The last I posted I shared my decision to quit tobacco. Here we are, nearly 2 weeks later. As it turns out, I have been busy quitting. Seems silly to say, but it is true. I have spent the last 2 weeks planning for my quit, and the last 3 days actually quitting. Who knew stopping something would keep me busy? I spend no time smoking, buying, hiding or accommodating my tobacco addiction. All that time should have added up to a massage, or a pedicure, or at least a coffee to myself! Not so much, I learned. Indeed, it is one of my lessons learned. Some others:
My top 10 "Really?" moments:
- Cigarettes are expensive! ( I know, duh!, but I said this was the "Really?" list! So far, I have a crisp $20 from my quitting!)
- It is nice to wake up without coughing loud enough to scare the neighbors.
- I love not planning my day around a trip to the store, the drive that accommodates a WHOLE cigarette, when to take a "lunch break" at work...
- It is HARD. Some aspects are easy, but most are hard. Really hard. It is easy not to smoke, because there aren't any around, but hard because there IS a store across the street.
- Those Quit Line people are sweet as pie, and know what's up! (1-800-207-1230) They can call you to help, even get free gum or lozenges to be waiting for you at the store.
- My blueberry coffee smells like blueberry. My car smells, and I have no idea why. Clearly, I have regained my sense of smell.
- Not smoking makes you feel lonely. It makes me feel lonely, anyway. That was a shocker! I don't have my "smoking" friend there to celebrate a victory, or hang out after a long day. Those times (the ones where it was just me and my smokes) are now JUST me.
- Mints, gum, lollipops, carrots (3 different kinds), straws and coffee are NOT nicotene replacement therapy. I have fresh breath, am over caffeinated and speak too fast, but still crave. I should probably get some gum or lozenges....
- It is HARD. I know I mentioned that, but it is. I will be feeling really proud, then I will go out to shop at convenient stores at 10pm to buy lollipops, fighting my own weakness.
- It is worth it. I know that all this is gong to make me feel better, breather easier, make me live longer, reduce my healthcare costs, allow my clothes and hair to smell better, and best of all: make my kids proud. It is WORTH IT.
I am not sure if any of this resonates with you. Maybe you recognize yourself in one of the ten, or in all of the ten. Maybe you are one of those insanely lucky folks who don't experience any quitting struggles. Congratulations. (and also, I hate you.)
If you are quitting with me, congrats! Keep it up! Comment, share, or just know you aren't alone. If you are considering quitting, plan it out and pick a date. Talk it through with someone. (See #5 above)
