Day 27: May 10, 2007 and Today's Tip

The good news is, I'm still nicotine free. Now I am experiencing a "nicotine flash" two or three times a day. It can't be described as a craving because it doesn't last that long (10 - 15 seconds).

I find myself clearing my throat a little more frequently than before, although the "rumble" I developed in my voice a few weeks ago seems to be going away.

I remind myself every day that I am a Recovering Nicotine Addict. The statements I use to acknowledge my current nicotine free condition is critical. My Nicotine MIND QUENCH depends on it. I want to be consciously aware that I am deferring my desire for nicotine or a cigarette.

What I'm cautioning against is, "Don't get arrogant with your self talk". You will be surprised what tricks your mind can start to play on you. Don't let your guard down.

This is what could happen if you're not careful. "Well, I finally quit. You know, now that I think about it, it wasn't that bad after all. I knew I could do it. So, even if I did have another cigarette, now I know I could quit." Now the biggest rationalization is about to hit you. It goes like this, "The only reason I really quit was to make sure that I could if I wanted to. Now, I know I can so ..."

For this reason, it is important to have your WHY, your REASONS for Quitting, in writing and with you at all times. "To see if I could really quit" is not a reason to quit. If you followed the dialogue, it becomes your reason for starting up again.

If you have attempted to quit before, think back to that time. What were the circumstances. What was the reason or logic that gave you the permission to light up another cigarette. You were presented with an opportunity to choose - your mind won before. What is going to stop you this time. Whatever that reason was, update your nicotine QUENCH Plan to make sure you don't go down the same road again.

The most common excuse I hear is, "Well, I don't know really. I went out with my friends, we were drinking, and then ..."

my Nicotine QUENCH Plan demands meaningful, tangible, reasons for quitting. This is the real thing.

I'm looking forward to ONE MONTH - tommorrow.

Today's TIP

I think having breakfast every day has helped to minimize, if not eliminate, my morning nicotine withdrawal symptoms. I find that eating smaller meals and snacks over the course of the day keeps me on an even keel.

Watching the news a few weeks ago, I learned that the right kind of breakfast can significantly impact your thinking process. Surprisingly, ham and eggs, or bacon and eggs, are not the recommended types of food we should be eating in the morning.

My breakfast is simple: toasted bagel with strawberry jam, oatmeal or cereal (Honey Nut Cherios), and a cup of tea and / or juice. I'm not saying this is the right kind of breakfast to be eating, but it's working for me.