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Share your quitting journey

HOW MANY TIMES?

Giulia
Member
6 13 22

How many times do you want to keep starting over on another Day One?
How many times do you want to pump yourself up for that first day?
How many times are you willing to put yourself though this?
If you've tried to quit before and failed,  perhaps it's time to sit down and ask yourself some questions that you may not  have asked yourself before.  This is different from the “My Reasons to Quit” list that so many of us have made.  That list never did a damn thing for me.  My reasons to quit were always the same.  I knew why I  shouldn't smoke, the reasons I should quit and the list was pretty much the same every time I wrote it.  I learned nothing from it.  How many lists are you gonna make before the final list that has one single word on it:  NOPE.
Here are some suggestions for serious questions you should be asking yourself - whether this is your first attempt or your 50th.

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What are my reasons for quitting (other than I know it's bad for me, I won't stink any more,  I'm doing it for my family, I want to save money)
How will quitting change my life?
What do I think the good part of quitting will be?
What do I think the bad part of quitting will be?
Is there any way to override the bad part?  If so - what is it?  What will I try to alleviate cravings?
What will I do to remain smoke free?
How much of a commitment am I willing to make to achieve the freedom I seek?  Am I willing to make any sacrifices?  If so - what?
How much time am I willing to spend in  learning  how to overcome this addiction?
What will I do when I'm stressed and want a cigarette?  (Be specific and list at least 8 different ways you'll alleviate stress.)
How will I deal with anger without putting a cigarette in my mouth?  (Be specific and list techniques different from those addressed in the stress answers above.)
How willing am I to change my routines during the early stages of my quit journey?  If not very willing, what can I do to motivate that willingness?
What do I hope to achieve by quitting other than "better health?"  (Be specific.)
Where will I go to get help if a craving is so overwhelming I think I might relapse?  (Be specific and name 3 different ways of getting assistance.)
What will I do to get myself out of a crying jag?
What are five new things I've learned about the hazzards of smoking that I never knew before?
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This is the kind of homework you need to be doing.  DO IT!

13 Comments
About the Author
Member since MAY 2008. I quit smoking March 1, 2006. I smoked a pack and a half a day for about 35 years. What did it take to get me smoke free? Perseverance, a promise not to smoke, and a willingness to be uncomfortable for as long as it took to get me to where I am today. I am an Ex but I have not forgotten the initial difficult journey of this rite of passage. That's one of the things that's keeping me proudly smoke free. I don't want to ever have another Day 1 again. You too can achieve your goal of being finally free forever. Change your mind, change your habits, alter your focus, release the myths you hold about smoking. And above all - keep your sense of hewmer. DAY WON - NEVER ANOTHER DAY ONE. If you still want one - you're still vulnerable. Protect your quit!