Post by Ann on Oct 19, 2005 13:05:54 GMT -5
A Maze......
The word MAZE comes to my mind when I think about quitting smoking. In an attempt to quit, I went down many long, lonely corridors only to find myself hitting a wall, only to smoke again.
Later on I would try the MAZE again: another unsuccessful attempt to find my way out lead to another lost quit. This pattern went on for many years. I smoked for over 40+ years, starting when I was 15 years old. I never liked it, but I could not quit. I would not give up trying though, I kept trying to find my way through the MAZE...... finally the miracle happened for me. I have not had the first puff since Jan 2001 when I found my way out of the MAZE!!
I am free, I am no longer trapped, lost, confused, broken, carrying a monkey on my back. Sunlight shines on my face and tears of joy spill down my cheeks as I felt the gratitude that I made it. Not everyone does. I feel so fortunate and blessed.
We are talking life and death. I smoke, I die. I don't smoke, I increase the quality of my life and health. Emotionally I can feel this battle with nicotine addiction is one of the most intense experiences of my life. I treasure my quit, it is an awesome type of ownership of self accomplishment. I don't know if everyone who quits feels like this, but to me, the person who thought they never would be able to quit, this is a miracle.
If you are still in the MAZE, don't despair. Keep going, keep looking for the path out. It is there. Stay focused on the goal. There are so many tools available today to assist in this fight. Do your research, study, make lists, get a plan, connect with others who also are trying to quit. All of these things will empower you. Know that it is not going to be easy. Get tough, be prepared to do battle with your enemy, nicotine.
Don't listen to the voices in your head (your addict talking) who will undermine you at every turn. Know in advance that there will be good days and tough days........ you already have these ups and downs. That is the dance of life. Think back. There were some mighty lousey days even when you smoked.
Life didn't get tough just because you quit smoking. Not smoking does not make that part of life any different. Keep a sense of humor, it will serve you well. Remind yourself often of why you wanted to quit, reaffirm frequently your comittment of your quit. Don't get lazy. Don't let your addiction start whispering in your ear.
Fight for your quit....... fight for your life !!
Billi
found on Quitnet
The word MAZE comes to my mind when I think about quitting smoking. In an attempt to quit, I went down many long, lonely corridors only to find myself hitting a wall, only to smoke again.
Later on I would try the MAZE again: another unsuccessful attempt to find my way out lead to another lost quit. This pattern went on for many years. I smoked for over 40+ years, starting when I was 15 years old. I never liked it, but I could not quit. I would not give up trying though, I kept trying to find my way through the MAZE...... finally the miracle happened for me. I have not had the first puff since Jan 2001 when I found my way out of the MAZE!!
I am free, I am no longer trapped, lost, confused, broken, carrying a monkey on my back. Sunlight shines on my face and tears of joy spill down my cheeks as I felt the gratitude that I made it. Not everyone does. I feel so fortunate and blessed.
We are talking life and death. I smoke, I die. I don't smoke, I increase the quality of my life and health. Emotionally I can feel this battle with nicotine addiction is one of the most intense experiences of my life. I treasure my quit, it is an awesome type of ownership of self accomplishment. I don't know if everyone who quits feels like this, but to me, the person who thought they never would be able to quit, this is a miracle.
If you are still in the MAZE, don't despair. Keep going, keep looking for the path out. It is there. Stay focused on the goal. There are so many tools available today to assist in this fight. Do your research, study, make lists, get a plan, connect with others who also are trying to quit. All of these things will empower you. Know that it is not going to be easy. Get tough, be prepared to do battle with your enemy, nicotine.
Don't listen to the voices in your head (your addict talking) who will undermine you at every turn. Know in advance that there will be good days and tough days........ you already have these ups and downs. That is the dance of life. Think back. There were some mighty lousey days even when you smoked.
Life didn't get tough just because you quit smoking. Not smoking does not make that part of life any different. Keep a sense of humor, it will serve you well. Remind yourself often of why you wanted to quit, reaffirm frequently your comittment of your quit. Don't get lazy. Don't let your addiction start whispering in your ear.
Fight for your quit....... fight for your life !!
Billi
found on Quitnet