How I did it: I weighed the pros and cons of the situation. I was tired of not being true to myself. I am normally a confident person, not afraid to speak my mind or draw attention to myself in public. Smoking was the only inhibition that I wasn't able to overcome. Instead, I smoked secretly and eventually quit. So when I recently began smoking again, I decided to be true to myself and have the courage to come out and face any repercussions. I rehearsed in my mind what my mother and sister would say and how to handle their reaction to my smoking. I was quite scared. Pretty stupid for a man in his 40's. I don't like being afraid. I rationalized that I have been in much more difficult situations in the past and I was able to conquer my anxiety in those situations. So I went over and out of the blue, admitted I was smoking and then lit a cigarette. Once I got those first words out and lit the first cigarette, the rest came naturally. It is an enormous relief. The issue wasn't really about smoking but about being true to myself and not being afraid.

Lessons & tips: Be true to yourself. It dosen't matter what other people think. Being a smoker is not a major issue. Your friends and family may be suprised but what can they do? Smoking is legal. Get over any apprehension. Put yourself in a situation to deliberately get your smoking out in the open. For me it was the statement "I want to tell you something. I am smoking." That was all it took. Once those words were out, It was pretty easy to light up and continue the conversation. Getting it over with was the best thing I could have done for my self esteem. 

Feb 22, 06:42AM PST | 4 comments | 1 cheer