We spend a lot of time and rightfully so, talking about different ways to cope with cravings, weight gain etc. However, one of the issues I have with quitting is what to do about smokers.
Many of you will agree that the atmosphere in the smokers corner outside non-smoking buildings and other areas, is really quite friendly. And I must admit, I had some really good times in the smokers corners. How many conversations struck up with complete strangers simply because of something in common? Smoking! It reminds me of the atmosphere at the back of the class when at school- the bold boys. You will also agree that the comradeship we feel for each other on the forum stems from the fact that we are one of those friendly people who basically like life. Doing what was good for us or bad for us has never been a problem. OK now we have some regrets but we are still the same rebels who decided, despite the evidence against it, to start smoking, drinking and probably a couple of other vices thrown in for good measure. We know that we are not perfect, and we feel quite comfortable with that. Who likes perfect anyway - thin, vegetarian, save-the-planet intellectual (i.e. have all the answers), non-smoker non-drinker, who doesn't do TV, magazines or ugly of uglies Junk Food. I have nothing against any single one of these positive characteristics but all together in one person I just couldn't cope. Where are the pimples, knocks and bumps?
I have spent a number of hours in these dens of iniquities and many of my friends are still go there. My house is/was a smoking area? Friends are/were delighted to be able to come to my place and smoke without the need to go outside etc. etc., You can see the hesitation between is/was.
I really don't like the idea of becoming a holier-than-thou ex smoker who looks down on those unfortunates who do not have the willpower to quit. I don't like the idea of banning smokers entirely from my company simply because I am yet again on another quit. That said, these same circumstances are the ones certainly conducive to smoking again and therefore to be avoided. I am however, one of those if-you-can't-beat-em, join-em kind of guys, particularly when it is all for having a good time.
There are some smokers I really like, even if they do smell horribly of cold tobacco. I personally resent being told directly or indirectly by healthy do-gooders, that what I am doing is either bad for me or for the planet, and for this reason I am loathe do so with people I like and care about. I still want to avoid the smoking situations and would like my home to be a smoke-free area but I would still like it to be open and welcome for all. Of course welcome for all would probably mean it be welcoming for non-smokers too!
Sorry for running on but it is Saturday, and time is weighing heavily on my hands this morning so I am sharing my thoughts with you while at the same time avoiding thinking about whether I want to or not. Yes, I admit it the "S" word.
Love to hear from you :)
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]1/6/2008
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 13
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 455
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $169.00
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 5 [B]Mins:[/B] 54 [B]Seconds:[/B] 14
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Quit Meter
$408,861.00
Amount Saved
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Quit Meter
Days: 8153
Hours: 22
Minutes: 40
Seconds: 36
Life Gained
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Quit Meter
45429
Smoke Free Days
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Quit Meter
545,148
Cigarettes Not Smoked
