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margo · 10-21-2005, 10:21 AM

Tomorrow is the big day!

Feel good about having the courage to try to quit. And be proud about making the promise to yourself to succeed. You keep your promises to others, right? So, remember as you try to quit smoking how important this promise is and keep it, too. After all, who is more worth it than you?

This next step may appear difficult, and you may be feeling nervous about it. You may also feel like you are about to give up something important in your life.

To help you deal with this feeling, think about tomorrow as the day you will become a non-smoker. Say it also to people around you. Instead of thinking about what you are giving up, think instead of what you will be gaining as a non-smoker. This is a powerful way to help you quit.

Smoking gave you pleasure and you will need to find ways to replace that pleasure if you are to quit smoking for good. Give yourself rewards for all of the little successes along your journey to becoming smoke-free. Most of the benefits of not smoking are long-term, so you need to treat yourself now so that you stay motivated.

Rewards don't have to be expensive, but you may want to use the money you have saved by not smoking to buy yourself a special treat. Or, you may want to save that money. If so, you can reward yourself with time out to read a good book, take a long bath or to spend with a friend who makes you laugh.

Only you know what would be a special treat that would make you feel as if you were being rewarded for the great accomplishments you have achieved so far, but here are some ideas to get you thinking.

* Make a list of new things to do with your time. On your list you may have any number of things from crafts and hobbies, to sports, social events, friends, family, pets, shopping, or relaxation. Think of quitting as an opportunity to do a lot of new things.

* Create a series of rewards for the little successes you have along the way to quitting and staying quit. Allow other people to encourage and congratulate you as well. Praise always helps keep us going.

* Celebrate your "anniversaries" - one day, one week, one month, one year, or 5 years of being smoke-free. It's inspiring for you and for others.

© Health Canada

10-21-2005, 10:21 AM	#29 (permalink)
margo Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 1,727	DAY 20 - Getting ready Tomorrow is the big day! Feel good about having the courage to try to quit. And be proud about making the promise to yourself to succeed. You keep your promises to others, right? So, remember as you try to quit smoking how important this promise is and keep it, too. After all, who is more worth it than you? This next step may appear difficult, and you may be feeling nervous about it. You may also feel like you are about to give up something important in your life. To help you deal with this feeling, think about tomorrow as the day you will become a non-smoker. Say it also to people around you. Instead of thinking about what you are giving up, think instead of what you will be gaining as a non-smoker. This is a powerful way to help you quit. Smoking gave you pleasure and you will need to find ways to replace that pleasure if you are to quit smoking for good. Give yourself rewards for all of the little successes along your journey to becoming smoke-free. Most of the benefits of not smoking are long-term, so you need to treat yourself now so that you stay motivated. Rewards don't have to be expensive, but you may want to use the money you have saved by not smoking to buy yourself a special treat. Or, you may want to save that money. If so, you can reward yourself with time out to read a good book, take a long bath or to spend with a friend who makes you laugh. Only you know what would be a special treat that would make you feel as if you were being rewarded for the great accomplishments you have achieved so far, but here are some ideas to get you thinking. * Make a list of new things to do with your time. On your list you may have any number of things from crafts and hobbies, to sports, social events, friends, family, pets, shopping, or relaxation. Think of quitting as an opportunity to do a lot of new things. * Create a series of rewards for the little successes you have along the way to quitting and staying quit. Allow other people to encourage and congratulate you as well. Praise always helps keep us going. * Celebrate your "anniversaries" - one day, one week, one month, one year, or 5 years of being smoke-free. It's inspiring for you and for others. © Health Canada __________________ Sometimes I go about in pity for myself, and all the while a great wind is bearing me across the sky. ~Ojibwe saying~