Okay, so you've heard me say - it's time that I quit smoking.
So, first things first - I am not quitting for health reasons - so get off your high horse there if you think I should be quitting for those reasons. I am not quitting because of the high number of nagging people telling me to quit, and I am not quitting because of the number of businesses and public areas now closed to smokers. I knew about the health risks when I decided to start smoking, and I decided that the benefits outweighed the risks for me (yes there are some benefits) at that time. It's simply a matter of *it's time for me to quit smoking* and that's that.
We should get that straight now, because, I am still an advocate for personal choice. If a person decides to quit - or decides to smoke - that is his or her choice; and nonsmokers should just leave them alone. If it's not bothering you and it's not in your house just shut up and let smokers live their lives. And I absolutely refuse to be one of those "exsmokers" that pry into everyone's business and preach about how great quitting-smoking has been for me and how they should quit because it worked out so well for me. I hate those people - I make fun of and mock those people, and I will not be one of those people.
So, why have I decided to quit? When I started smoking at the age of 18 (12 years ago) I had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was told that I would *Probably* never be able to conceive a child. I was lonely, angry, and very upset at the world. I had made the promise to myself before that I would quit smoking only in under either of two circumstances. A) I found out I was pregnant or B) packs of cigarettes went up to $5 or more a pack.
Well, yesterday the price of a cigarette pack went up from $2.75 to $5.08 per pack. And it's not like I couldn't afford that price for cigarettes; I could - but I had already made that decision and that was one of the criteria for me to quit smoking. So... 12 years after starting I am going to quit.
So what does this have anything to do with you?
Simple, I am going to share my quitting experience with you. FOr you smokers who are also trying to quit, I hope you will find some help in what I am going to write in this series. For you smokers who don't want to quit, I hope you will find some understanding. And for you nonsmokers - I hope you will finally be able to see what it is like from the other side of your judgmental mirror.
So - my journey to quit will be done as a series. The first official piece of this series will come on February 15, with a new installment every Thursday. I have set February 15 as my official "quit date" as recommended to do by several quit smoking programmes, and I will be taking you step by step through the process with me.
Again, the intent of this series is not to convince anyone to quit at all. If you smoke - all the power to you and I hope no one ever coerces you into quitting. But if you're looking to quit, I hope you find some support in my writing, and if you are a nonsmoker, I hope you can gain an understanding from my writing.
Until then - happy smoking! Or, happy breathing - but whatever!
Good luck on trying to quit. I am trying myself, I will probably try again tommorrow. I am sorry about the cancer, hope you get better.
Thank you for the kind words.
The cancer is gone, thankfully. By the time I turned 20, I was in "remission" and at the age of 26 I was considered cured. It took two surgeries, during which one ovary was taken out and the other one was only partially removed, leaving about half. According to my doctors now, I can conceive a child, but will still have a hard time doing so, and because of my anemia, would probably be unable to carry to full term...
But my husband and I are still trying. And it's comforting to know that it's at least possible.
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"Dream as though you'll live forever, but live as though there's no tomorrow" --James Dean
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/fanaile-essence
Good luck dear!
I've been working my way up to quitting smoking.. taking baby steps to get there though. I'm actually doing it for my nephew. He has Chronic Lung Disease and is on the ventilator 24/7. I don't smoke around him, but still think it would be in his best interest for me to quit anyway. I've already cut back to less than half a pack (usually 5 to 6) a day, so I'm getting there slowly!
The ex-smokers really irritate me sometimes. My sister is the absolute worst ex-smoker ever. She smoked for ages and didn't quit until she was 7 months pregnant with her first (she cut back significantly, but still). Now she always has something to say about smoking. If not for the stress that is instantly relieved when I inhale that first puff of smoke... I'd probably have strangled her by now lol.
Anyway, good luck! I wish you the best of success!!
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." -Dr. Seuss
I noticed that this blog is dated over a month ago, so I thought I ask how you're doing with quitting? Today is my first day of being smoke-free. True, it's only 10:30 am, but that's a start right?
I am really just curious to see how you're doing with quitting for a little bit of support with my quitting. Thanks! :)
Actually, this blog was written over a year ago...
But - it's been touch and go. I was doing well for the first few months. They say that it takes less than 72 hours for the nicotine to get out of your system, and beyond that it's just a mental addiction.
But honestly, I hated the platitudes I would receive. My dad, for instance, would come over and go into lectures about how much better I would feel and how much nicer my clothes were going to smell. I know he meant well, but by the time he finished I wanted to light a cigarette just to shut him up about it.
And I have cheated a few times (to be honest, I'm in a bit of a cheating binge right now). The best advice I could probably give is not to count the days. And not to punish yourself for being "weak" if you find yourself craving a cigarette. Just remember you can quit again tomorrow. Everyday you'll have to make the choice again - as if for the first time.
Best of luck!
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"when you have nothing else to say, "Fwonk" is always the perfect thing."
"yeah well, fwonk"
--Devon
Fanaile Essence