Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!! A Smoke-Free Me!! |
Ahhhh… it is truly amazing how major life-changing decisions… really do change your life!! I feel like I don’t even know myself ever since I’ve started the Best Life Diet. It’s truly INCREDIBLE!!
The conscious mind works wonders… As of Monday, January 22, 2007, I QUIT SMOKING and have started on the nicotene patch!! I’ve been smoking ever since I was 15 (for shame, for shame, I know) and it has taken me nearly 18 years to finally decide I want to live my life… I am now ending DAY 4 of a smoke-free world!! And it’s the strangest feeling ever. But it feels great… Don’t get me wrong, I do have my cravings, and I am going through withdrawal (daily headaches - urgh) but the patch really does help. I stick it on my forearm just so I can see it all the time… I show it off like a little kid… I’ve let all my loved ones know that I’ve finally taken this step and their support and feedback have been wonderful! This has definitely been the most challenging decision I’ve ever made in my life and I’m so glad I finally did it!! I’ve just started, so I’m hoping in due time I will kick the patch and finally be smoke and nicotene free FOR GOOD! What I love about the Best Life Diet program, is that they do address us smokers at the beginning. Bob Greene says that this program is about attaining your BEST life and that means your HEALTHIEST life, so it really doesn’t make sense to get going if you haven’t put your number one health concern behind you first. So I’m a little late, I was born late, but I’m here now and I’ve finally decided to put it past me! I’ve always said I’d quit when I was ready… And I am so ready! YES! SCORE 1 FOR ME!!
I am conscious about everything these days… especially what I eat… so I slipped, big deal… I’ve forgiven myself and am moving forward. I’m working on incorporating more fruits and vegetables now… Lately I’ve been focusing on breakfast cereals, switched to skim milk, and have this obssession with Yoplait fruit smoothies (they are SO GOOD, seriously!) and granola and oats (granola bar, trail mix bars, oatmeal)… but after speaking with Janis, I know I’m not eating enough vegetables and real fruit. So now the goal for this week is exactly that - Eat an apple, banana or orange as a snack. Eat more salads (I am not a huge salad fan, but am starting to like them)! Or just incorporate vegetables into my meal; as a side dish, into soups, etc. I just have to focus, make time to make the trip to the store and pick the right foods. Voila!
Next hurdle: Traveling… I have to go out of town for a whole week on business! There is always food everywhere! So I definitely have to watch what I eat, when I eat, how I eat… Does anyone have any great suggestions on eating while away on business or vacation? And working out - I am now accustomed to staying active! I plan on walking as much as I can and using the hotel’s fitness center… for the first time ever! I’ve travelled many times and have stayed in countless hotels but have NEVER frequented them… not even a peek… in fact, I ignore them! Not this time 
I’m determined to remain focused on these new changes… And I’m totally loving it!!
I was once told by someone that I was a Jack of All Trades, but a Master of Nothing…
Well now… I am a Master of My Life.
‘Til Tuesday… Stay your BEST!!
~ cecilia
January 26th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Cecilia I’m so proud of you. My husband was a smoker since his teens and quitting was very hard for him too–but he did it (like you) with nicotene replacement products….they work and you are doing fabulously. The physical addiction should technically be gone by now–it’s the habitual, social and psychological aspects that are the toughest! You are SO strong already–I’m not worried…you’ll kick it for good. If there is anything I can do I’m here to help!
January 28th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Good Job, Ces! I knew you could do it.
January 28th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
yaaaayyy cece! Hang in there–my best advice for business traveling would be to stick to salad, salad, salad…xo
January 29th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
hey! i’m very proud of you, no cold turkey but stepping into the right path,that take courage and determination,now i’m smoke free too,ha ha!! (lol) keep up the good work.. i love you