I am ready to quit smoking! Day 1

For years I have been a smoker and it has been a long and nasty row.

I have been instructed to create a list of the “pros” and “cons” of smoking. At first the natural reactions was to think “there aren’t any pros, are there?” So, I have decided that the “real” first step is to stop bullshitting myself. If I am willing to lie to myself and then stupid enough to beleive it I have lost the battle before it has even begun.

Below is a list of the PROS to smoking for me.

• It tastes good.

Now before you get out your torches and clubs and call out the lynch mob I know it smells bad and it is harsh. But it MUST taste good or I wouldn’t like it. I have heard people say silly things like “Find a ash tray and lick it, that’s what a cig tastes like.”. That is complete nonsense. Now I cannot nor will I try to sit here and tell you it’s like eating a waffle or drinking a mocha latte. But it does have an earthy kind of soothing almost sweet taste. Man, I’ve been smoking waay too long.

• It makes me feel good.

Again this one of those thing that not even I can believe. It make me feel like shit. Every time and yet I am somehow comforted by the idea that I am smoking.

• It passes the time when I’m bored.
• It sometimes gives me a “buzz”

Those are the best of the best that I can see, for me.

Some of the reasons Psychologists say I and others smoke:

• No particular reason, but the cigarettes are handy
• To reduce a feeling of anxiety or nervousness
• To calm down when upset or angry
• To socialize with other smokers
• When feeling restless
• As relaxation
• To take a break from work
• While having coffee or tea
• When having a drink with friends
• To satisfy an urge to smoke
• After a meal
• After sex
• To pass the time while waiting for someone.
• When driving in the car
• When feeling depressed
• When drinking beer, wine, or liquor
• To celebrate something
• To think about a difficult problem

Now here are the cons to smoking:

• Health issues
  • Smoking is extremely dangerous to my health
  • I have all but lost my sense of smell
  • It bothers me to be dependent on cigarettes
  • Smoking gives me very bad breath
  • I would have more energy if I did not smoke
• Cosmetic issues
  • My cigarette smoke leaves an unpleasant smell
  • I have nicotine stains on my fingers.
  • I am getting wrinkles from smoking.
  • My teeth are discolored from smoking.
• Social issues
  • I am losing contact with my non-smoking friends
  • My second-hand smoke is dangerous to those around me
  • My cigarette smoke bothers other people
  • Sometimes I litter when I discard cigarette butts
• Financial issues
  • I spend too much money on cigarettes
  • I burned holes in my clothing

I have decided that smoking has had it’s stranglehold on me for the last time! I have made an appointement with a doctor on 7/28/10 and I will write what I learn here.

I have created a group on FNBored.com and you can follow me there also http://www.fnbored.com/xsmoker and my Username is NathanHoxsie

Thanks for reading and please comment me for support I will need all the help I can get.

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Filed under: quitting smoking

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