Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The Demons will Die

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:

Cheryl Tardif said...

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.

Eileen Schuh: said...

Cheryl, thanks.

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