It's day one. The first Champix pill has been swallowed. The 'Taking my Life Back from Tobacco' quit date has been set-- 1 September, 2009.
I have filled in the first line on my 'Track a Pack' chart--"Cigarette #1 Time? 1:45 pm. Reason? hungry and waiting for lunch to heat." I'm also nervous about announcing the quit date.
I delay posting to my blog. Eat lunch. Surf the web. "Cigarette #2 Time? 2:23 Reason? always have a puff after eating."
My daughter was disappointed I didn't start my prescription yesterday. However, I've learned there is a process that, if followed, substantially increases the chance of successfully kicking the nicotine habit. That process starts with identifying and confronting one's fears about quitting.
I had to feel I was prepared to handle withdrawal symptoms. I had to mentally reinforce my personal reasons for quitting. I had to plan activities to substitute for the pleasure of smoking. I had to understand why I smoked. I had to decide how I'd handle weight gain.
I'd have a much harder time quitting if I were to wait until I was writhing from the agony of withdrawal symptoms before dealing with these issues.
Prior to swallowing that first pill, before I set a quit date and made the announcement, I had to be committed to quitting--body, heart, mind, and soul. I had to be strong and optimistic.
Yesterday, I wasn't. Today--I am.
"Cigarette #3 Time? 3: 20 pm Reason? To celebrate the announcement of my quit date."
click 'comments' below my signature ine to leave your message of encouragement
Eileen Schuh,
Canadian writer
http://www.eileenschuh.com/
3 comments:
Eileen, I'm reading this on my iPhone after being brought to your blog by your Tweet. What a brave woman you are--and very honest. I wish you the very best with this new adventure.
Cheryl, thanks.
This will reduce the risk of your teeth falling out. Lastly, you will not have to breathe in that E-Zigarette smoke because the e-cigarette comes with an atomizer and a tank system.
Post a Comment