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Mary Ella’s Weekly Message

June 20, 2011

Remembering Your Reasons to Quit

One of the first activities we suggest in Freedom From Smoking Online is to create a list of reasons for quitting, keep them with you and post them on the Message Boards. These reasons become a motivating force to keep you on track, even long after your Quit Day.

It's important to go back once in a while and read your reasons to quit. They serve as a foundation to stay smokefree. The more specific you can be with your reasons, the more helpful they will be to you. For example, if you write "I want to quit for health reasons," that isn't very specific. But if your reason is "I want to climb a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing," then you can smile when you're smokefree and can climb a flight of stairs without being out of breath.

These personal reasons to quit can keep you going through the toughest recovery symptoms, and give you new energy to continue down the smokefree path, especially if you experience a slip.

If you are working on your reasons to quit now, reach out to others and ask them for a reason. You can continue adding to your list. Keep your list where you can see it—tape it to your dashboard or your desk, or your computer. Put it on the refrigerator at home so that everyone in the family can back you up when you need it the most.

When you find yourself going through a tough urge curve, remember the Three A's in Module 2:

• Avoid the situation if you can.
• Alter or change the situation.
• Alternatives or substitutes for smoking can help.

Focus on quitting as a way of gaining control over your life instead of giving something up. If you have a positive attitude, you'll be more likely to succeed.

If you find that stress is getting the best of you, take some time to listen to a relaxation exercise. Download them so that you can sit back and close your eyes while listening to a soothing voice. (But never listen to these exercises while driving—you may find yourself asleep at the wheel!)

Get back to basics this week and review your reasons for quitting. Choose the one reason that is most meaningful to you and post it on the Message Boards. You'll help to motivate yourself and someone else!

I’ll see you on the Message Boards!  :-)   Mary Ella

Don’t forget: If you're in the Premium program and want help fast on the Message Boards, put "HELP NOW" in the subject line of your post. If you're looking to offer help, watch for those, "HELP NOW" posts and alert your other FFS Online buddies to offer some assistance as well.