Quitting Smoking

On Jan 31/2011 I quit smoking for six months; I started up again when I went on holiday in August and have been puffing away ever since. I have been trying to pick a new quitting starting date but have been putting it off. Well apparently the month of January is the month of making new resolutions so hear is mine: I quit smoking today Jan 31/2012. I just realized now that it is exactly a year today from my first quit smoking date. This is so strange because I did not plan this; maybe subconsciously I did thus making the the thought of quitting stronger on this particular date.

Starting Good Habit

Well for whatever reason I traded in my morning coffee and cigarettes ritual for a writing exercise called "morning pages" this is taught by a great teacher and world famous author (Julia Cameron). I am just starting to read her tenth edition of her book "the Artist's Way". I got this book at Christmas from my older brother (Jim) and his family. I finally started reading it last night. This book is basically a course that helps artists or anyone to connect with their creative side. I started to do the "morning page" exercise or ritual this morning which was to write long-hand three pages on whatever comes to mind. I just recently graduated as a freelance writer so this is just the aide I need in helping me develop my creative side. It is also healthier to replace a cigarette between my fingers with a pen.

Avoiding Triggers

We must find a way to reach our goals that suits us as individuals; as what works for one may not work for the next person. I have traded my bad habit in for a good one; hopefully God will give me the guidance and strength I need to continue on with the battle against my addiction. I am so happy that I am back on the wagon riding towards a smoke-free life; I know there will be bumps on the road. Sometimes the bumps are so large they may cause us to fall off the wagon. Getting up the courage to climb back on the wagon is a big step in the right direction. I feel scared and yet happy that I have quit smoking once again hopefully this will be the last time. If it is not I will not beat myself up for my fall but instead keep trying until I get it right. I know for me one of my triggers is added stress; as I tend to lite up trying to smoke my stress away. So I must try and avoid situations that may lead to added stress. I also tend to chain smoke when drinking alcohol and coffee so I will be cutting right back on these during my quitting smoking process.

Keeping My Hands Busy

I will try and write and read a lot more keeping my mind and hands busy with something that has a positive outcome for me. Its not easy getting up and dusting ones self off to get enough courage to continue with the struggle towards freedom from our addictions we battle against. It is my day to jump into round two in the fight against my horrible addiction to cigarette tobacco. I wish everyone luck who are going through this or are contemplating jumping on the wagon; I send my blessings that you will have a successful outcome. Get up and get ready to jump on the wagon and prepare yourself for a ride towards the natural high of being free of your addiction!