Quitting Smoking

On Jan 31/2011 I quit smoking for six months; I started up again when I went on holiday in August and found myself puffing away once again. I tried to pick a new quitting starting date but had been putting it off. Well apparently the month of January is the month of making new resolutions so here was mine: I quit smoking on Jan 31/2012. I realized that it was exactly a year from my first quit smoking date. This was so strange because I did not plan this; maybe subconsciously I did thus making 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 was taught by a great teacher and world-famous author (Julia Cameron). I began to read the tenth edition of her book "The Artist's Way". I got this book at Christmas from my older brother (Jim) and his family. 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 which was to write long-hand three pages on whatever comes to mind. I had just recently graduated as a freelance writer so this was just the aide I needed in helping me develop my creative side. It was 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 traded my bad habit in for a good one; God gave me the guidance and strength I needed to continue on with the battle against my addiction. I am so happy that I am still leading a smoke-free life nine years later. 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 felt scared and yet happy that I had quit smoking once again hopefully being 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 was added stress; as I would lite up trying to smoke my stress away. So I tried to avoid situations that may lead to added stress. I also use to chain smoke when drinking alcohol and coffee. So, I cut right back on these during my quitting smoking process.

Keeping My Hands Busy

I began to write and read a lot more keeping my mind and hands busy with something that had a positive outcome for me. It's not easy getting up and dusting one's self off to get enough courage to continue with the struggle towards freedom from our addictions. I am so thankful that I decided 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!