Brave New World
Besides being the title of one of my favorite novels of all time, the title of this work is an apt title for me to use in this essay as I explore potential paths *IF* I am successful in wrangling control back into my lap for my consumption of pipe tobacco. Please do not guffaw at my discussing this so very early into my new lifestyle. I know how easy it can be for me to fail and how easy it can be for me to let the plant control me, as opposed to *what I want,* which is to control my consumption of pipe tobacco to where and when I want. But, it is still interesting to think about:
1. Scenario A - never indulge in pipe tobacco again. This does not excite me, and in fact seems rather dull, boring, and sad. But, thinking of never indulging as being dull and boring could simply be the plant's wiley clutches exerting control over me.
2. Scenario B - do not indulge in pipe tobacco except in specific times of my choosing. I have thought about this for a long time, and I *believe* I would feel very happy and comfortable with myself and my pipe smoking if I would limit my pipe smoking to 1 or 2 bowls when I have a few drinks. This would mean for me that on a Friday when I go visit my elderly father-in-law, I could indulge while we sip something amber and very pleasant, or I could indulge while having a few gin and tonics at a wedding reception. As that represents my typical drinking pattern of choice, it would mean that I would indulge in a pipe or two only 2-3 times a month.
Scenario B would seem like nirvana to me. I would be primarily free of tobacco, and would use it in a small and sporadic fashion that would (in my estimation) be minimally unhealthy (compared to daily smoking anyhow). I would also regain much if not all of the intensity of experience in smoking pipe tobacco as a kid that was so beautiful and magical. Unfortunately, as my consumption grew as I aged, my neurons became acclimated to the intoxicating beauty of nicotine and while I still enjoyed the pipe tobacco in more subtle ways, the intense feelings of momentary intoxication were lost. I do know that effect would return after refraining for a span of time.
Could I live scenario B in day-to-day living? Apparently some can (occasional smokers), but they seem few and far between. If I wee to try to adopt scenario B, am I simply setting myself up for failure? Or will I be able to succeed and control pipe tobacco like I want to? Am I damn stubborn enough to do this?
PipeTobacco
Today's (Wednesday) Goal =0 bowls
Yesterday's (Tuesday) Goal = 0 bowls
Actual consumption (Tuesday) = 0 bowls
7 Comments:
Pipe,
I'm hoping to find time to post something this week, but I did want to say thanks. First, just for being there (you were the first person I found when I set off on this journey, and had intended my blog to be a stop-smoking blog. Look how it has turned out!) Second, for your supportive comments...they are so very welcome!
I understand the struggle between "none, ever" and "maybe, sometimes." I'm concerned for myself that, if I use smoking as a reward, I'll get right back to where I was. But I cannot face "none, ever"... the very thought makes me want to reach for a cigarette and I think of nothing but smoking endlessly. So I'm doing it completely "wrong" (according to all common wisdom). I started with telling myself I could smoke if I REALLY wanted to...which got me down to about 5 per day. Then Billy said I needed to learn to fight the urges. So I changed it to I will NOT smoke when I really want to, but I can smoke later if I decide to. This has taken the psychological burden of "none, ever" out of the equation and I find myself going hours and hours without even thinking about smoking at all. As of yesterday, I was down to less than 1 cigarette - 1/2 at noon, and a couple of puffs at about 7 p.m. I don't feel the awful psychological terror (and, yes, I think it really is terror - giving up my longtime friend forever), but I'm being more successful than I've ever been. I suspect, one day here soon, I will just be done...but even if I am not, it's still so much better than nearly 2 packs per day.
I'm afraid, for me, that your Scenario B would lead me to using it as a reward, enjoying it too much, and then my smoking would increase again. But I can't face your Scenario A (just yet). So, I guess I'm currently in Scenario C. We shall see where it leads me.
In the meantime...good luck! I'm pulling for you, and for Billy, and for myself...
You two are doing great !!!! Keep up the good work.
I seem to be stuck on four bowls a day but my bowl is tiny, like itty bitty titties, not much substance. But it's better than constantly reaching for a pipe all day long out of habit or whatever.
I do enjoy some puffs sitting on the pot in the morning as I ponder on the big questions in life, like, "Will I ever get laid again?"
I like a few puffs after a meal, and a few when over at Rick's for beer and bullshit.
A pipe is a more enjoyable experience to me, the tobacco is better, last time I bummed a cigarette because I'd left my tobacco at home it tasted like shit.
Anyway, I may putter along on four bowls a day for a while until this bag is used up, I paid for it, don't see any point in just tossing it out.
I sure as hell wouldn't have any problem with you smoking a bit as in scenario B, we are on this planet for a few pleasures and it's not likely that you're getting screwed as much as you would like so a bowl here and there isn't any big deal.
No matter what you do..... Life is the main cause of death.......
Speaking of life's little pleasures, yesterday afternoon I made a nice hot mocha, with a big helping of schnapps.
Then I took a nap. :-)
What you're doing-- and Dr Teri too-- takes GUTS.
Fantastic!
Yup, a tip of the hat to both of them, even when they slide back a bit, if they do.
Thanks!!! That means a LOT!!!
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