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writer quitting smoking


17 years ago 0 2631 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I have to admit that this is the last skill to come back for me. I know it wasn't the cigarette (in fact, when I wrote sometimes the cigarette just sat there....) The cigarette distracted me and, for whatever reason, it felt like it kept me focussed. I don't write for a living...but now I have to do all of my reports in the morning when my mind is fresh and I have a fresh pot of coffee. I have learned to do tons of other things without smoking so I'm waiting for this one to come together too. Windy [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/11/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 178 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 3,578 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $890 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 17 [B]Hrs:[/B] 10 [B]Mins:[/B] 13 [B]Seconds:[/B] 34
17 years ago 0 3908 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hey Smoking is not a 'creative aid' ! Its a killer right! I understand what you are saying I had a nightmare at first be patient it gets better! Phil [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 8/8/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 211 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 4,439 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �1107.75 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 42 [B]Hrs:[/B] 6 [B]Mins:[/B] 44 [B]Seconds:[/B] 9
17 years ago 0 1127 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Oh I forgot something to say. If someone thinks he can only write or paint when he or she smokes then that person is not a real artist. Writing and other arts are gifts from God and not from Philip Morris. The only gifts Philip and consorts give away are terrible diseases and lots of agony. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 4/1/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 341 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 10,238 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �1005.95 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 47 [B]Hrs:[/B] 11 [B]Mins:[/B] 31 [B]Seconds:[/B] 32
17 years ago 0 1127 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Piojito Let me help you out. I am a writer and an artist. I write and I paint. Writing and painting has NOTHING to do with smoking. It's just the habit you miss. Since I quit smoking I write more than ever and my paintings are beautyful the same way they were before the quit. It's all in the mind and most of the time people use nicotine as an excuse to start smoking again. So don't fool yourself by thinking that you only can write when you smoke. Reread your own post and then think about it. I know many writers and painters who have never smoked in their lives and they write and paint whatever they want. They do have a writersblock sometimes but since they have never smoked you cannot say that it is due to lack of nicotine. Good luck :p [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 4/1/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 341 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 10,238 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �1005.95 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 47 [B]Hrs:[/B] 11 [B]Mins:[/B] 30 [B]Seconds:[/B] 17
17 years ago 0 1155 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Piojito - I can relate to your experience as well. As others have said, the first handful of days you are experiencing physical withdrawal, which includes a lack of concentration/focus, etc. So, give yourself some time. I know that you know on a rational level that there is no way nicotine produced creativity. There's a lot that the 4,000 chemicals (e.g. carbon monoxide)in cigarettes do/cause, but creativity is not one of the effects! My guess is that you've established a ritual in your writing which has included smoking. So, you need to "un-learn" & retrain your brain and perhaps create a new ritual (e.g. having scented candles burning, chewing sugarless gum, wearing a certain hat, squeezing a tennis ball, play with dice, etc). And, with more oxygen coming into your lungs, your heart beating easier/slower, your cholesterol going down, etc. your brain will likely function more creatively & productively than before! You've practiced the motion of moving your hand up to your mouth & sucking in over 73,000 times - so give yourself a little time to break this behavioral habit. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/24/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 11 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 401 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $71.5 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 23 [B]Mins:[/B] 9 [B]Seconds:[/B] 57
  • Quit Meter

    $1,135,200.00

    Amount Saved

  • Quit Meter

    Days: 5539 Hours: 19

    Minutes: 23 Seconds: 45

    Life Gained

  • Quit Meter

    45408

    Smoke Free Days

  • Quit Meter

    908,160

    Cigarettes Not Smoked

17 years ago 0 519 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I'm not a writer. I'm an artist. I used to paint with a cigarette in one hand and my brush in the other. When I first quit, my mind was a blank as my canvas. Not only that, but my hands shook. My art class pulled me through and I'm now painting more than ever. Every time you say to yourself that cigarettes are your psychological crutch, you reinforce it's hold on you. Your mind is your mind whether you smoke or not. Why not attend some writing workshops. Even if the participants are rank amateurs, surrounding yourself with creative and like minded people may help you through. Right now the addiction is taking up all your time. As it retreats, you will find yourself renewed. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/27/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 39 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,184 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $390 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 5 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 58 [B]Seconds:[/B] 38
17 years ago 0 12049 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Pio, Welcome and thanks for the insightful question. As you can see many members have been through this and can offer solid advice on how to help. Take the time to look through the program and let it help you prepare for those tough days and craves. We are always here to support :) Josie _____________________ The SSC Support Team.

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