New beginnings
I have been quit for a while - there are triggers on a daily basis. I see each day as a new opportunity to do better/ be creative in avoiding those triggers.
Warm Welcomer
Same with the triggers. I have a hard time thinking about what actually being quit means. 100% no smoking not even on puff I think is the goal, but I'm not always there. I believe in "better than before".
Community Guru
I love the "Better than before" thought. It is positive and encouraging.
You are doing great and you are here, so your chances for success have gone way up. I am seen many achieve their goals, and many do not even let their presence be known to even count.
When someone says that they tried quitting before, how hard do they try? Was it just a New Years Resolution, or a competition of sorts?
Find the resolve to quit smoking and the belief that "yes you can do it!"
By the way, I love your badge of Warm Welcomer which I did not get. I chose to be proud of my more than 100 posted stories and got the "GURU" badge since the others offered did not really fit. I can only hope to help and support where I can.
I am looking forward to hearing more from you and your warm Welcomes!
I still get an occasional trigger situation. I was offered a cigarette just yesterday when my neighbour came to my door and was smoking. I said "no thanks" which felt good. This wasn't a trigger as the smell of the smoke made me feel a bit sick. My triggers are related to stress and I'm working on dealing with stress. One technique I find useful is to be busy with something, whether it's mowing the lawn or sorting out a cupboard etc etc. Other times I let myself sit quietly and sometimes just focusing on taking some deep breaths. I've gotten to the point where I can't cope with the smell
of cigarettes. Sometimes I still feel like one, strangely, but I know if I did succumb that it wouldn't be pleasant. If you stick to NOPE (not one puff ever) its a motto that you can stick to. Replacing smoking with as healthy a lifestyle as can be managed changes the whole game.
Lastly I'll be asking that neighbour not to come to my door smoking in future. It's my home and I have every right for it to be completely smoke-free. Quitting smoking I see as standing up for yourself and saying no more.
I am just beginning my journey and I get triggers as well. What has helped me, is reading success stories from this forum and keeping busy. Maybe keep in mind, "No turning back now". Honestly, it can only get better, not worse. Hang in there Mabel.