BecomeAnEX.org Online Support Network
BecomeAnEX.org Online Support Network
I played with the devil nicodemon last night hanging out with my smoking friends, but I did not smoke. I know this was risky behavior on my part but I didn't stay long and I wasn't even tempted. There were probably 12 people there and only 3 non smokers(including myself). I stayed close to them. My best girlfriend was there who quit with me but she was smoking again. I found myself being acutely aware every time someone lit a cigarette, not because I wanted one but because I wanted to find a semi safe place to breathe. I watched their smoking patterns. One guy smoked a cig every 20 minutes literally and he is having surgery tomorrow on his back! Don't think me arrogant because I know I could be back there any time at the blink of an eye but all I could think about was his level of nicotine dependence. It also made me realize how others help maintain our addiction when another friend excused his constant smoking saying he was nervous about his surgery Monday. I'm a nurse so I'm sitting there thinking....I think I'd be worried about being put to sleep and how my lungs would work. Does he know nicotine impedes healing? Of course as a smoker myself I know that doesn't matter with nicotine dependence. I'm hooked too but I would still rather go through a couple of weeks of withdrawal/discomfort than continue to risk my life by developing a chronic disease and being in a whole lot of discomfort/pain for the rest of my life.
Hey, one more thing ... when I have quit in the past (which has been many times so I know what I'm talking about) .... it always helped me to confirm why I'm quitting when I see other people smoking. Such as, driving in the car in the rain and my windows are closed because I'm not smoking and the inside of my car smells great because I'm not smoking, but I pass by a house and see a person huddled under the overhang or porch, smoking ... and I say to myself "I am so glad I quit!"
We can do this. With the help of my friends, I will do this! No more febreeze is going to be my motto. ha ha ha ha
OhioSheltieLady 107 days ago
Isn't it amazing how, during your smoking days, you never would have given any of this a thought? You are changing. Quiting smoking is far from simple, it is a complete lifestyle change. You should be very proud of the fact you didn't smoke, that's huge! My brother in law is still the smoker in our family, and I see him light up at family gatherings. I was tempted to smoke with him (as I had for years) previously at family get togethers, but after a few times I found myself strong enough to avoid it, especially in the winter, when he puts his coat, hat, boots, and gloves on to go outside. I simply sat back in my recliner, kicked my feet up, and said NOT THIS TIME! NOT ANYMORE! It was the most wonderful feeling ever! Keep up the good work, you can do it!
breakinthechains 107 days ago
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You did great! I'm so proud of you!!! Keep it up, you're on the right track for sure.
OhioSheltieLady 107 days ago