Monday, September 21, 2009

Short on Motivation

The basis of self discipline; Don't allow the edges to blur. Michael Johnson


I am not motivated right now. Seems it went out the window - flew like a bird. I am finding it hard to motivated to give up something that I have used for the past 40 years. I am addicted and this has got to be worst addiction to give up - even it will improve my health.

A week and half ago I passed out at home. Doctors do not have any explanation for my blood pressure to bottom out. However, the incident resulted in my having a calcium score test on my heart. Two arteries have begun to build up with plaque. It isn't real bad right now but without making some life style changes it could eventually cause a heart attack. I am feeling fine like nothing ever happened.

I am scared to give my friend up. Don't know what I'll do with my hands. What will I do now when I need a break from my desk? When I am watching TV - what will I do to keep from smoking?

OK - here it is. Changes to my lifestyle include:
1. Walking - Buddy walks with me for a half mile and then I go back out and walk a mile.
2. Eating - appetite will improve - just hope I don't go ballooning up here.
3. Something to do with my hands
I can paint (I do watercolor and haven't painted in more than a year.)
If I could see better I might take up needlepoint again. Haven't done that in years. Got to
look into getting some magnifier glasses.


I'll think of some others things to do with my hands and post.

My mood has been down over the past few days - BUT I am up again today. Thank you Lord. This will be something to conquer - my moods. When I am feeling down I smoke more. This weekend I smoked 3-1/2 packs in 2 days. Not normal for me.

Anyone out there think of what to do with my hands.

Anyhow I have one more week till my set date. ONE step at a time.

20 comments:

lynn'sgarden said...

I always have music on me (headphones) and it just makes me 'feel' good and keeps the blues away when I have a down day. You can try books on tapes even. A daily walk is a great start and even though it's hard to get those shoes on first thing, you're always glad you did ;) Keep a food journal..that helps with the junk eating (except I was really bad on sunday...see post)! How about jigsaw puzzles to keep your hands busy? I knit while watching tv. Rootin' for you..one week set date is cause for celebration!

Schnitzel and the Trout said...

I am wondering if the doctor can help you. My husband smoked for over 40 years (started very young) and tried a couple of times to quit. Miraculously, he quit during a very stressful period in our lives. He used the nicotine patch and a prescription of Wellbutrin which is a gentle tranquilizer. He stopped cold and it's been 11 years since he quit. He is even amazed at how quickly it worked.

I have trouble with food. I like to read or knit to keep my hands busy. Try one of those large magnifiers that hand around your neck for needlework. Best of luck to you.

Joanna@BooneDocksWilcox said...

I like to do word puzzles but I'm the last person in the world that needs to be handing out advice on staying motivated.

I never have been an addicted smoker, addicted to food.

A coworker quit, a die-hard smoker for many years, but it took a health scare. He was hospitalized for his heart and they don't let ya smoke in the hospital. :-) Coworker didn't use any aides or medications, I guess it finally hit him that it was "time."

I feel for ya, all addictions are horrible.

For my diet, I am keeping a food journal, and that really does keep me in line, doesn't seem like enough food but I'm trying to stick to it. I have health issues from being overweight.

nanatrish said...

Your birthday is 8 days after mine. You know what I have just gone through with my heart issues and blood pressure. I will be praying for you and you pray for me. It's a huge change we have to make, but we not just need to do it, we HAVE to make our changes. I try to envision my doctor telling me that I must change.

I have to start on exercising too and with my arthritis it will be a challenge to stay motivated. Let's encourage each other!

Deb said...

I've never smoked but I've seen others quit and it is hard...they say if you can do something for 21 days it makes it a habit...I've found that is true...if you can stick with it that long it makes it easier...I've lost over 60 lbs. one day at at time....thank you for keeping my Mom in your prayers..she will be 63 this month and has always been very active...this has been a tough 4 months for her..hopefully we will be on our way to recovery soon....

Lighthouse Prayer Line said...

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Jen's Journey said...

