bj: That's such a fair question you ask. My hunch is that you'll hear a number of different answers. Quitting smoking is such a personal thing.
Here's my take: I have smoked on and off (mostly on) for 35 years. I've quit many times for varying lengths of time. I have learned that this IS my final quit. That's because my attitude and my approach are so very different this time.
1) I studied here and in as many places as I could find about addiction. Once I understood the concept that I'm a drug addict, it made me angry that I've given so many years of control over to the addiction. That made the decision to really quit that much easier.
2) Because I'm angry about being a drug addict and determined to gain control over it, I don't view any craving or smoking thought in a deprived way. Every time I have a craving, it's a stark reminder to me about my addiction. It only gives me strength.
3) I recognize my (and many other smokers') tendency to sabotage ourselves. It's how we can give in and tell ourselves, "See? I'm just so weak". Well, we're NOT weak -- we're strong and a lot stronger than an addiction to nicotine!
By refusing to wallow in a sense of "giving up" smoking and focusing on how much I want and miss a cigarette, I'm much stronger against the addiction.
Focusing on thoughts of "I want a cigarette SO bad" is self-destructive and many times becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Does any of the above make sense? (Well, it does to me and it's helping me stay quit.) I hope it helps you in some way, too.
Congratulations on a great quit yourself. Stay positive, stay mad and stay QUIT!
Keep the faith.
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/8/2006
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 105
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 4,223
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $840
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 13 [B]Hrs:[/B] 19 [B]Mins:[/B] 26 [B]Seconds:[/B] 27
