Quit Smoking Monday Messages

Fear of Flying

As smokers, we spend years dreaming of the day we're finally able to stub out that last cigarette and start living our lives free of the ball and chain that nicotine addiction is. At the same time, we are so afraid to quit...to actually take that step that means we're done with smoking. Life without our cigarettes is scary to contemplate.

A current About.com Smoking Cessation forum discussion offers plenty of constructive advice about how to manage our fears of quitting tobacco:

I Just Smoked My Last Cigarette

"I just smoked my last cigarette, and I'm afraid. I desperately need to quit smoking, and I'm working so hard to be healthy. Smoking is holding me back in every area of my life...and yet...it's so ingrained into my life that I know it will be a great battle to overcome my addiction. I like who I am...except the part of me that is a smoker. I am ashamed of that part. I hope I can find support here, because I really do need it. Today is the day. I will not delay one more minute in indecision or fear."

Take action to avoid the paralysis that thoughts of quitting can bring on:

Education
The more we understand about what to expect from nicotine withdrawal, the better we'll be prepared to manage it.

• Prepare to Quit Smoking

• 10 Things to Avoid When We Quit Smoking

Connect with Support
Your chance for long-term success with smoking cessation will be increased many times over if you add some support to your quit program. From enlisting the help of family and friends to connecting with others online who are going through what you are, building a solid support network is key to helping you quit smoking permanently.

• About.com Smoking Cessation Support Forum

• Helping Friends and Family Understand the Recovery Process

It takes courage to put down that last cigarette and quit smoking, but you can do it. Arm yourself with education and support and dive in. The water's fine!

_{Photo © Stockxpert}

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Take The Quit Smoking Monday Pledge

Healthy Monday encourages us to think of every Monday as a day that we can begin work anew on goals that we have for ourselves. If you're still smoking, put your cigarettes down and get started on your quit program today.

• Quit Smoking Monday Messages Archive

We all have the ability to quit smoking successfully, and we all deserve a life that is free of addiction. Honor your life by choosing Monday as the day to start and reinforce your quit program.

You can quit smoking ... and we’re here to help you, one simple Monday at a time.

_{Image © healthymonday.org}