internet. Computers have given us so much freedom and made the world a much smaller place don't you think?
What made you decide to share with us after all this time Penelopejane? Maybe you could explain who George is too so that I can better understand your story. I think you are an amazing individual with unique ideas. I am hoping to find that you are in a happier place these days.
Being smoke -free and nicotine free can be achieved if you believe.