Penguin

I think it definitely helps to reframe the way you think about cigarettes. Every time I failed my quit, it was because I thought, "I'm missing out on something smokers get to do." These days, I do have times when I miss certain aspects of smoking, like the measured routine of lighting up, breathing in, exhaling, feeling the tension abate. I don't miss the addiction, nausea, stench, health problems, and worry that came with all of that, though. I don't desire cigarettes. I hate them. I can't stand the smell of them. It irritates me to see people smoke openly and endanger the health of others. I do desire the stress release, tactile feel, and the breathing routine cigarettes provided for me once upon a time. Thankfully, I've found other avenues for those things. One reason gum is often recommended is because it gives you something to "play" with as you roll it around in your mouth, stretch it out, and blow bubbles with it; that's all tactile response that keeps you busy. They recommend coin flipping, card twirling, and toying with straws for the same reason, because it gives your fingers something to do. I'm not sure I agree willpower isn't enough, but I'm also not convinced Joel isn't correct on that point. I do know one of the key differences between this quit and my previous attempts is that I think of cigarettes as unhealthy, nasty, cancer sticks, not a treat I'm missing out on.

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Congratulations! Well done!

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Today I'm 16 months free from smoking! I'm going for a fancy coffee or four to celebrate.

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