I am a smoker. I have smoked since I was a teenager. I'll say it, I love my smokes! I know, I know...smoking is terrible. Hell, I'm a nurse. I truly know what smoking causes. Seen it. Even been in an operating room observing a partial lung removal due to smoking. (Which was really cool btw!) And yet, I continued to smoke.
My bestie, also a smoker, tried the new vapor cigarette. She loved it. After about a week, she was telling me how she didn't even want a real cigarette. Really?? Of course, I still wasn't to sure about giving up my beloved smokes. She is doing wonderful on the vapor cig. So, that got me thinking. My best friend is a very strong, independent woman. If SHE could do it, I can too. I know am pushing 40 and with all the medical problems I have, smoking is really a stupid thing to do. So, on August 31. 2014 at 2:45 pm was my last cigarette. It has been over a week now and I can't believe I haven't had an actual cigarette since then.
Please don't get me wrong, it has been a challenge. Still is a challenge. It is not an easy thing to do by any means! But I think what is hardest thing about not smoking, is the change in routine. You don't realize how much smoking is part of your routine until you try to stop. For years, I woke up in the morning, peed and went outside to smoke. The first few morning, and yes, sometimes still, I will sit at the end of my bed, twiddling my fingers, wondering what I need to do. Not to mention the dogs are a part of your smoking routine too. I get up in the morning and they are looking at me like "Ahh, Mom?? What are you doing? Aren't we going outside?". It's like, you know you are supposed to be doing something but you don't know what. That feeling does go away. I just have to figure out something else to do. I have tried pushing off my vapor cig as long as I can in the morning just so I can get used to another routine.
Triggers are tough. Triggers meaning: smoking after eating, riding in a car, before I go to bed, seeing people smoke on tv (Sons of Anarchy will be the big test Tuesday!) and talking on the phone. That last one is my biggest trigger! Talking on the phone! OMG! That phone! Since I am home all day, the phone is my only outlet to the outside world. I am on the phone a lot during the day. I usually hit the vapor cig when I am on the phone.
I sometimes get the impression that people think that when a person switches from real cigs to vapor ones is no big deal. "You're just trading one for the other." It's not that simple. Trust me! It is a huge deal! It is a major accomplishment! It takes will power like you have never known. It does change your entire life.
The best thing about doing it, my kids, hubby and mom are so proud of me. Gives me a sense of joy. I know that it has only been a week but a very proud week it is! I am going to keep trying!
Hugs!
Jenn
Wann leave a comment but don't have GMAIL? Click here!
No comments:
Post a Comment