I came here to say when I started this quit I thought the pledge was lame. Maybe I thought I was too "cool" for it; I didn't think quitting smoking required something like the 12 steps in AA. But I pledged anyway because it came with the site and it's supportive and I had zero support at home for my quit. I wanted this quit to be different. So anyway, I started pledging. Going through the motions. After 47 pledges, and as a new NON-smoker, I see that there's a lot of going through the motions at first. Doing something different to deal with stress and face what amounts to being in uncomfortable situations, or boring situations, or celebrating, or mourning, etc. Obviously, new routines are required when you choose to no longer do the one thing you've always done.
When I get off work, particularly on days that have been stressful, I take an hour long fast-as-I-can walk and turn the music up. After supper, I do a sudoku puzzle and have a Jolly Rancher. When my husband is working my nerves, I do a little online window shopping or make a grocery list for next week (any kind of list will do). And every day, I pledge. Doing so links one successful day with the next and it's an opportunity to promise to take it just ONE day at a time. I don't know what the future will bring but I can promise just for today I won't smoke no matter what.
Ultimately, it's the little changes, the mindless routines, the moments that when we handle them in a new way will change our lives over time. I believe this. I take pride in the pledge now and I don't think it's lame at all.
Thanks for reading! Keep the Quit!
