Originally posted January 15, 2008
Well I made it through my first day of not smoking. I am very proud of myself. I have told my friends and family what I am doing, rather than keep it to myself, because I want to set myself up for success, not failure.
Breaking free from the slavery to nicotine addiction is nothing short of empowering. I have felt a combination of fear and excitement all this week when thinking of my quit date. Yes, I was afraid, because cigarettes had become my friend. They were always there for me. (or so I thought) After years of associating nearly everything that I did with smoking, I had developed a powerful psychological dependence on nicotine. I thought I enjoyed smoking. I thought it controlled my nerves and helped me think more clearly. I thought smoking helped me to enjoy life more fully. I knew better, but it's always easy to rationalize and justify.
The real truth about the nicotine is this: smokers like the feeling they get when the nicotine level is replenished. From the time you stub a cigarette out, you begin to have physical withdrawal. The longer between cigarettes, the more severe the withdrawal. This then causes the edginess, inability to concentrate, irritability, and even depression. This is definitely a never ending cycle of events.
How could I ever think that was enjoyment, rather than addiction?
Today was hard. I have felt severe cravings for a cigarette all day long. But I know the pay-off to not giving in is worth it. Thanks to all my friends who have sent me encouraging messages.
More to come...
No comments:
Post a Comment