They Say it takes 21 Days to Break a Bad Habit

Right now is a great time to quit smoking. Why? 

In as little as 20 minutes you'll start to feel the benefits of not smoking. Less than 20 minutes after your last cigarette, your heart rate will already start to drop back towards normal levels. After two hours without a cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure will have decreased to near normal levels. Your peripheral circulation may also improve. The tips of your fingers and toes may start to feel warm. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms usually start about two hours after your last cigarette. Early withdrawal symptoms include:intense cravings, anxiety, tension, or frustration, drowsiness or trouble sleeping, increased appetite(...) http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/quit-smoking-timeline#4 

I regret picking up the first cigarette, but it's NEVER TOO LATE to make a change. 

So, on New Year's Eve, I decided to quit smoking. Yes! I am taking control over my life: I finally built up the courage to challenge myself to complete difficult task, and I must admit, I feet very powerful. 

 

Smoking cigarettes is very common in my family that it is no longer seen as a bad habit. I grew up around chain smokers, and I was expected to pick up on it. 

Quitting Smoking is far from easy, but I assure you it is definitely worth it. You will thank yourself in the future. It was extremely hard for me considering I live with chain smokers. I also commute with people who smoke in the car. It's almost as if cigarettes are in every direction I turn. One day I craved a cigarette so bad, until one of my family members actually tried to offer me one. 

How could anyone do this? If they really cared about me they should support me. Don't expect everyone to have the same priorities in life. I didn't "force" anyone else to quit just because I was quitting; I just hope to "inspire" them.

There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind…

And I was able to do it! Yes, I did it!

And if I can do, then so can you!! There are far more important things we'd rather focus on in life, so if you've always wanted to make a change, start with the one thing you have been putting off the most.

I have provided you with with my contact information, and I would be more than happy to help guide you through these changes.

After smoking my first cigarette, I told myself I would never get addicted to it.

That was 2 years ago. 

I could no longer stay in denial. Smoking cigarettes is bad for you and for the ones around you. 

(My ultimate wish is to inspire my mom to quit.)

Day 1, your strenght will be tested. Stay Strong! 

Day 2 isn't so bad. 

I doubted myself on Day 3

Day 4 honestly sucked.

Day 5 I hated everyone. 

Day 6 must have been the hardest: Breaking Point. Remain Strong! 

Day 7, I gained a pound.

The first week was challenging. And I was very tempted to smoke on the second week. Whenever something goes wrong, my mind would automatically crave a cigarette break. And trust me, everything went wrong during the second week.

But as hard as it was to stay strong and not give in, I simply felt powerful when I went to bed at night. I couldn't let a cigarette control me. 

And that brings us to Day 21. After completing the challenge, I can honestly say, it felt great! 

Today is Jan 27. I rarely ever think of smoking a cigarette now.

Please understand all the benefits of quitting.    

So far, two powerful 19-year olds have embarked on this journey with me. Whether it's quitting something or succeeding at another thing, don't be afraid to take control. I am here to help you! 

(Still can't convince my mom; it's slowly killing me.)

Why don't you follow me on this journey and see what real challenges we have coming up!  

Thank you for watching my YouTube Videos and thank you for all your support! 

Remember that you can do whatever you set your mind to!

 

Smoking May Satisfy You Now, But Remember its Damage in the Future

I was really nervous about kicking a 2-year/10-a-day habit without any patches or tablets. Cups of coffee were difficult to get through as I always associated that flavor with smoking. Therefore, I changed my routine in the morning.

So in the past week, I avoided drinking my morning coffee with my mom (who smokes), and instead, I drank my coffee in the car on my way to the gym (which I didn’t associate so much with cigarettes). I also found driving long distances a bit difficult at first especially since I smoked in my car. But I started carrying  a bottle of water in the car with me that I could take a little swig out of worked wonders.

         Today is Day 10, and truthfully, my will power did fail me once. I lasted for 8 days without a single cigarette, but on Day 9, I was having a really bad day at work, and I smoked a cigarette for comfort. I immediately regretted it. I felt weak and I was very disappointed with myself.

“Did I really just let one cigarette take control over my mind and body?? I know I am stronger than this!”

Don’t give anything or anyone that much power over you.

When you decide to quit, you will notice that the hardest part is missing the regular cigarette and for me, it was the cigarette breaks at work and the post-meal cigarettes.

However, if you are determined to do it you'll do it. The cravings only last a few seconds and they pass quickly. Distract yourself and you'll be fine.

Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body. When it comes to health reasons, all smokers usually ignore its effects on their general health.

This is my analogy: If you eat junk foods, you will gain weight. That weight gain is a visible result. When you stop eating junk food, you will lose weight. Once again, that is another visible result. Unfortunately with cigarettes, giving up for health reasons will not give you immediate gratification.

Find alternative reasons: Skin, Pollution, Teeth, Smell… etc.

Whatever it is, find your motivation.

Just imagine what you can do with the money you save and treat yourself to something you will enjoy as a reward to your accomplishments!!!

