Was looking through old stuff on the computer and found something I wrote to myself many many months ago the first time I made a serious stab at quitting. Why on earth did I not print this and carry it with me?? Don't know. In any case, will do so now and wanted to share in case anyone else found it helpful:
1. Know that �just one� will lead to renewed dependence and having to quit all over again and the misery that goes with it.
2. Read this list when having a craving. Remember why you want it and how you want to feel physically and how you want to feel about yourself.
3. Focus on positive thoughts about being free from poisons and cravings and being healthy and smelling good rather than entertaining negative thoughts about anything being missing or less fun. This is a head game you will play with yourself to rationalize smoking again.
4. Know that a craving is only a thought and it cannot control you or make you smoke. You control your thoughts and can choose to control the craving.
5. Know that the number and the intensity of the cravings will decrease.
6. Remember that you have been a nonsmoker for much more of your life that you�ve been a smoker.
7. That some of the most enjoyable things you�ve experienced have been experienced as a smoker is not because of smoking. Quitting will not make the fun less fun. Freedom from cravings will let you enjoy the adventure even more. This is another head game you play with yourself when you�re talking yourself into relapse.
8. Remember that the more you drink the more likely you are to forget why you want it and the easier you will find it to rationalize smoking again.
9. Be aware of the other head games you play with yourself to convince yourself it�s okay to smoke just this one or just today. Remember what you really want long term.
10. When you�re in that place in your head where you�re talking yourself back into it, STOP repeating those thoughts. Distract yourself, distance yourself from the situation or trigger or stressor, and repeat to yourself: I CAN DO THIS. THIS WILL ONLY GET EASIER.
YOU�RE NOT MAKING A DECISION WHETHER TO SMOKE WITH EACH CRAVING. THE DECISION GETS MADE ONCE. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO NOW IS WHATEVER IT TAKES TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON THAT DECISION. YOU KNOW IT�S THE RIGHT
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Quit Meter
$204,439.50
Amount Saved
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Quit Meter
Days: 5900
Hours: 5
Minutes: 0
Seconds: 31
Life Gained
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Quit Meter
45431
Smoke Free Days
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Quit Meter
681,465
Cigarettes Not Smoked
