So I have decided to quit TODAY. Not "in a little while," "when things get settled down a bit," or "when I'm feeling better." I realize those are all excuses and it's the addiction talking. The truth is, I do not NEED nicotine to get me through stressful times. I don't need it at all.
So, I was planning to quit about two months ago and never got around to it. But I did write down my reasons! Here they are:
MY #1 uber-reason: I'm tired of having a constant sore throat. All day every day my throat feels scratchy. I'm always clearing my throat and coughing, and my laugh lately has become a wheeze. I'm afraid I'm going to end up with Lucille Ball's low voice, then get throat cancer and die young just like my stepmom's Dad.
Reason #2: Quitting smoking is the first, crucial step in my VERY IMPORTANT goal to get in shape. I've discovered that regular exercise has an extreme effect on my mood, transforming me from depressed and lethargic to confident and energetic, almost magically. But I can't exercise if i can't breathe! I want to be able to dance without feeling like I'm going to have a heart attack. Dancing is so important to me. It's the best way i can express my deep, passionate love of music, and it feels fantastic.
Reason #3: I don't want to have kids and die early from cancer, leaving them heartbroken and asking why. I need to be here for those who love me. (Don't ask why this is third on the list, I just wrote them as they came to me.)
THE MOMENT OF TRUTH: When i went to the grocery store and used welfare money to buy a carton of smokes, and the cashier looked at me with such disappointment and disdain. I felt like sleaze. I NEVER want to repeat that experience again. I believe that just visualizing the image of the cashier's face could be enough to get me through quitting.
There it is. Whether you reply or not, it really helps to get my reasons out there!