Let me first extend a huge THANKS to Barbara at Blogging Without a Blog, for picking The Ever-Changing Thought as the New Blog of The Week, this week. Please go over and give her some love. Oh, and follow her on twitter too…@ BSwafford Thanks again, Barbara..
Well, the September (Sept 07) before last February I tried to quit drinking on my own and it didn’t happen. But in the end…after getting the appropriate start, I did not fail, hence the big party yesterday.
I didn’t make it today without smoking either. I owe every one of YOU and myself a huge apology. I REFUSE to use the word “failed” though. I prefer..mis-planned. I went to fight in a gun fight brandishing only my fists. After 20 years, the nicotine was a bit strong and it beat me down.
I am proud of the effort I made. You may laugh, but I made it 4 hours without one. But I succumbed to my mind. I threw in the towel early. I dodged when I should have ducked.
Eh. There is no excuses. I blew it. I just plain didn’t fight a good fight.
So, today, right away, I went to Walmart and purchased Step 2 of the nicotine transdermal system That’s the picture up top there. It’s the Equate version of the other name brand. Equate = 20$ Name Brand = 40$. What? 20$ sound too expensive? Well, it lasts 2 weeks AND it’s 10+ dollars cheaper than a carton of cigarettes, which only last a week to 10 days. I easily justified spending the money for a gun to take to the fight next time. I just hope that I’m not chewing on the things by tomorrow afternoon. Now THAT would be some expensive gum.
Anyway, I did say Step 2 even though I haven’t started yet. Why? Well, Step 1 is for sissy’s 
Just kidding. Step 1 was for those who smoke 10 or less cigarettes per day. Yeah, I’m more like a pack-a-day kinda guy.
I really wish I could do it without having something. I guess, though, there is no need agonize over it when something like this is available.
Did you see that? Did you see just what just happened in that last paragraph? See how cool the mind is? Trying to make me feel all better. Well, it’s not going to work until I’ve beat this habit. At the same time, I’m not going to be down on myself about it. I’m picking myself up and still have the mind about me to desire to quit. I will not stop until I do.
I REFUSE to FAIL!
Because of HIM
SC
UPDATE – After trial and error (and failure to comprehend what I was reading) Step 1 is where I SHOULD start. Today, it clearly states on the box that “If you smoke MORE than 10 cigarettes per day: Start with STEP 1.” Means another trip to Walmart for me.
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16 Comments
Atta boy, Brother!
Hi Scott – Thank you so much for your kind words (and links). I truly appreciate them, and feel honored I was able to showcase your blog on your one year anniversary.
I certainly hope you’re not beating yourself up over not being able to quit smokes on your most recent try. Like you said, “Because of HIM” you’ll succeed. Just like anything else it takes tenacity and perseverance. Having just celebrated one year of sobriety you know you have it in you, as do we, your cyberfriends.
Have a great day and enjoy your “reign”.
P.S. I like the comment you left on my blog. The meal you’d cook sound yummy.
I’m sure you know by now there’s a whole new world out there for you.
Enjoy!
Tess The Bold Life’s last blog post..Magic for Your Monday: Bold Steps for Living Your Dreams
Keep at it Scott – one step at a time, you’ll get there…
Lance’s last blog post..Prepare!
Welcome to New Blog Of The Week!
I wish you strength in your endeavor.
Do you think the cigarrettes are harder to quit for you than the alcohol? Or are they two different animals?
Jannie’s last blog post..Missing things
Scott- You can do anything you put your mind to. Conquering alcohol is one of the biggest things one can do…it takes a lifetime, one day at a time. Most folks fail miserably at it and they all have good intentions at the start.
I smoke cigarettes also and I know that I need to quit-have needed to quit for some time. I wish I never started, but I’m hooked now! Philip Morris is my friend, not really. I plan to try and quit this year. I haven’t picked a date yet, but I know that I can do it. I have quit more than once…sometimes for months, a year one time, and weeks other times. It’s a hard habit to break. I actually enjoy smoking so that’s my problem. I think that I will try Chantix…the new drug on the market that has helped so many. It’s not cheap but cheaper than buying cartons of cigs in the long run.
More power to you in your quest to be smoke free! I hope to join you soon!
Did you ever ask your doctor about acupuncture? I would try anything before going under the knife. Hope you feel better and your PT is helping some!
Congrats again on the 1 year mark! YIPPEEE, celebrate!
Leslie
Leslie’s last blog post..Hope & Joy…our new Additions
I love what you’re doing here………………………:)
Thank you so much.
LisaNewton’s last blog post..Architecture as Art
Hey Scott. We are pulling for you and congrats on the blog of the week.
One day at a time. Mini steps. You are inspiring each of us to face our own problems with our head held high.
Cricket’s last blog post..Untouched
@Ron – Thanks, Bro.
@Barbara Swafford – I can’t say thank you enough for showcasing it.
Beating myself up? Maybe a little. But, not enough to blow my determination. I appreciate all of your encouragement.
If I cooked the meal, it would only SOUND yummy
@Lance Like I stated in a tweet, I wanted to make a giant leap into this. You are right though, I should take it one STEP at at time.
Thanks so much, Lance.
@Jannie – I feel more than welcome, thank you so much.
Um, at this point, the cigarettes are harder to quit. I can’t explain why yet as I haven’t really defeated it yet. You know, I think you just inspired a blog post. Look for it in the near future. Thank you for that.
@LisaNewton – I’m glad you like it. I enjoy doing it too.
@Cricket – Thanks, Cricket. Keep pulling. Harder…HARDER!
Wow, easy now with the inspiration comment. Though, I’m glad and do hope it helps everyone that runs their eyes over my words.
I’m such a loser! How did I miss this? Congrats on getting on Barbara’s NBOTW and Happy Sober Birthday and keep plugging away at quitting that nasty smoking habit and praying for your neck pain.
Did that just about cover it all?
Seriously, though, you’ve had a pretty big year and I think it’s amazing that you’re sharing it all with the blogging world. As everyone has commented so far, keep at it and you will succeed. You’re never alone and you know that when the struggle is there, you can count on God to help you through it. Wishing you the best.
Kool Aid’s last blog post..A new parenting tip
@Kool Aid – Nope. You’re not a loser. Your a wife and a mother. It’s all good.
I thank you so much for your comment and your words of encouragement. The smoking is turning out to be so much tougher than the drinking. I’ve yet to figure that one out. I’m still not going to use the word fail, it’s more of an ongoing battle and I will win.
Thanks again!