I had a recent experience that reminded me of when I was first quitting smoking. Due to a medical change, I have had to change my diet, and as I was struggling with it, and beating myself up about what I can't have and what I wanted to have, it occurred to me that I had been focusing on what I couldn't have! The second that I realized that, I got out some cookbooks and looked to see what is it that I CAN HAVE! The stress was almost instantly gone.
So what is it that you DO want when you have quit smoking? Freedom from the addiction? The ability to breathe? Vibrant health? The cash you've spent on cigarettes? Time to spend with your kids or Grandkids? To live longer?
Instead of focusing on "I want a cigarette" or "I have this craving", focus on what it is that you DO want, focus on the benefits of being smoke free.
Focus on how wonderful it feels to be done with the addiction forever. Focus on the wide open future in front of you. Focus on the Clear complexion, the pink coming back to your cheeks, the ability to take a deep breath, the ability to be able to smell again.
There are so many positives to quitting if you just take a moment to look for them. Focus on all of them that you can come up with, and the stress will be gone!
Do it for yourself, be a little bit selfish and give yourself the gift of life!
