I used to smoke, 2+ packs a day, always after I worked out. I hated
people who pestered to me quit. Every time an anti-smoking public
service announcement was played on tv, I lit up another. I used to say
that aerobics was no challenge if you weren't a smoker.
When I hit my 40s I figured I was at the age where I get to choose how I
will die, and lung cancer and emphazema had no appeal. The first time I
tried to quit, within two days I was fainting constantly and the doctor
actually had MRIs done to see what the cause was, and what it was, was
nicotine withdrawal.
I'm not making any list of what other things I gave up with no problem,
like caffeine, and that is the end of my public list. The nicotine
however gripped me with a passion. I actauuly ceased smoking in 1996
for 12 weeks and then one visit with my father, the militant antismoker,
and I was lighing up again.
I kept quitting from 1995 until 1999 and then, taking Welbutrin, on the
patch, chewing the gum, I finally made it when I saw my grandson trying
to smoke from cigarette butts in the ash tray and my second grandson was
born. Quitting was hell, but worth it.
Consider: smoking: 2+ packs a day, at $3@pack, do the math.
Nonsmoking: I have all the Joni albums, all the Janis Joplin albums,
season ticket package for the White Sox, saw Joni twice in concert in
two different cities, paid off a bunch of bills, got a mountain bike,
got a newer Nissan 300ZX, and got a DVD. That's for starters. The
money, the money, the money I am saving is making a lot of other things
possible. I like it.
I'd never tell anyone to quit because if a person every wants to, it is
a personal choice from within. Smokers should never be harrassed, it
makes them smoke more. Some people quit without a backwards glance.
Some people have to quit over and over and over again and use every
method available to quit.
This is all pointless but I want everyone to lay off the smokers and let
the smokers know hey, it is a part of one's life and don't let no one
put you down.
If indeed you decide to quit, and that is your choice, your motivation
must be from within and do every possible method to quit and keep
trying. Nicotine is more addictive than heroin but it can be beat.
And when you are suddenly finding $30 or $40 extra dollars in your
wallet each week... spend it on yourself as your reward for having money
to spend on yourself.
(the Rev) Vince
