Licking the Razor's Edge (2015)

*TIP #04 – KNOW WHY YOU ARE QUITTING
Maybe it’s because you realize that you are committing slow suicide and decide you want
to live a long & healthy life. Maybe it’s because you realize that your second-hand smoke
is slowly yet surely killing the ones you Love. And maybe the thought of getting cancer
simply scares the bajeesus out of you. Whatever it is, find a powerful reason to quit
smoking and think about it every day. Some folks even post pictures of their Loved Ones
where they can frequently see them … This seems to help quite a bit.
*TIP #05 – ENLIST SUPPORT
Tell your close friends, family members and co-workers what you are doing. Ask for
their emotional support and encouragement. Of course, it is wise to make sure that these
folks are either non-smokers or ex-smokers (a close friend who has already kicked the
habit is best).
NOTE for all the non-smokers out there: speaking with a Loved One about their smoking
addiction may not be enough. Have the courage to be bold for them. After all, even
though it is tempting to look away and silently hope they quit, they are killing themselves
– and You Love Them! Will you possibly “lose a friendship” by doing so? Yes, you
might … and maybe that is better than attending that person’s funeral one day and
wishing you had been stronger. It’s just a thought …
“If you see someone smoking, assume they are on fire and take appropriate
action.” ~ inspired by Douglas Adams
TIP #06 – MANAGE YOUR STRESS
Nicotine is used by many smokers as a way to relax, so if you are quitting, find ways to
bring relaxation and calm into your life (e.g. long walks in the woods, meditation,
massages, calming music, tai chi, etc). If you are simply friends with someone who is
quitting, sharing relaxing fun with them is a beautiful way to help them do so.
TIP #07 – CLEANSE HOUSE
And by this I don’t actually clean your house (though such activities do help ease
cravings for nicotine). I mean remove as many smoking-triggers as you can find and
throw them out. Lighters, ashtrays, smoky clothes, stinky draperies – anything that smells
like smoking or reminds you of smoking has simply got to go.
TIP #08 – KEEP ON KEEPING ON
Most ex-smokers try several times before they finally quite for Good (literally), so if you
slip and start smoking again, forgive yourself and then simply quit again – and if need be
again & again & again. In essence, never quit quitting!
TIP #09 – GET MOVING
Physical activities reduce nicotine cravings as well, and they have been known to ease
withdrawal symptoms as well. Even mild exercise helps, so be sure to get up every day
and move!
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