Thanks for the comment on my blog! Yes it is a TON of water! My doctor recommends at least a gallon but since I am working out hard, I need more. Needless to say, I am going to the bathroom a lot! IT is worth it though, I feel amazing!

Blessings and thanks again for stopping by!
Jen

Diary From Africa said...

I'm sorry to hear about your health problems, as someone who suffers from dangerously high cholesterol, raised blood pressure and has a mild heart defect (oooohhh .... don't I sound sooo unhealthy ?!) I know what it's like having to make these lifestyle changes and it's not always easy so I sympathize with you !

I was a 30+ a day smoker for 14 years and I still miss it (gave up almost 6 years ago now) ... but it does get easier .... I found that doing cross stitch helped me to keep my hands busy. Also brushing my teeth when I felt like a cigarette.

Wishing you a happy and healthy future :)

Chuck Dilmore said...

Becca,
thank you for your story...

just posting it tells me
that you will create
the next chapter
to your liking!

you know what works best for you...
but ever think of joining a gym?

a great habit and will distract
that craving until you notice
that you are someone new!

take as many classes as you can!

best prayers & energies to ya!
keep us posted, Becca!
peace~ Chuck

Carolynn Anctil said...

Eeek...that's sobering news. I'm a evening nibbler and took up knitting to occupy my hands. Adaptable creatures that we are, I now nibble BEFORE and sometimes AFTER I knit. *sigh* Why must life be so full of challenges. I support your non-smoking efforts whole heartedly (pun intended) and wish you the best of luck. I've heard it's a hard habit to break.

BTW, thanks for stopping by my blog. An eternal optimist, I'm holding out for #2 on my list! *smile*

Happy Holidays!
Carolynn

Anonymous said...

(((Hugs)))

Chandrika Shubham said...

There are more options like embroidery, knitting, stitching, sketching, gardening etc.
The flowers on the left side of the screen looks awesome. :)

MOMSWEB said...

Just dropping by to say hello. Are you still running low on motivation?

Its So Very Cheri said...

I have never smoked so I don't have personal info. I do know someone who smoked for years and did the hypnosis method and never smoked again--even is disgusted by it now.

I want to let you know that I have a BIG give-a-way starting on Sunday and it will be really fun. I am calling it SPREADING THE LOVE--cuz I love my FOLLOWERS. There are lots of gifts, from really cool vendors. Each week there will be SEVERAL winners--that is right it will be going on all month long. So you can come back each week and leave me a comment, to put your name in.

You don't have to have a blog--you can e-mail me to enter your name.

Followers get their name in once and if you have my button on your side bar your name will go in 5 more times.

If you can double check your READER to see if you are getting my posts I would really appreciate it--for some reason Google has picked on me since the start of my blog and I always end up having them not post every few weeks.

XO
Cheri

Martha said...

Come on over and get re-motivated!!!
http://tmschallenges.blogspot.com/

Autumn Belle said...

As a non-smoker, I have no idea about the smoking part but I cheer myself up by watching comedies, never the drama stuff anymore. I find solace in gardening among my plants. I hope that you are feeling better now.

Christina, Sweden said...

Well we do have some addiction more or less most of us I think. Mine is sometimes sweets and that is definitely good for the health either...
Maybe you should take more photos and work wik them, that will keep your hands occupied. Or commenting on as many bloga as you can ;-) that will also bring joy to so many others, like me :-), thanks for your comment

Christina

Becca Jane said...

Hi! I hopped over from Nie's blog. The comments on her blog break my heart sometimes!

Anyway, my name is Becca too, so I thought I'd stop by. I love reading blogs like yours...motivational ones...we can all use a push and some support to make changes and make ourselves who we want to be. Good luck with your endeavor to stop smoking! It's SO tough to change habits that we are so used to. But it can be done!

Big Dude said...

Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. The BBQ butter actually was from Chris over at Nibble Me This for his grilled corn.

Jesson Balaoing said...

motivation is what i really need...