Anti-Smoke Belching Campaign #001

I don't know how long I may need to keep doing this but I need a way to survive this Anti-Smoke Belching Campaign of mine. Here's a temporary (?) strategy. I will post one entry every time I feel the need to smoke. I will explain why I need to smoke. This task accomplishes two things:

1) distraction from the craving
2) exhaustion from answering the WHY*
The 5Why strategy is a simple framework used in problem-solving and decision-making situations. If done properly, it brings you to the root cause of any problem at hand. Smoking is a problem. I hope to get tired to explaining why I need to smoke until the craving disappears.


For the past three months, I've been walking from home to the office. The leisurely walk gives me time to enjoy music, musings and... vice! Yes, smoking while walking. Didn't do that tonight (success 1). My throat felt so dry the entire 20 minuets. When I got to the building, I wanted to drop by the smoking area. Didn't do it (success 2). After I logged-in to my work email, put my lunch in the fridge and a host of other pre-shift routine tasks... felt the need to smoke again. Force of habit. I've been starting my shifts at work this way, for the past 10 years. I did not give in (success 3). 


5Why's for this craving entry:

Some lines from The Little Prince. I just remembered that 10 years ago, I started smoking because the job was stressful... because I'd rather be somewhere else than take calls. But I love my job now. So the reason's outdated.


“Why are you drinking?” demanded the little prince.
“So that I may forget,” replied the tippler.
“Forget what?” inquired the little prince, who already felt sorry for him.
“Forget that I am ashamed,” the tippler confessed, hanging his head.
“Ashamed of what?” insisted the little prince, who wanted to help him.
“Ashamed of drinking!”

So this is Anti-Smoke Belching Campaign #001... happy to say, I survived three smoking cravings!