I truly don’t recommend the nicotine gums and patches because you can easily become addicted to them.

I made the decision to quit weeks before New Year’s Eve, but but I recommend you quit the minute you decide. Otherwise, you are going to worry and stress about it. And if you’re anything like me, you will start smoking so much more than you ever did just so that you can get it out of your system.  

Smoke the LAST of your pack of cigarettes before you go to bed. In the morning your nicotine level will be low and you won't crave it so much as long as you don't top it back up.

“Some people succeed because they are destined to, but most people succeed because they are determined to.”

Lesson of the day: What comes easy won’t last. What lasts won’t come easy.

Good Luck!!!

By the way, did anyone else gain some holiday weight?

Well I am sure I gained some holiday weight, because I know I haven't stopped eating since Halloween! 

I think my body hates me right now: I worked so hard last year to lose 70 lbs and  it's crazy how fast you can gain some back. 

I need to get on the scale to see the damage:

• 201 lbs. 
• Ok, so I gained 8lbs. 
• No big deal. 
• Goal: 165 lbs. 
  

I have actually lost and gained 80 lbs twice in my life before. We are all humans and we all make mistakes. However, it is very important to learn from our mistakes before they become bad habits. 

Since I want to start this year off on the right track, then I need to start from day 1. I made a decision to quit smoking, and I'm sticking to it! They say it takes up to 3 months to form new habits. Why not develop a healthier lifestyle altogether? 

• Dear Cigarettes, bye bye now. 
• Dear Junk Food, bye bye now.
• Dear UNHEALTHY HABITS, BYE BYE NOW!
  

(My future self is already thanking me!) 

Being healthy doesn't just means physically fit. It also means we must be mentally fit. Your health depends upon your eating habits, physical activities and inner peace.

1. Develop Good Eating Habits
2. Drink at least 64 oz of water a day
3. Avoid Junk Foods and fattening foods
4. Be physically active
5. Be Optimistic :) 

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel (/TheNancyZone), and follow my blog, and I will guide you through all the steps. I might not be a doctor but I have spent thousands of dollars on diets, and I assure you that none of them worked. Just stay motivated and it's all in your mind. I will teach you everything that I have learned along the years; both physical activity and nutrition.

Passion + Dedication = Success! 

Once again, I wish you all a Happy new year and Happy new you!! 

Would you rather peel a Band-Aid fast or slowly? Just Quit it!

One last cigarette 
I hope you all had a great time last night (NYE)! I just woke up and I realized I slept in my makeup. It's supposed to be really bad for your skin!! Don't judge me! At least I came back home; my brother passed out on the couch at my uncle's house! 

Last night was surprisingly fun. Yes, I did have to spend it with my family, but I was in a very good mood. I told myself I was going to have a great night and I did. 

Confession: I have been making all these New Year's resolutions, but it didn't really hit me until just a few minutes before midnight. I stared at the clock, and I actually doubted myself for a second. Will I be able to accomplish everything I plan on doing? 

After all, I am making major changes in my life... Therefore, I should be excited to see what I am truly capable of doing if I do give it my all

There is no point of waiting any longer. 

Let's peel the bandaid fast and just get it over with. I decided to put a complete stop to smoking cigarettes. I am not going to "slowly" cut down; it's not worth it. I am not going to put it off any longer, because I believe there are more important things I need to focus on, such as my fitness and health, and my ultimate goal of becoming an actress. I always start with the hardest tasks.

Today is Day 1.

January 1st, 2014

          

      I woke up this morning and poured a cup of coffee. I met my mom on the balcony.My mom, my brother and I are accustomed to starting our day together, and we usually sip our coffee and smoke a couple of cigarettes before we head out. It has become such a therapeutic form of bonding. 
This morning wasn't any different. I still sat with her. But, I did not touch a cigarette. YES, it was on my mind! NO, it wasn't easy! I just stared at my pack for so long, that I could've burnt a hole through it. 
So I ended up leaving the room because I needed to distract myself: 
I filmed the rest of the scenes I needed for my videos…

Lesson of the day: Start with the harder tasks first…

I believe that I can do this. I am not sure how many days it's going to take before it gets easier, but follow my blogs and find out :) 

New Year's Resolution: Become a Bitch

We each have our story to tell, but this is the story of most of us here.

And I'm referring to normal people entering adulthood. 
        My life is not exposed like that of Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus, but it doesn't mean that WE don't change alot around our twenties. 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but most of us here won't be able to twerk our way to success and we definitely don't have the option to 'retire' at 19. 

