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Post by Flo on Jul 21, 2006 15:31:04 GMT -5
Gosh! You've put it so succinctly. My mantra has been: Which Battle is Easier? The battle to quit smoking today, or the battle to save a diseased or dying body tomorrow.
Your article answers this in no uncertain terms.
Two months three days smoke free.
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Post by Flo on Aug 1, 2006 16:57:03 GMT -5
Allow me to join in the celebrations! CONGRATULATIONS Slim! Well done!
You have a right to be proud of yourself!
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Post by Flo on Jul 24, 2006 17:51:27 GMT -5
Thanks for the reminder.
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Post by Flo on Jul 25, 2006 10:45:25 GMT -5
Excellent post. A reminder of the power of the addiction of nicotine. Although this quit was relatively easy for me - I have gone through other quits that were like this post - and of course, guess which side won!
It's taken many years for nicotine addiction to come to light and hopefully it will help those smokers who are desparately trying to quit. It is not a matter of will power. How to help those that are going through Hell in their quit? First, the why must be firmly implanted in your mind. For me it was the question, Which Battle is Easier? The battle to quit smoking today or the battle to save a diseased or dying body tomorrow.
It would help to read the article posted by Ann entitled Option A or B and the answer becomes crystal clear.
Secondly, education. The mind must be taught and the rest will follow. Education not only about the health risks of smoking but of the quit itself, the journey, the ups and downs of the journey, the tricks to teach those following us. That's what this site is for thank goodness.
The worst part of the quit is the first 72 hours. Then the nicotine is gone from our bodies. The rest is habit, mental, emotional. And each trigger, each crave you encounter, will never occur again. Just say no until it passes. It should only take a couple of minutes but it will seem like an eternity. And the following crave will seem to be identical, but it isn't. They may be very similar but they are not. The more you smoked, the more the triggers will seem to be alike as cigarettes filled your day, but hang in there. They are different and it won't occur again. And all the craves little by little will be gone, done with. Beware of those incidents which were rare - perhaps weddings - as they can sneak up on you unawares and you will react to it.
One of the insights I learned was glucose levels. So many of the low blood sugar symptoms are tied in with withdrawals but that's because our eating habits were so out of shape and when we quit smoking, it is laid bare. No more nicotine to kill our appetites. So, you need to make sure you eat a lot of complex carbohydrates - raw vegetables, whole grain (I go with organic as well) breads and cereals, fruits - this will keep your blood sugar from plummeting during your withdrawals and after. And cranberry juice during the first 72 hours to help get rid of the nicotine. And of course, lots of water. Keep draining that nicotine out of your system.
Then after that Hell, there is the relapse thing - you know, the holiday, the desert island, the reggae music playing, the sun, the white sands, the little demon on your shoulder whispering, "How could one hurt right now? You're on holidays, who would know? You can quit when you get back home." Beware of these things.
I stay away from alcohol as well as there is a special relationship between smoking and drinking. Until I am sure, I stay away from alcohol.
And finally, after that, to make up your mind, no one day at a time, but forever. And never giving the passing thoughts of smoking the "Ahhhh" cigarette any credence. Remember, one puff, and you're back to the carton and more! It's a progressive disease, just like alcohol.
And thoughout all this, remember that as long as you NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF you'll be just fine. That's all. Just don't take that puff. No matter what. It will get easier and comfort and ease will come.
In perserverance comes furtherance.
Whew! The rambles of us ex-smokers huh? Hopefully, this was of some help to someone out there.
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Post by Flo on Jul 24, 2006 18:00:55 GMT -5
Thanks for the reminder. Stop, look and listen.
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Post by Flo on Jul 25, 2006 11:14:03 GMT -5
Another right on post Ann.
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Post by Flo on Jul 25, 2006 11:31:51 GMT -5
"...it is not absolutely certain that we will be able to quit again."
Treasure this gift we have been given - no matter how hard-won, it is a gift. Never take another puff.
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Post by Flo on Jul 26, 2006 11:09:44 GMT -5
Hang in there Sonya! It will only get better! Just never take another puff. That will do the trick.
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Post by Flo on Jul 26, 2006 12:07:47 GMT -5
Interesting. Thank you.
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Post by Flo on Jul 26, 2006 13:21:57 GMT -5
One of my friends used the laser treatment 20 years ago and hasn't looked back since. In fact, she is the one who told me, perserverance brings furtherance.
She also quit because she had two young sons at the time. They are grown up (and much to her dismay smoke). She has written two books and is working on a third (educational). She's great. She also gave me the line, growing old is not for sissies.
I believe that different strokes for different folks and if laser works for you, more power to you. I myself quit cold turkey. I admire those who quit and fight and go crazy with the withdrawals. I've been there and I don't know how they do it. My quit this time was so clear that there really was no question.
Whatever way you choose, the bottom line is to never take another puff.
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Post by Flo on Jul 26, 2006 13:47:17 GMT -5
p.s. "Better late than never" was meant for me - not you.
Although you could say that we should always save the best for last!
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Post by Flo on Jul 26, 2006 13:46:08 GMT -5
Gosh, I just joined this site and I already feel close to you Judy. You have that ability.
Better late than never. I congratulate you and wish you and yours all the happiness and joy!
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Post by Flo on Jul 26, 2006 14:44:44 GMT -5
Again, excellent post Ann. Thank you.
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Post by Flo on Aug 16, 2006 16:54:34 GMT -5
"When it comes to quitting with the smoking addicts the law is very clear-to arrive at the destination of having quit one must not smoke."
Love it.
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Post by Flo on Jul 26, 2006 15:22:30 GMT -5
Thank you Ann! What an excellent article. For me, the quit was made possible because of education. This article should be kept front and centre.
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