I want to encourage you to remember tomorrow how "awesome" you are feeling, as expressed in your last post, when you face Day 2!! Daily reminders of why you want to be a non-smoker will help you stay motivated and strong.
I noticed I am laughing more and don't get as frustrated with my family cuz i was smoking. I can also smell my perfume on me, so that makes me feel very good. I was at the post office today and the woman in front of me was a smoker cuz all i could smell when i got close to her was ciggs! Wow. Not smelling like that was awesome! I don't avoid people cuz I smell like smoke...I can finally hug now!!! Just awesome!
I know everyone's experience will be different but I have found that in the 10 days that I have been quit so far that my self-esteem has increased 1000%. I am at my lowest when I am around someone that is smoking b/c I don't feel like I am fitting in...but on the other hand everyday that I do not smoke I gain tremendous confidence in myself and have noticed that my negative thinking (about myself especially) has decreased. I really believe that when you realize how strong you are it starts to come through in other parts of your thinking and actions. I'm starting to feel like I can conquer other areas of myself that I am not happy with. Self esteem issues affect smokers and non-smokers and all we can do is look within for answers to why and what we can do to change that. We are our own worst critics but we certainly don't need to be. Take the time to laugh at yourself and be kind/gentle with yourself.
I have very low self-esteem because i was a smoker. I hated the way I smelled, my teeth, breath and what people thought about my smoking. My smoking ran my life and my inner self. I just realized that truth.
In the weeks to come, we will be exploring various strategies to help build your self-esteem:
Your Inner Voice We all have one. A voice that although we cannot hear is constantly repeating messages that will either be reassuring if we have a good level of self-esteem, if we have a low self-esteem, the voice is a harsher critic. This voice also has a tendency to incessantly belittle accomplishments.
The Consequences of Low Self-Esteem The consequences of low self-esteem can include: anxiety, stress, loneliness, increased risk for depression, problems with friendships & relationships, impaired academic & job performance, underachievement and increased risk for substance abuse.
Does your inner voice influence your behavior? Have you already experienced some of the consequences listed above because of your low self-esteem?
Just awesome! 