Here's.My.Story.Real.Quick:
Around the age of 7, I somehow developed a deep passion for the arts of movie production. And I mean the writing, the filming the acting, and so on. My family moved from Lebanon to Florida when I was 14 and I have been fighting for my dreams ever since. And to be honest with you, I am currently looking back at how I just wasted ALL 4 years of college majoring in everything else but this.(FML)

        Why do people like you and me don't have the option to go "find ourselves"? 
Well mostly because we can't afford it but whatever. Was anyone else here pressured into pursuing the economy? 
        I mean my parents believe there are only 3 kinds of people on this planet: A lawyer, a doctor, or an engineer.
        2014 is the year that we will show the world that WE CAN BE THE BEST WE CAN. And becoming a bitch means becoming a STRONG person with a presence of mind. Not those mean-dramatic bitches, because honey, ain't nobody got time for that! 

        I am a good person, and I have done everything I possibly can to make everyone happy, but when it comes to me, I keep attracting the same outcomes with the same results! It's time to stop pointing fingers blaming the world, and it's time to do what makes us happy! This year is our year! 
[There are no membership fees to join this club!]

You only need passion and determination.

Don't try to convince yourself that you don't need this crap, because we will always have room for improvements!  So pause your reading and go get a calendar and a piece of paper. And bring something to write with! 

DO IT!

Write down 'Happiness' as your first goal. And below that main goal, write down what would make you happy! 
Dear girls, 'getting a boyfriend' shouldn't be listed as a goals that would make you happy. Your happiness shouldn't depend on someone else. It's all about loving yourself! 

By order, becoming a bitch is my number one goal. 

Kids, as you get older, you will lose a few friends here and there, and that's only because you learn who your real friends are. (It might also be because your family will decide to move you across the world during your sophomore year and no one will speak your native language!)

But I've been hurt one too many times by the people I mostly trusted!  And If you don't love yourself, you're gonna be in deep s***! 

First of all, let's get one thing straight: We are all BEAUTIFUL, but sadly, most of us don't even know it! If that's your case, let's work on CONFIDENCE this year! So when someone gives you a compliment don't ruin it. Accept it because no one really has to give you a compliment; they choose to do so! And if no one wants to give it to you and I mean a 'compliment', then so what! Learn to give yourself compliments! 

        We don't need to be a size 0 to be beautiful; I assure you, you are ALL beautiful, so please START acting like it! Beauty comes within. Don't live your life comparing yourselves to others. Be Yourself! People have as much power as you give them. If I was more confident in myself I would've easily avoided this whole mess I'm in right now! I shouldn't have taken no for an answer and I should've been confident with my decisions. 

You should never put your dreams aside. Listening to your heart will make you happy. But unfortunately, we are all easily-influenced and that didn't lead to no good. Doing something I didn't like was very depressing! And depression puts alot of burden on your health. Some people start doing drugs and others start drinking. In my case it actually resulted in a very unhealthy weight gain and I somehow started smoking cigarettes. So my next goal is to become a healthier person again. 
For me to reach a healthy BMI, I only have to lose 30 lbs, and I said 'only' because that 30 lbs was once a 120 lbs. And I prefer using the word BMI because  It measures human body shape based on your mass and height. We all have different shapes and I assure you that most models are not healthy! So I plan to commit on changing my lifestyle. I actually love going to the gym. (I just always feel good after I workout!) My problem is: I always allow people to interrupt my days, and then I can't find time to workout. 
So this year my friends, is not about 'finding' time to workout, it's about MAKING time to workout. And working out is more effective when you are a healthy person, so I think cigarettes should go too!! It's a disgusting habit, and the sooner you quit the easier it will be! 

Just remember that you can do anything you set your mind to. We've all heard the medical reasons to quit it but i think it's an unattractive addiction. Plus it will ruin my teeth, and I love my teeth!! 

And last but not least on my list, is to take more risks! I don't want to let fear control my life, so this year, I wanna do things that scare me:

• I want to quit my miserable part-time job that I've had since I moved here in fear of not finding another job. 
• I wanna tell this one person that I've had a crush on him since I was 11. 
• I wanna go horse-back riding, skydiving, skateboarding... 

(Last year I went skiing for the first time and I loved it!)


P.S., I had a severe back surgery when I was 17, and I have been terrified of many sports I used to play when I was younger. 

I might not be a doctor or a lawyer or an engineer, but I have gone through enough experiences to tell you that all my main goals should be your goals too. We cannot let people tell us how to live our lives any more. We were all put on this earth for a reason so let us start doing what we're meant to do! It's a new year and it's time to start over. You gotta stop thinking about what you're going to do and actually start doing it. It's time to live your life and be who you are. Forget about whatever happened in 2013 and just move on. Take risks and be yourself, you only have one life, and it's time to make the most of it. Make a new year's resolution and this time achieve it no matter what the cost is. I believe in you, do you believe in you? You should.

And you should also share this post with everyone because we all need that little push and I will be more than happy to help guide you along the way. I will be posting YouTube videos along this adventure because I want to show you the obstacles and the struggles we face in life. Subscribe to my channel: www.youtube.com/TheNancyZone 

I'm not perfect and no one is, so let's just be Happy with ourselves!! Just remember that I'm not saying we should just drop everything and ignore everyone! What I'm saying is that we should prioritize our life!

I will not tell you that this is going to be easy, but I do promise it's gonna be worth it!