I hesitate to say, out loud and in public 'I quit', because I will then look like a weak and feeble arse when next I pick up a cigarette, set fire to it, and suck its evil contents down into the fetid depths of what remains of my lungs.
So what I will say is, it's been 4-5 days since I last smoked a cigarette. And you know what? Quitting isn't killing me. Sure, I get the little craving monster, probably timed to the minute to coincide with the times when I would previously be lighting up a smoke. But now, I think I've smoked all the ciggies I need, thank you, and I can make the craving go away in about ten seconds.
I can't really remember the last time I tried to quit smoking, and what that was like. But I can remember finally giving in to the ceaseless, never-ending desire to fill my guts with smoke. I guess the craving then had been much worse than it is now.
To tell you the truth, I've been wanting to quit since, like, forever. But I was scared. I knew it would hurt. I'd tried before and failed, and I don't need any more failure in my life. Etcetera. Well, I finally screwed up the courage to do it on the evening of October 5th, 2011. The day that Steve Jobs died. Now, I'm not saying that there's any particular significance in the date. but his untimely passing had put me in a thoughtful mood (and I doubt that Steve was killed by smoking - it was just dodgy genes wot done it), and by early evening I was able to put my baccy, skins and lighter in a drawer and leave them there.
And the next day I had some breakfast at about 9am, and some lunch at about 1pm and I ate all my dinner that evening. And you're thinking 'so what?' Well, one of the gazillion side effects of smoking is that it suppresses your appetite. I really didn't eat much when I was smoking, and there would always be something left on the plate. And that's a bit embarrassing when you've spent however long it is actually cooking the stuff: even more embarrassing when someone else has cooked it for you.
And the next day, I ran up a few steps. Danced a bit maybe. Hugged my missus. Actually felt more alive than I have done for years. Fingers crossed eh?
What's in a Name?
2 days ago
11 comments:
It isn't that difficult. Done that meself in 2009, when I was up to 60 ciggies a day.
The thing to remember is that you weren't born a smoker. Ergo, you aren't a smoker.
I suspect you shall be posting recipes on Facebook!
Oh, well done Keith!
I've wanted to give up for a long time too - am very weak willed with this sort of thing - and your post reminds me of something I read about the fear of cravings being far worse than the cravings themselves which, as you say, last seconds and can be negated with a distraction like, say, a good pie!
Well done. You've spurred me on to have a proper go myself.
I used to be an evening smoker - I stopped when I knew I was pregnant twenty-three years ago. It took two years for me not to want a cigarette when I had a glass of wine.
Smoking ages you from the inside. Now all you have to worry about is not over-eating in compensation :o)
Well done! I fear that I shall not be following your excellent example.
Good luck! It can be done - I know I did it 22 years ago - after the first week I was just not prepared to waste the days I'd already been through - nothing could be as bad as that again, I thought - and it worked . . .in the end
Kate
Good luck, Keef. I have a drawerful of fat cigars that, over the last couple of years, I've simply not fancied setting on fire.
Thanks for all your supportive words, peeps. One week down the line, had a major test last night - a party! Managed to stand on the balcony with the smokers and not have any inclination to bum a fag (as it were). Result!
I never lecture my friends about their smoking but once they confess a desire to quit I am all over them about it. It is the BEST thing you can possibly do to improve the quality of your life. Many smokers are able to side-step cancer but none can escape the damaged lung capacity.
You will get used to feeling great in the morning, every morning.
I'm with Leftbanker on this one. Sooooooo relieved.
Well done mate! 'Twill be 6 years for both the Istanbilly's on Feb 12 and I won't ever smoke again! Good luck to you Keefie, I am sure you will last!
Very apt word verification considering the subject - it is 'panta'
Cheers
Keep going Keef. The tricky bit is when you want to reward yourself for giving up .... by having a fag.
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