escapism
I have not had a single puff since April. I have concentration lapses and push the idea of getting cigarettes away from my chest like pushing away a ball. I say aloud "I don't smoke". Then I find something to do for five or ten minutes. When I do this I deliberately choose an activity which is not demanding. Things like colouring-in, maths puzzles, simple knitting or cleaning the kitchen. More challenging activities like cooking have also been achieved. I don't go outside as much as I used to. I miss my garden. Today I drew a flower in my garden but I could only concentrate for ten minutes.
My health has improved. My hands stopped splitting, I no longer have a wheeze on my chest, and my ankles and feet are no longer swollen. I have changed my lifestyle. This is what I wanted, but I could not have imagined it. Thank you for the encouragement.
Community Guru
Its wonderful to hear from you again PenelopeJane. How are you and hubby and your cutie dog getting along these days? Have you seen your family yet? I know you found that trying, but you are doing so well with not one puff since April. I am so happy and proud of you!
I am glad that the lifestyle change helped with your hands. Thats sounds painful, and of course enabling your mobility is wonderful. I am sure you spoi your little pooch with more frequent walks.
Remember NOPE, Not One Puff Ever or it will set you back again. I know that you are used to that and have done it successfully many times, but that is also just torturing yourelf. As hard as it may be even now PenelopeJane, you have to admit that it is getting easier every day, and soon you will be free of all the cravings. Trust in that ok? You are doing GREAT!
You never did answer questions from our last chat. What is your dogs name? Who is George?
Thanks for sharing, and I hope to hear your reply soon. You rock Girl. Keep up the great honeymoon!
That’s simply awesome, you can keep going into a smoke free future and don’t look back. Cheers
Dear Happiness, I try to stay in the day. I have been given mindfulness exercises by a Psychologist to help me get out of the rut of my past and the fanciful future.
If I think about it, staying smoke free today isn't too difficult for me. I don't worry over what is going to happen to me tomorrow. I let those thoughts be still. I think back to last year with pride and excitement for the efforts I made in many quit attempts. One question I ask myself is "What was I doing this time last year?".When I look back I am thrilled to say "I was quit." The efforts I made added up. Six weeks, one month, three weeks. I look back on my experience an use what I have learnt about myself and my habit. My dogs name is Bobby and he is clever and quick. This is my first dog to truly have a sense of humour. Bobby can't have bones so we buy him toys. Bobby loves to play. He is affectionate. This site was right about learning from our experience. It was also right about setting a quit date and sticking to it. I planned a quit day which was stress free. I stopped when a packet of smokes was finished. Then I just didn't buy any more. I ring the quitline a lot and I use lozenges. Thanks.
Community Guru
Well Penelopejane, i am happy that you have finally found a way that works for you. I know that letting go of our old friend is hard, but you have Bobby, you don't need the old habit that has caused you years of struggling. Do you know why you keep picking it up after such wonderful periods of abstinence? You know that your health has improved, and I hope that by enabling you the strength and desire to do other things like tending to your garden or taking more interest in cooking that these pleasure will take hold and you can lay those smokes down without much thought. Be proud of your accomplishments that you have fought so hard for over the past few years. Desire other things and activities to fill your day . I bet spending more time with Bobby puts a wonderous smile on your face. Smile and the world smiles back. Think positive and great things can happen. Hopefully someday soon you will also stop taking those lozenges. I think you have outgrown them . Why not substitute them for a favourite hard candy ? Save those dollars and spoil yourself and Bobby.
Great chatting Penelopejane. Please comment more often , as we look forward to our members participation and thoughts.