10/23/2016 From: Sherri L.
Option List

Today make an options list . Use it before you smoke . Write sxs many things as You can on that list . i.e.


1) I will post on the Q before I smoke , if that doesn't work ,
2) I will go to the gym , if that doesn't work
3) I will call a friend and go for coffee, if that doesn't work
4) I will bake cookies and take them to a local shelter , if that doesn't work I will
5) take a 40 minute walk , if that doesn't work I will >>>>>> You get the picture .

The idea is when you crave distract >> you do the other options : Keep smoking off the table. NO WHERE on that list do you have it listed that you should smoke , or you should go buy a pack , or you should quit quitting . EVERYTHING on there should give you hope to keep going . If one doesn't help pass the crave then go to another . Craves will not last forever , you can be sure of that ....... but cancer ..... emphesema , copd, heart disease >>they are killers and by stopping smoking now we do have a chance to slow the progression .

I say to you ---find a way through this . Take quitting seriously please . My daughter who is an RN going in to work today works with kids with cancer . Some days are hard . Some days those kids struggle , but they don't mess with waht little life time they have . The strength in the midst of their pain and their parents pain ... bthe kids, the parents , the doctors, and the nursing staff , I cannot even imagine !!

MY GOSH !!! WE CAN QUIT SMOKING . ITS NOTHING TO DO SO !! NOTHING compared to what those families are going through, ( Caps are for emaphasis only)

Please put your quit in the right perspective . What are you doing ....... moving forward or trying to find ways to give up and smoke because craves are uncomfortable . Whats your vision for the future .You are seeing your craves through the eyes of an addict if your sitting there in denial or unhappy about quitting . Quitting is admitting you are an addict and then willing to change the things you can . We are no longer on the high school playground . Quitting is serious . Its going to change your future. Its going to GIVE YOU a FUTURE. It starts with work, and learning and applying the learning and working

Its starts with just enjoying today even if it sucks having a couple craves because tomorrow... who know whether we will be here . We just do not know do we. No matter what ... LIFE IS SHORT . Spend some time calling a loved one today .. rather than fighting forget about your struggles quitting today ...let them happen accept that they are healing and get out of yourself and say or do something nice for others . That will help you see this quit differently.

Christmas is coming . I know many children spending Christmas in the hospital ..they won't be able to go home ... take your weeks quit money or money you have spent foolishly and donate it to the children ..bring some joy into their life . Don't let those craves take YOUR life. . Make those craves useful . They are nothing for the gift of life _Sherri L.