Sunday, June 05, 2011

Monkey Off My Back

Sunday 6/5/11:

At the time of this posting, it has been 12 hours since my last cigarette !


Now, I realize that when it comes to kicking such an addictive and nasty habit, 12 hours is nothing in the scheme of things. (After all, I've been smoking since March of 1968 - that's 43 years and two months!)

I'd like to say that I'm undergoing this endeavor cold turkey ... but no, I've been sporting "The Patch" since 11 this morning. I smoked, hopefully, my last cigarette at 10:30 with my second cup of coffee.

Dousing that cigarette, I considered the two ashtrays, the one on the end table next to my recliner and the other next to the keyboard of my PC, and promptly removed them from my sight.

I anticipate that there will be some anguished moments - withdrawal symptoms - but so far there have been none. I've heard stories where others began to eat more frequently for the sake of having something to put into their mouths. (Thankfully, there is plenty of cutup cantaloupe and watermelon in the fridge!)

Not trusting my resolve or willpower, I DID leave one lone cigarette in the pack. I decided to test that resolve - I'm looking at that pack now - by leaving it within easy reach of the keyboard.

If that cigarette, so accessible, calls me and I am able to ignore it, then today's actions won't have been vain. If on the other hand I succumb to its beckoning, then I'll know just how hard it will be to continue.

I think the biggest test will present itself tomorrow at 11 AM. They say the first 24 hours are the most difficult. So far the first 12 have been pretty easy ...

Wish me luck!

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7 comments:

Anonymous said...

You know I have your back no matter what. Determination, strength and will power will win...I know you have all three. I plan on living to be 120...will you be by my side until then? I am sure I will need some profile pics in the meantime...my partner in comedy! You can do what you set your mind to.Sending much Love and strength and smiles to you-Cathy

Sandee said...

If I quit you can quit. It was the best decision I ever made. I'm free. I can go anywhere and not need to go outside to smoke. It's such freedom. I can also breath and I smell so much better.

I'm on your side. You can do this.

Have a terrific smoke-free day. :)

Anonymous said...

Best of luck to you!!It took me three tries but I finally managed to kick the habit, of course I had help also but mine was with chantex. I tried the patch but it was not the one for me, I have heard alot of sucessful stories with the patch though and I am looking forward to you telling yours soon!26 years of smoking and I am now 3 years smoke free.

Jack K. said...

Good for you Mike. I know it will be a challenge, but NOT impossible. You are braver than I am. I would not leave that last cig. so close.

As for me, like I told you on FB, I quit cold turkey more than 40 years ago. It was rather easy for me. I don't think I was truly addicted. My body started telling me it was time to quit. So I quit.

Melons and veggies are a great substitute. Other edibles might add to your girth and you probably don't need that.

So, old friend, keep up your resolve and whenever you are tempted, just turn to your keyboard and write another sensational story.

Anonymous said...

Good for you and good luck. I smoked for 36 yrs, and quit 11/29/10 as a Christmas surprise for my kids and grandkids. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but like Sandee says, the freedom is fabulous! I know you will do it.
Love, Anna

http://funnyphilo.blogspot.com said...

Good luck. And... just do it.

Nacho said...

Good luck and... just do it. without thinking about it anymore.