Quit Smoking: Day Thirty – ‘Officially a Non-Smoker’
Wow, thirty days and counting. I can’t believe I made it this far. I remember those times in my early adult years when I tried to quit numerous times but failed every single time. Whenever I hang out with old friends, they are surprised and can’t believe that I actually quit. They knew how bad of a smoker I was, to be honest sometimes I can’t believe that I’m a non-smoker now.
The thought smoking rarely crosses my mind, I can go through my day with out the thought of it and more importantly I feel really good about my health.
It’s amazing what the mind can do. It’s true what they say; it’s as simple as mind over matter. Although the patch helped ease the physical cravings, it was my mental strength that got me this far. I knew others who went on a patch but were never mentally prepared, and as a result they failed and got back into the habit.
I am preparing myself to continue down this path - The path of a Non-Smoker. I can’t even imagine being a smoker again. I’m sure I will always have cravings here or there, but I know that if ever I become a smoker again, I would truly be disappointed at myself. This was a goal of mine, and I am proud that I accomplished it.
Quit Smoking: Day Fifteen – ‘I Caved’
Successfully completing day ten was a great victory, and as the days progressed, I began to notice changes within myself and my habits. It’s true what they say; food was beginning to taste a lot better again. The smell of polluted city air was actually refreshing, and whenever I would climb a flight of stairs, I felt that I still had enough air in my lungs to climb up ten more flights. It was a great feeling.
Unfortunately, I am not pleased to report that on the evening of Day Thirteen, while having drinks on the patio with my friends, I had a drag or two off my friend’s cigarette. Although it was disappointing, many positive things resulted from it.
I realize how bad the taste of cigarettes were, I only had two drags out of the four drinks I had that evening, and when I got up the next morning, my throat was sore and I got sick, which resulted in me not hitting the gym for a few days. It was a clear reminder and good lesson why it was a good decision that I quit.
So I guess the moral of the story is, if you are trying to quit and find yourself wanting to have a cigarette, it’s ok to have that one or two drags, but only after 10 days of non smoking. Trust me, you’ll feel and realize that it was a good decision to quit.
Quit Smoking: Day Five - ‘So Far, So Good’
I’m happy to report that it’s been going well for me. As mentioned I went on a patch to help ease the cravings, although it felt weird at first and had a few uneasy nights with those crazy dreams, I’m glad that I did not become dependent on it. Yes today is a milestone day. As I rushed to get out of the house early this morning, I realize that I failed to put on the path. I was half way to work already when I realize this, so turning the car around would have been a pain considering the heavy traffic.
I took this opportunity to challenge myself. To see if I can go through the whole day without a cigarette and a patch on.
Success, I tell you. I’m thinking this is easier than I thought it would be. I hardly think about smoking, and when I do I think about how proud I am that I was able to go this long without one. I feel great!
I’ve also notice that I’ve increased my Cardio work out at the gym. Normally I would only last 5 minutes on the treadmill, and that’s jogging. Now I’m pushing it to 12 minutes, still jogging but a little faster.
I’m sure that there will be days that are tempting. I still have a few friends that smoke. The weather is still great outside so, having drinks on the patio with friends that smoke will not be easy. But, I’m preparing myself mentally for it. We will see.
Quit Smoking: Day One
As I venture into my life changing events, I have also decided to tackle on one of the biggest challenges in my life. To quit smoking!
I have been smoking for almost 10 years now, and like many teens today, I was sucked into the ‘every one is doing it’ phase at the age of 16. Sure I started smoking just for the sake of smoking, to fit in, to do what I assumed all the ‘cool’ people did in high school. It only became apparent to me that I became addicted to it, when I started my first full time job, which were only a few months after I lit my first cigarette. It wasn’t long until I was smoking half a pack a day.
Now that I think about it, it was probably inevitable that I would smoke. Growing up, my family (mom, grandpa, aunts and uncle, and a few cousins) all smoked. So I knew that it would just be a matter of time before I did as well. So when did I decide to give this all up. Well a lot of things factored in.
Changes:
As some of you know I recently purchased property, so that alone was a big change for me (will post more about that experience later on). During this time I knew it was a great opportunity to make adjustments in my life and changes that will reflect to be positive. Not to mention that I will now be paying a mortgage rather than rent so saving the extra $156.00 a month on smokes will do justice.
I am also trying to be more health conscious and gain the weight I’ve always wanted. They say smoking makes you lose weight. And for the longest time I have been trying to gain weight and work out to get my body just right. I also want to maintain the youth look. Yes, I know this all sounds kind of superficial, but as humans I think we can’t help but care about our image in some sort of way. My skin has been damage from all the smoking.
The Experience:
I have tried to quit in the past, but I always failed within the first 24 hours. I think it’s because I was not mentally prepared. I also found that it was harder to quit cold turkey without any type of assistants from either patch or gum.
This time around, I knew one thing for sure. I was mentally ready. I also decided to go on a patch, and as I hit my 24th hour of not having a cigarette I realize that this might be easier than I thought it would be. During that time I thought about cigarettes but my way of thinking was different. I wasn’t thinking that I wanted one, instead I was thinking about how gross it was and that I am now a non smoker. The patch is really helping me beat the craving and of course there are times when I get antsy because of the oral fixation. But I occupy myself with snacks and food. This also helps me build up the mass I am trying to reach.
This will be the first time since I lighted my first cigarette, that I will not have one for 24 hours. This is already a big accomplishment. I am excited and look forward to another smoke free day.
A Necklace Made Of Flowers
A necklace made of flowers
Signifies the beauty is yours
A truth that comes full circle
Read in stories that do touch
I was so afraid to find you
In someone else
I was amazed it would happen
To my mind
My old book of love is used
I shared it with all of you
Like an action to a reaction
I found the letters in a line
I was so amazed to find you
In all those things
I was afraid it would happen
To my surprise
When I wanted to be a thief
When I needed your heart
My health was the only concern
And now it is again so far
I am around in search of
All your things
I was hoping it would last
Until all was gone
But I need you like I want
Something that makes sense
It hurts to see you in pain
Wait for a sunrise painting
I am awake this morning
All I could think of
Is the past
Until the past is mine
What is the Face of Multiple Sclerosis?
If you ask the people around you, what MS is, would they be able to describe it to you? Would you be able to describe it to them? Watch this video and understand what MS is all about.
Just a reminder that Super Cities walk for MS 2007 is just around the corner. Make sure you check your local cities on when and where this special event will take place. Whether you chose to volunteer, walk for MS or donate, they all mean a lot to the MS community.