I received an email about my last post, suggesting I shouldn't minimize my fight to quit smoking. Although others in the world may be facing greater and more painful challenges, addictions are a very serious issue for individuals and for society.
I have to agree. In fact, the woman who inspired me by working through the grief of losing her grandson to a drunk driver, was quite likely the victim of someone with an addiction--alcohol addiction. Addictions are the evil behind many criminal acts. [They have a prominent role in my crime novels which are previewed on my website: http://www.eileenschuh.com]
I did not intend last week's blog to minimize my addiction, my pain, or my efforts to quit. I believe, though, that I was attributing entirely too many words and exclamation marks to my weeping and moaning. I chose to start smoking and I chose to quit smoking. Lots of people, like the grandmother in my last blog, are hurting through no choice of their own.
So, what I was trying to say to myself was, "Suck it up, Princess!"
Although encouraging people to talk about their pains and problems is touted as a great stress reliever, studies have shown otherwise. During conversations about trauma, people react emotionally and physically as if they were actually experiencing the events. The moral? Sometimes it's best and healthiest to leave things be and move on--think about other things, other people, sunnier times, brighter futures.
To this end, I will briefly inform you--the cravings are much less frequent and less intense. My candy consumption is decreasing. And my husband has announced he is joining me in 'butting out' for keeps.
On a lighter note, I asked for tidbits of humour on Facebook and Twitter and promised I'd post on my blog the joke that made me laugh the most.
Thanks to Shevi Arnold for the following giggle: "Would everyone who believes in telekinesis, please raise my hand."
And, equally humorous, thanks to my cousin, Maureen, for the following laughs:
My face in the mirror isn't wrinkled or drawn.
My house isn't dirty, the cobwebs are gone.
My garden looks lovely and so does my lawn.
I think I might never, put my glasses back on!
A librarian admitted to hospital for surgery got this card from her associates: "If they take anything out make sure they sign for it!"
Funny Definitions:
BEAUTY PARLOR: a place where women curl up and dye
CHICKENS: the only creatures you eat before they are born and after they die.
EGOTIST: Someone who is usually me-deep in conversation.
TOOTHACHE: the pain that drives you to extraction!
Thanks, guys, for making me laugh!
Eileen Schuh,
Canadian writer
http://www.eileenschuh.com/
4 comments:
Alvin has joined you to be a non smoker?? WOW - that's great. Two suffering people in the same family - that might not be pretty! (Just kidding) It will probably be easier for you not to have smoking going on around you all the time - or at least I hope. I wish Alvin lots of courage and endurance - it will be a hard struggle for him as well. Keep up your battles. Have a happy Thanksgiving, now you will have yet one more thing to be thankful for. Cheers - Rita
YEAH for DAD and you!!!! Although as Rita hinted, probably won't be "pretty" around the house for the first little while!! HA HA!
But soon it will mean I won't have to wash all my clothes after I come visit you!
I think it's great that your hubby has joined in your battle to butt out. :-)
My one bit of advice, after watching my parents try to do this same thing together for years, is to keep in mind that the battle is uniquely personal.
No matter what he does, focus on YOU and what you want for yourself. That's not a selfish thing to do; it's a must. And he must focus on himself and what he wants.
I wish you both a smoke-free journey and much success!
Cheryl
Thanks, Cheryl
Hubby's Quest to Quit was not as successful as mine, but very few are able to succeed on the first attempt. It will happen when he's ready.
I'm firm in my mind that my success does not depend on his.
Post a Comment