Well, in terms of actually getting things done at work and being productive this has been the worst week I can remember. But in terms of my committment to my decision to quit smoking, it's been the best week of my life. Note I said "best", not "easiest".

I've found the neatest place called QuitNet, and I gotta tell you, it has helped a lot in getting over the cravings, and in banding together with people who share the same goals as me. We are all determined to make this our "forever quit" and take each day as it comes and remain smoke-free.

My concentration is absolutely shot, and my memory has turned to cheese. Swiss cheese, I might add. I can't remember from one moment to the next what it is I was so intent upon doing, which is probably where the productivity begins to slide. But you know what - if it costs me one week of production to get my life back and stop addiction from controlling me, that's okay by me.

Here are some interesting facts about what goes into cigarettes, and why I'm so delighted to be smoke free. This is directly from a post from a wonderful Quitster on QN who wrote this to help us all remain committed...

The following are some of the categories of chemicals found in each cigarette:

Cancer Causing Agents
  • Nitrosamines
  • Crysenes
  • Cadmium
  • Benzo(a)pyrene
  • Polonium 210
  • Nickel
  • P.A.H.s
  • Dibenz Acidine
  • B-Napthylamine
  • Urethane
  • N. Nitrosonornicotine
  • Toluidine
Metals
  • Aluminum
  • Zinc
  • Magnesium
  • Mercury
  • Gold
  • Silicon
  • Silver
  • Titanium
  • Lead
  • Copper
Nail Polish Remover
  • Acetone

Vinegar

  • Acetic Acid

Floor/Toilet Cleaner

  • Ammonia

Poison

  • Arsenic

Cigarette Lighter Fluid

  • Butane

Rechargeable Batteries

  • Cadmium

Car Exhaust Fumes

  • Carbon Monoxide

Insecticides

  • DDT/Dieldrin

Alcohol

  • Ethanol

Dead Body Preserver

  • Formaldehyde

Barbecue Lighter

  • Hexamine

Gas Chamber Poison

  • Hydrogen Cyanide

Swamp Gas

  • Methane

Rocket Fuel

  • Methanol

Mothballs

  • Napthalene

Addictive Drug

  • Nicotine

Gasoline Additive

  • Nitrobenzene

Disinfectant

  • Nitrous Oxide Phenols

Candle Wax

  • Stearic Acid

Industrial Solvent

  • Toluene

Ingredient of PVC

  • Vinyl Chloride

Think about it, especially if you're a smoker. Quitting is NOT easy, but it is the best thing you can do for yourself, for the ones you love, and the ones who love you.

Okay, I promised not to let this blog get to be a soap box or podium of any type, but I'm very happy with my quit, I'm feeling very strong, and when I feel a craving I read this list and I realize that the craving is just a sign that my body is detoxing and healing from all those chemicals.

Tomorrow is the end of the milestone called "Hell Week" at the Q. I'm very proud of myself, I'm feeling very blessed and I can feel my willpower muscles flexing with newfound strength.

God Bless QuitNet, the people who run it, and the magnificent Quitsters who help each other.