- 1) We deserve to be smoke-free. It's attainable. We must believe this in our hearts and be willing to do the work it takes to convince our minds.
- 2) There is definitely a time and place to whine, rant and rave. You're entitled. It's your rite of passage, and it's your obligation to periodically let us witness you fall apart. *smile*.
- 3) There is no fast track, no quick fix. Time invested in the process of recovery from nicotine addiction is the only way to long-term freedom.
- 4) Most of us smoked for a very long time, and if we're honest with ourselves, we can't expect to "get over it or through it" unaffected. Smoking cessation changes us - for the better.
- 5) Education about nicotine addiction is a major key to success. In this process, knowledge truly is power. What you don't know can hurt you.
- 6) Sorry to say, but there's no quit smoking fairy godmother flitting around waving her magic wand intent on making it all go away. You have to dig your heels in and go the distance.
- 7) Understanding early on that no one can possibly take your quit program as seriously as you do and should not be expected to is crucial. You alone own it, and are responsible for it.
- 8) Smoking cessation is truly an awesome gift. We are not guaranteed more than one chance. Protect your quit as if your life depends on it. It does.
- 9) Love yourself enough to be kind, patient, and gentle with yourself as you go through the ups and downs of the cessation process. Reward yourself for your special milestones.
- 10) Friends and family may be supportive, but will soon tire of martyrdom. If they've never smoked, they don't have a clue about what you're going through. And those friends who are still smoking don't want the reminder that they need to quit. For the most part, they just want you to go away; and quietly if you can!
- 11) Quitting smoking is easy. Staying quit requires real passion and mental toughness.
- 12) Why deliberately place yourself in harms way (by being overconfident, for example), to prove a point, what point? That you can lose your quit with the best of them. Quitting tobacco is tough enough. Programming yourself for failure is a waste of time and energy.
- 13) A positive attitude is half the battle. What your mind believes, you can achieve.
- 14) Quitting tobacco is emotionally and mentally stressful, but having a bad day with your quit program does not give you permission to be unkind to others. On the other hand, developing a thicker skin is a must. No one wants to constantly walk on egg shells trying to support you.
- 15 Recognize a smoking slip or relapse for what it is: It is a serious misstep that should not be taken lightly. That said, it's definitely not a reason to beat yourself up. Instead, view it as a learning experience and an opportunity for growth.
- 16) Give back. Pay it forward. Share your successes and challenges. Give support and encourage someone else who is just beginning the journey to quit smoking. This will help reinforce your own resolve to remain smoke-free.
- 17) Give yourself permission to step away from the forum, to take a break for a bit if you feel the need to. Don't guilt yourself about it either. Our beloved forum, as wonderful and empowering as it is, cannot and should not take the place of your real life. In my opinion, an indication of a successful new smoke-free life is learning to live your "new normal" life with as much balance as possible.
And finally, I am thankful and grateful to be free.
Dee
Choose The Gift Of Freedom
More from Dee:
Things I've Learned Along the Way
I Love My Freedom!
Smoking Cessation is a Process
Retraining the Brain
The Peace and Freedom of Smoking Cessation
