Mischa on Nostr: Can I suggest how I gave up nicotine? I was so addicted that even the thought of ...
Can I suggest how I gave up nicotine?
I was so addicted that even the thought of giving up made me want to have more. It was completely impossible for me to give up or even imagine it
So I decided to not give up
I chose instead to make a deal with myself. Every time I chose to vape I set a clock and delayed by 1 minute. This removed the stress of giving up but created a moment of relaxing self observation. When I felt comfortable with the 1 minute delay I kept adding more time. 5 mins, then 6 then 10 then half an hour. Whatever ever felt comfortable.
THEN, what I noticed in those few minutes, I started becoming more aware. Addiction is automated choice making. By creating time (and being relaxed because I wasn't giving up - just delaying), I became more conscious and the auto choice was becoming more like me choosing.
I kept this going for days, week, months. Adding a few more minutes here and there, staying relaxed and observing myself. Growing awareness of myself in a very natural way.
It is now 4 1/2 years since I smoked or vaped. I still haven't given up because if the urge ever hits me I can still have a vape like in 6 weeks (if I really wanted it) but I keep forgetting and it's no big deal anymore.
Jean-Paul's idea is the same because he uses space to create the distance between choice and execution. The principle is the same
Don't give up
Stay relaxed
Create a little gap in time (or space)
Eventually the auto choice becomes conscious choice
And enjoy yourself
I was so addicted that even the thought of giving up made me want to have more. It was completely impossible for me to give up or even imagine it
So I decided to not give up
I chose instead to make a deal with myself. Every time I chose to vape I set a clock and delayed by 1 minute. This removed the stress of giving up but created a moment of relaxing self observation. When I felt comfortable with the 1 minute delay I kept adding more time. 5 mins, then 6 then 10 then half an hour. Whatever ever felt comfortable.
THEN, what I noticed in those few minutes, I started becoming more aware. Addiction is automated choice making. By creating time (and being relaxed because I wasn't giving up - just delaying), I became more conscious and the auto choice was becoming more like me choosing.
I kept this going for days, week, months. Adding a few more minutes here and there, staying relaxed and observing myself. Growing awareness of myself in a very natural way.
It is now 4 1/2 years since I smoked or vaped. I still haven't given up because if the urge ever hits me I can still have a vape like in 6 weeks (if I really wanted it) but I keep forgetting and it's no big deal anymore.
Jean-Paul's idea is the same because he uses space to create the distance between choice and execution. The principle is the same
Don't give up
Stay relaxed
Create a little gap in time (or space)
Eventually the auto choice becomes conscious choice
And enjoy yourself