Wow what a great post to share. Your story is very inspiring and I really believe that self discovery not only helps the soul but helps you stay quit! I believe you have many more moments of becoming the new you in the future and only good can come from this. Congrats!
Its great that you chose to book a flight and avoid the temptation. In these first few months, I think it will be important to avoid certain situations that may expose my weaknesses. Unfortunately, I had no choice but to drive....student budget mandated it:(
Everything you said rings true, the car, avoiding social interactions and traveling. I'm hoping to reach the same self discovery and bravery. I just made travel plans that included a short flight, rather than driving. I could have driven and enjoyed the radio and smoking before I arrived at the non-smoking venue, but instead I'm flying and taking public transportation to avoid temptation. See you're already an inspiration!
On Thursday, my husband and I took a 7 hour trip to a conference for school/work. During this trip, I discovered new things about myself, my addiction and about change. I realized that smoking was used as a tool to pass the boredom on long trips trapped in a car. Without the smoke, I listened to interesting inner dialogues and engaged in unexpected philosophical debates with my husband. I acknowledged that I used smoking at conferences as a way to avoid public settings and to cope with my own insecurities. Without the smoke, I became aware of how brave I am and how fulfilling social interactions can be. I noticed that I enjoyed smoking after a meal at a restaurant with friends. Without the smoke, I realized that I enjoy drinking green tea, warm restaurants, and conversation with cherished friends. I learned that I gained 1-2 pounds on long business trips because the only exercise I would get would be from the hotel room to the outside for a cigarette. Without the smoke, I experienced how peaceful a city can be at 6:00am on a morning jog and that the normal 1-2 pound gain is preventable. Above all, I became aware that there is an important distinction between who I thought I was (a smoker) and who I truly am. I have changed in a two short weeks and I look forward to a new future of unexpected, yet welcomed, discoveries.
I have survived heck week (kicking and screaming) and look forward too many more smoke free days.
