The ANGER Trap

[Giulia]

(photo credit)

When we quit, our emotions come to the fore. The smoke screen that we've been hiding behind is gone. And we are very vulnerable. In some instances like a tingling nerve end. Events that didn't use to upset us, do - now. Probably because we are already in a state of frustration and tension because we're trying to hold ourselves upright and the Whisperer is trying to pull us down. And it takes a lot of energy to stay upright.

But quitting gives us lots of energy. Not only because of the increase in oxygen to our cells, but also because of the energy created by the cravings. We're very volatile, and the slightest spark can cause an eruption.

Anger is a great excuse to light up. Sometimes we get angry with a spouse and just to spite them we blow our quits. "I'll show YOU!" we say. Or we're in a work situation and have been quietly boiling inside for some time, holding it all in, and finally we lose it. And we think the way to get relief is to light up. Or it could be something as simple as being stuck in traffic and there's a jerk in front of you whose head you'd like to tear off. So when you get moving again you stop at the nearest convenience store and..... you know the rest of the story.

Smoking will not solve any of our frustrations. The situation that made us angry will still be present after we light up and blow our quits All it is doing is creating a smoke screen.

So - we must find a way to vent without committing homicide and without inflicting harm upon ourselves by blowing smoke. We must take all that pent up craving energy and expend it in imaginative and positive ways. Journaling is one way to expend thought energy. Exercise and playing sports is a way to expend the physical energy.

Find the tool that works for you to dissipate and defuse the rage inside. Experiment. Discover.

[Carlie]

That was very cute, Mike...just wanted you to know I enjoyed that !!!

I'm going to remember this, and use it when I have my 9-month birth of a healthy quit !!

Congrats, Christine....and you did it with as little damage to your surroundings as possible this time !!! Way to go !!!

Day 5 and counting !!!!

[Mike in @lanta]

Happy you enjoyed it Carlie. Glad to help in any way I can Sweetie.

[Maria]

I read Mike in @tlanta's post and something just occurred to me! I've been without cigs for 2 weeks and I can't hear myself making strange, whistling, wheezy sounds when I lay down to sleep! OMG! I haven't noticed myself being a whole lot more energetic, but I guess I must really be doing my lungs a favor since I can't hear myself breathing (loudly) anymore!!! That's great!

[Giulia]

It's interesting, isn't it. Some of the changes that occur are immediate and obvious. Within three days of quitting I had no phlegm in the mornings any more. Sometime during the first week I noticed that the clothes I had worn while smoking stank. As did certain rooms in the house. My sense of smell improved but I can't remember when that happened. Other changes are more subtle. Better circulation, less wheezing, more energy. Keep in tune with your body. You'll see more changes happening. Healing doesn't happen overnight. But even if you can't feel the alterations going on, trust that every cell in your body is thanking you. And congrats on your two weeks!

[Jennifer]

I need to find a hobby to get out all this energy, I cannot sleep at night now, so I end up feeling worse during the day too. Any suggestions? Oh I don't like the outdoors or exercise, so not much to work with huh? lol!

[Jennifer]

Oh by the way, I am only one day three today, gee it doesn't get any easier does it?

[Giulia]

Howdy Jennifer. Day THREE. YIPEEE! Yeah, it does get easier. Just not for a little while. You've gotta be willing to be uncomfortable for a bit. Those who have made it had that willingness. Again, and again, and again. At the end of today the nicotine should be all out of your body. And then it's purely a mind game.

So, you need hobbies, eh? And you don't like to exercise or go outside. Hmmm, a hobby for a bat. Let's see? Puzzles - from jig saws to Sudoko. Needle work - from knitting to embroidery. Sketching (take an art course); stamp collecting, coin collecting, doll collecting, you name it - collecting; scrap booking. Photography. Here - check out these: Hobbies

JUST,,,

[polly]

Way to go Jennifer on day 3!! It does get easier, but little bits at a time. Keep on posting comments, share how you feel and see if you can helpothers who are coming in behind you with your own experiences! You have plenty to share!! it'll help you reinforce being a non-smoker as well as make you feel good to know that you are wanted and needed here! You can do a huge service for others to help them know that what they are feeling is normal (whatever that means...lol) and more importantly that you understand and they are not alone!!

Remember that the time put in to remain a non-smoker is small in comparison to living as a healthy non-smoker for the rest of your life!! Your body is getting rid of toxins right now -- we are all human landfills, full of chemicals that normally we'd steer clear of! I can't imagine drinking arsenic, but yet I had no problem smoking it...See how insidious this addiction is? You CAN do this!! Hope this helps in addition to Giulia's link for hobbies!!! Sometimes we just need to NIKE -- Just do it!! That is without thinking about it!!!

[polly]

Awesome photos Giulia!! Yup, sometimes it feels like burying our heads in the sand!! Thankfully the waves wash some of the sand away!! Happy, happy Sunday to you!!! ( ) <------------- cyber hug coming your way!! One for you too Jennifer!!! ---> ( ) <---- extra big for day 3 -- WAHOOOOO for you!!!

[Giulia]

"Human landfills" - I LOVE it!

(Glad you like the photos. Thought I'd liven the place up a little here.)

[polly]

Actually, I've decided that we're more like toxic waste dumps! Now we're in the process of emptying our human landfills!! Keep the photos coming -- they are awesome! The shoe fits!! Have an awesome day Giula!

[Carlie]

Jennifer - Day 3 ---Way to go, girl !!!! Proud of you, too !!!
OK - I'm not much on exercise, either...but start something new in your new life as a non-smoker. Get outside - force yourself if you need to. Nature is one miracle after another...everything is connected, and you are part of that miracle of nature. Get a cheap little disposable camera, and promise yourself you will take at least 3 pictures while you're outside. I know this may sound crazy to you - but there were so many things we just didn't do before, that we are able to enjoy now.

I have an exercise bike...I think I've used it twice in 6 years. I had all sorts of pent-up energy two nights ago, and peddled my butt off on that silly thing - slept like a baby !!!

Don't retrict yourself so much - really - it's a new life; and a new world....enjoy it !!!

Giulia - lovin' that photo...reminds me ot the days I used to go to the beach and watch the sand-sculpture competitions....awesome !!!