19 Years Quit pamela S pamaela2 , 2018
19 years quit: “What advice do you offer a brand-new quitter?”
Good morning, Everyone! Today, I'm celebrating 19 years of complete freedom from tobacco. Literally. The only time I ever even THINK about tobacco is this ONE day per year, when I remember how thankful I am that I was able to quit this monster for good.
Starting at 11 years old, I smoked a pack and a half of Marlboro 100's every single day- first thing in the morning, last thing
at night, like clockwork.
Here's what worked for me:
1. Make a list of everything you hate about smoking, divided into fields of physical, psychological, social, financial, effects on children and other people, and environmental.
2. Make a corresponding list of the benefits you will receive by quitting. (1. Smoking makes my teeth yellow-Different page 1. My teeth will be shiny white.)
3. Make yet another list of your typical daily cigarettes (waking up, coffee, after breakfast, waiting for bus- wjatever your personal regulars are). After each one, name the replacement action that you are going to do instead. Some ideas are "brush my teeth", "do deep breathing", "go for a walk"...you get the idea. Carry these lists with you EVERYWHERE, at all times. Read them until they are permanently engraved on your brain.
4. When a craving hits, remember the 3-D's: Drink water, Deep breathe, Do something else.
5. Have a serious amount of non-caloric substitutes around (did you know celery is actually a negative calorie food?) Breath mints work well. Mouthwash, too.
6. Start a Butt Jar. Fill it up with all your cigarette butts and ashes, then top it off with some water. When you have an urge to smoke, take a nice long whiff!
7. Choose something healthy and wonderful to take the place of smoking. Get yourself a pair of new tennies and start a walking diary, start doing crossword puzzles, research a favorite topic, plan the trip you'll take with the money you save....something to occupy your mind and help you to enjoy your time, or at least survive it.
8. Probably the thing that really sealed the deal for me: Bryan's story at WhyQuit.com. Maybe print it out in color. Go online and look at what others have had to go through thanks to oral cancer caused by smoking. Images. Bookmark it. Look at it often.
I commend you all for being here today, and ask that-no matter what- you keep on trying (I failed like 7 or 8 times before I could say NOPE (not one puff, ever) for 19 years. I am so proud of all of you for being here today. Never give up!!! The freedom of not smoking is worth more than anything, and-after a few days of suffering- you'll be writing this letter in 19 years. Keep the Quit- You've GOT this!!!
