I know I created a list of all the negatives and positives of smoking when I made the decision to quit. To my surprise there were about 30 negatives and only 4 positives. I have kept that list and when I'm tempted to give in to the crave it reminds of my reasons for becoming a non-smoker. Also, those measly 4 positive reasons now seem ridiculous e.g. a de-stressor - I've discovered that a cigarette does nothing in that regard whereas excercise, removing myself from a very stressful situation or treating myself to some little special thing does a heck of a lot more than reaching for a cigarette. Also, watching my mother go through cancer treatment day after day (60 year smoker) is very sobering and reminds me of how my cravings are nothing in comparison to the suffering she is now going through.
As successful quitters prepare to quit, we know that they do the following four things:
• They begin to picture themselves living the lifestyle of someone who doesn’t smoke. • Before they quit and while they smoke, they begin to picture themselves in the same situation, without having the need for a cigarette. • They begin to seriously consider what they value more: smoking or a lifestyle that’s totally tobacco free (no more standing outside, running to the store when they need another pack, searching for change, feeling nervous about cancer, etc.). • They take some small steps toward quitting.
Members,
Which of these four things did you do? What was most helpful?
