Slip? Don't be too hard on yourself. One slip doesn't make you a failure. It doesn't mean you can't quit for good

[EmJay]

I've just found this article that I thought you might like to read

What To Do If You Do Slip

Don’t be discouraged if you slip up and smoke one or two cigarettes. It’s not a lost cause. One cigarette is better than an entire pack. But that doesn’t mean you can safely smoke every now and then‚ no matter how long ago you quit. One cigarette may seem harmless‚ but it can quickly lead back to one or two packs a day.

Many ex-smokers had to try stopping many times before they finally succeeded. When people slip up‚ it’s usually within the first three months after quitting. Here’s what you can do if this happens:

- Understand that you’ve had a slip. You’ve had a small setback. This doesn’t make you a smoker again.

- Don’t be too hard on yourself. One slip up doesn’t make you a failure. It doesn’t mean you can’t quit for good.

- Don’t be too easy on yourself either. If you slip up‚ don’t say‚ "Well‚ I’ve blown it. I might as well smoke the rest of this pack." It’s important to get back on the non-smoking track right away. Remember‚ your goal is no cigarettes—not even one puff.

- Feel good about all the time you went without smoking. Try to learn how to make your coping skills better.

- Find the trigger. Exactly what was it that made you smoke? Be aware of that trigger. Decide now how you will cope with it when it comes up again.

- Learn from your experience. What has helped you the most to keep from smoking? Make sure to do that on your next try.

- Are you using a medicine to help you quit? Don’t stop using your medicine after only one or two cigarettes. Stay with it. It will help you get back on track.

People with even one coping skill are more likely to stay non-smokers than those who don’t know any.

[EmJay Partner]

Whoops-a-daisy! For some reason I posted the wrong photie! I had the e-cig one instead?!

[monky Administrator 35 Months Winner in reply to EmJay]

Emjay, you take it easy gal, erm just wonderin, when you had your last nodd ?? cos I bet your ready for one now

Another lovely helpful blog Emjay, as allways

Speak soon, Pete

[Betts]

Thanks for this Emjay, it does help

Now I have it always in mind that I am a smoking quitter. Even with the slips I can never go back to being a completely happy free and careless smoker. NEVER EVER. I know I am going to succeed, if I have to go through a lot more trying and trying again.

That song just came to mind "Whoops there goes another rubber tree plant" I think it was Doris Day - High Hopes. "Everyone knows an ant can't move a rubber tree plan"

But it did!

Nice one to have in my head just now, before it gets a nuisance. My cure for that is singing it outloud, so here goes .... :)!