Well...here I am just over a week later and still smoke-free. Am I surprised? Maybe a little.
I went to Phoenix where I met my parents and my brother for what may have been the scariest day of my life and I didn't smoke. I was able to reject the idea to smoke even though my brother smoked...a lot...okay, no more than I would have a few months ago. It's just very noticable now. He smelled good to me and when we sat outside I thought about the relief I would feel for that first couple seconds of taking in the smoke. I'm not going to deny that it would have felt good...for that first couple seconds. But, after those first seconds, it would have been aweful. I know that.
So, the (possible) causes of slipping now include sitting outside with a smoker during a strenuous time. I would also like to include contemplation of relief as a possible cause.
The prevention in my case was preparing my mind in advance for the situation I knew I was facing. It was also knowing full well that even one hit off a cigarette would only provide relief for a few seconds and then I would be stuck again...the knowledge that in addition to relief, those first seconds with that one hit would start a cycle of torture that would only end when and if I could bring myself to that stage of quitting again that took me SO long to get to already.
My prevention advice... Always keep in the front of your mind the knowledge of what that first puff will bring. Always be prepared with your logical self talk and avoidance tools. Not during the first week, first month or first year but always.
I'm back in Phoenix after a little over a day home and I am okay. Dad's okay, too. Very weak. I'm having some thoughts of smoking but no more than I had before. The 'pull' might be just a tiny bit stronger than it was but nothing I can't push aside rather quickly.
Thanks again to everyone of their thoughts and prayers for both me and my dad. We are both doing rather well considering...
:)
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]8/25/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 113
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 3,390
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $661.05
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 10 [B]Hrs:[/B] 2 [B]Mins:[/B] 50 [B]Seconds:[/B] 40