[quote]Sooo much going on and so busy. Lots and lots and lots of stress![/quote]
Have you asked yourself 'What new stress coping skills have I learned"? Are you using them?
[quote]I wish I could control the machinations of my mind.[/quote]
Goodness, don't we all? When the mind feels out of control, don't fight it. In stead relax the mind. Then start again.
[quote]I know I don't want to smoke, I know I have resolved not to smoke. My mind however keeps going to whatever was in the smoke that told me everything was okay or that I was relaxed.[/quote]
It was us and our junkie thinking that told us it was ok and that smoking relaxed us. Recognize the junkie thinking and replace it with rational thinking: Smoking is disgusting and it is a stimulant. It keeps me from relaxing.
Change your inner dialog.
[quote]I know I would have smoked a lot, I mean a lot, during stress like this.[/quote]
Operative word being 'would'. Now you can say I do 'this' during stress. The 'this' being: meditate, positive inner dialog to myself, deep breathes, count to 10, talk to a friend, ask for help with a situation, etc.
[quote]I have to say that I need to constantly remember to breath and be very vigilant of those I hang out with. I come very close to asking for a smoke when I am near the smell.[/quote]
Do you know why, after all you have learned about smoking, that you would want to inhale poison into your body again? You stated above that you know you do not want to smoke. So since you know that, it would seem to me that it is the habit you are remembering and not that you actually 'want' a smoke. In time I doubt you will even have a subconscious urge to ask for a smoke. Don't let it deter you. You created another non-smoking memory ... you didn't ask for a smoke. Dwell on that positive thought.
[quote]For a few moments I will think of smoking and then I will be able to clutch back my senses and get back to my commitment.[/quote]
Bravo. Keep making those non smoking memories. You will break the links Rivman, I'm sure of it.
[quote]I wonder why this happens to some and not to others?[/quote]
We are all different, but the good thing is that we can learn from each other.
[quote]I have been swimming a lot and yet there is not a whole lot o
-
Quit Meter
$54,903.60
Amount Saved
-
Quit Meter
Days: 6052
Hours: 22
Minutes: 30
Seconds: 2
Life Gained
-
Quit Meter
45753
Smoke Free Days
-
Quit Meter
137,259
Cigarettes Not Smoked