Simple Truths
Simple Truths
ronread 2008-05-30 21:11:23
The smoker in us tries to gloss over a few facts in order to stay in control.
I assume that if you are reading this you have at least considered the prospect of quitting, hanging up your pipe, laying down the chew, or passing on the Cohiba.
1. First thing to understand is that smoking is not quitting. Get a firm grip on this one as it's sort of key to the whole quitting thing.
IF YOU SMOKE YOU AREN'T QUIT.
2. Quitting smoking is a "For the rest of your life" thing. Death is the finish line on this one so a 6 month cessation from smoking is not a quit, it's just a longer time between cigarettes.
GET YOUR HEAD AROUND THIS CONCEPT OF FOREVER!!!
3. There is no valid excuse for smoking. Not stress, passion, pain, poverty, illness, DH, DW, kids, coworkers, BF, GF, SWF. Life is stressful for non smokers too and they manage.
TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS AND DON'T TRY TO PASS IT OFF AS SOMETHING YOU COULDN'T HELP.
4. Have a plan. This is 100% up to you but if you don't know where you are going your chances of getting there are slim to non (Slim, back me up) and without a plan you are making it a lot harder than it needs to be.
MAKE A SIMPLE PLAN TO FOLLOW AND THEN ... FOLLOW IT.
5. Understand that smoking is a choice a decision. YOUR choice or decision. You don't slip, fall off the wagon, succumb to a crave. YOU CHOOSE TO SMOKE.
CALL IT WHAT IT IS.
6. Start looking for the positive aspects of quitting instead of moaning and groaning about the pain and suffering involved. Quitting is hard, we all know that, but it's also incredibly rewarding so at least 50% of your effort should be dedicated to what got better.
DON'T JUST WHINE ABOUT THE BAD THINGS, LOOK AROUND AND FIND ONE GOOD THING TO CELEBRATE IN YOUR QUIT AND TELL US ABOUT IT.
7. Ask for help before you blow your quit not after.
THINK BEFORE YOU ACT.
8. Put some information in your Profile. It helps others to know a little about you. Be blunt if you need to be "I don't like being criticized" "I like to hear it like it is" this helps to stop the flame wars and all around BS that crop up once in a while due to someone helping out with a little too much force.
WE ARE ALL ADDICTS AND WE ARE RUNNING THE FACILITY SO TAKE WHAT YOU NEED AND LEAVE THE REST.
9. If you stay positive good sh!t will happen and it might even happen to you. Lend a hand where you can and try to be upbeat even through the tears.
EVEN IF YOU DON'T ENJOY A LITTLE OF THE RIDE THE WHOLE JOURNEY WON'T SUCK WILL IT.
10. Quitting is easy don't over complicate it.
JUST DON'T SMOKE ... DON'T DEBATE THIS PART JUST DO IT.
I'm done, any questions?