My journey to quit smoking: Quitting for my health

 I had a phone coaching session with my  coach, Ian, from the smoking cessation today. 

We talked about ways I can cope when I'm having a nicotine fit. We talked about doing mini quits and other things.

Here are the things I wrote down from my coaching session on ways to cope:

1. 5 to 15 minute mini quits - create a playlist with 3 to 5 songs that last 5 to 15 minutes to help me through the need to light up a cigarette. 
2. Journal Entry #1- write a goodbye letter to tobacco or a pro/con list.
3. Journal Entry #2- Admit and own up to the positive effects I believe I get from tobacco. 
4. Journal Entry #3- Admit the negative effects that tobacco is actually doing to me.
5. Consult with doctor- about medication withdrawal help after my quit date if I need it.
6. Joining Smoking Cessation Support groups- like when I joined AA when I stopped drinking 
7. Get more information from my doctor- on ways or information with help for my social anxiety and panic attacks.

I have two weeks until my next coaching call between Feb. 14th - Feb. 16th. 

I had my first coaching session two weeks ago and the goal was to smoke one less cigarette a day because I smoke a pack a day but I surprised myself by giving away half of my packs. I decided to give 10 cigarettes away instead of smoking said cigarette I wanted. I now only smoke 10 cigarettes a day instead of 20 and I've noticed that I've been buying less cigarettes. 

Yesterday was the first time in years that I actually had money after I paid my bills. I'm usually broke as hell but I realized that I had $350 do what I wanted with until my next payday. I've bought 5 less packs of smokes than I usually do, that's $50 I saved by not spending it on cigarettes.  A carton lasts me 10 days but this month I haven't bought a carton. 

I've been smoking waaay less than I usually do and I'm proud of myself for doing this. I know I can do it because I did it before when I was actively having kids and I didn't smoke for 7 years. I've already quit drinking for my health and on March 23rd next month will be my nine year anniversary of quitting alcohol after being an alcoholic for twenty-four years. I couldn't quit drinking at all while pregnant 20+ years ago but had cut down to one glass a wine a day and now, I drink nothing. 

Last month, I proved to myself I can quit cigarettes because I was in a room filled with alcohol and people having a good time and I wasn't tempted to drink a drop. I'm free from the temptation of alcohol and now I chose to be free of nicotine. 

 I set my quit date for my 44th birthday on August 5th this year.

Wish me luck! 

Misha