giving something up - the first day
This morning I shopped for the day's stack of Amy's at a little semi-organic grocery store near the bus transfer place in Montlake. (Yes, I'm back on the Amy's). The clerk told me he is quitting cigarettes. Today is his first day. He was smiling, but agitaged, and mentioned it to me because obviously it was the most major thing happening at the moment. His birthday was tomorrow and he did not want to be a smoker anymore.
I mentioned carrots - some people who quit cigarettes eat lots of carrots. Some of them turn orange. But it occupies the mouth.
I asked if he had a treat planned for the end of the day. Like buying a CD? (nope, no money). Like something BAD? (this was a possibility).
The first day is maybe not as bad as the 3rd, or the 30th. I am not sure what works for this most addictive substance. I do know that unless you pull out all the stops and let yourself do anything BUT that one thing, it will be much harder.
Support is a big thing too. I told him to talk to everyone that buys something from him today about it. Of course I have not given up that particular addiction so I can only share my own experience.
Today is 1 month off coffee.