I won't be in a situation where I will be able to post for the first 48 hours of my "smoke-out", but I don't anticipate those first 48 hours being too much of an issue. I will be skiing, and I will be with non-smokers. It's the last 24 hours, when I get home, that I am worried about. So, be sure you will be hearing from me then.
I had a great idea today. I have a checking and a savings account (like most people do) and I decided that every day I am going to transfer the amount of money from my checking that I would normally spend on cigarettes into my savings and see how much money I have after my first month. How fun will that be?! I might feel a little rich.
I am willing to bed that my house is going to be cleaner than it ever thought possible because I am going to have to do something to keep my hands and my mind busy. And I am going to invest in gum. Gum is good.
Thanks again for the support! It will be immeasurably important to me in the next few days!
18 comments:
You can do this Kristen! Prayer is my suggestion for when you are craving a cigarette, and definitely pray if you find yourself reaching for one.
You have such an awesome mom to take the kids for the first 3 days. I'm glad you have plans to go skiing.
I love your idea of transferring the cigarette money to your savings account. It will be a good chunk of money. :-)
Gum is okay - except annoying to watch someone chew (I developed this aversion in recent years!). But I was thinking - go brush your teeth every time you feel like having one - you'll have a great new smile on top of it all!
But, seriously, prayer is the key!
Somehow I think your mom would rather watch you chewing gum than smoking a cigarette, Kristen. :-) So whatever it takes. For me, it was peppermint candies.
Don't downplay the first 48 hours. No matter what you're doing, you're also physically withdrawing from nicotine, so expect it to be a little daunting and be very kind to yourself.
I keep meaning to tell you, you're already off on the right foot - I've read that it's very important to plan ahead for an actual quit date so that you can kind of gently approach that day, determined to quit. And you did that so step one is out of the way and you're ready for the big day.
You can do this. I know for sure, you can do this.
You have some great ideas Kristen and I know you can do it...your kid's health will improve too! The second hand smoke can make a big difference in their respiratory health...even if you don't smoke around them. I am praying for you as you face the hurdle in your life. Hang in there!
I'll be praying for you Kristen. You are such an amazing lady. I know you can do this.
You really can do it! My husband and I quit about a year after we married. We used the nicotine patches and it helped a LOT. You do have to change your patterns though....like I couldn't talk on the phone as much because that's when I smoked! I just took care of my father in law as he was dying from lung cancer. Believe me, quitting is MUCH easier! God bless and prayers!
Can I just say that the photo of the bucket of cigarette butts is disgusting?!!! Seriously! :-)
Good Luck, Kristen! You're going to do this. I just know it. I think transferring the cigarette money into your savings is a brilliant idea!
Remember, it's okay to WANT a cigarette when you're quitting. You're going to want one and that's okay. It's just not okay to actually smoke one. When I was quitting and wanted one I would tell myself, "This is me wanting a cigarette. It's okay that I want one. But I will not smoke one!" Soon those moments of wanting one will come less frequently. I promise!
Have FUN skiing! :-) We can't wait to hear from you when you return!
Praying for you in Ohio! You can do it!!
I can hardly wait to come to your house and not see that bucket "hiding" under your lawn chair! Just think - the black mark on the step will serve as a constant reminder of what could have happened.
Almost D day! Best wishes as you begin your journey tomorrow. You can do this, Kristen. You're stronger than the urge to smoke and you can beat this.
Hope you have a great weekend skiing and kicking your habit. :o)
Love and hugs,
Diane
Have a great weekend. We all look forward to hearing from you when you get back!
I can do all things through Christ who stregthens me....
Kristen, praying for you here in St. Louis. Knew your mom when I lived in FC some years back. My husband is a smoker and cigarettes took my dad from me when he was my age. It is something that is hard on our marriage because i will not allow him to smoke inside the hosue but even though he goes to the garage the reality is the smell is so bad that often I will not even sit close to him. Every relationship in your life will change when the cigarettes are gone. And, just my thought, but if the folks you are going skiing with this weekend are really friends, chances are they do know you smoke, even though you do not smoke around them. Non-smokers can smell the smoke on another person from several feet away. Those first 48 hours will be rough - even with the distraction. So, let them in on your goal. A real friend will offer you support and encouragement. What a gerat weekend to have to begin taking those deep breaths of fresh air, without inhaling anything else! Again, prayers for you and your girls. All five of you deserve this for you. Your mom is wonderful but no one is better for your girls than you. Whisper a prayer, picture those sweet faces, chew gum, snack on carrot sticks; you might find that at any given moment they are all necessary, but oh the blessings of being free of the cigarettes.
Today is Friday and I'm over from Barb's to cheer you on and let you know I said a prayer for you! You can do it!
This is Barb and Bev's Mom again.
Congratulations on having the courage to do this. Here's a former smoker wishing you success, and praying for you all along the way.
You're going to be so proud of yourself. We'll be waiting to hear how you're doing.
I will be praying for you. What a brave thing you are doing! What a wonderful thing you are doing for you and your children!! You can do it!!!!
- Chris
Visiting from Barb's...and wishing you success with your goal. Not just wishing, but praying for you as giving up smoking is about as difficult a thing to do as can be. The end result will be so worth it, for you and your family.
Kristen,
You have a very positive attitude and the money transfer might just work. My sister stopped smoking before she was married. She saved her cigarette money and bought a nice used car...paid cash after two years. So set a goal and go for it, girl. You rock!
Blessings,
Mary
Hey Kristen, It's Sunday evening (here in the northeast) and I just thought of you. I hope you had a fun weekend and that you're feeling okay tonight! Let us all know how you're holding up! And congratulations for making it this far! :-)
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