Well done, me: what about you?
No, that’s not a smug title — not really. But I feel a need to publicly acknowledge that I’ve now gone four weeks without a cigarette. I’m well aware that there’s a long way to go, so I hope I’m not giving a hostage to fortune with this post. This has not been as hard as it could be thanks to a newish drug called Champix (in the UK, Chantix in the US) which has made it easier than I expected to stop. I was on 30-40 a day, so I post this in part to encourage anyone else who’s thinking of stopping, and I recommend this treatment.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:58 am
I haven’t smoked for 40 years - it’s no decent substitute for anything. Stay away from it. My wife and I both gave up when she got pregnant for the first time. I never convinced my boys not to take it up though. My daughter is more sensible.
February 24th, 2008 at 3:42 am
Congratulations!! I’ve never smoked, but I’ve seen other people try to give up and how difficult it is, even after what seems like a long time. Maybe you could post a weekly progress report??
February 24th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Congratulations, that’s courageous to admit you even smoked. and it’s definitely worth publishing your success as encouragement for others to follow your example in stopping. The first three days were telling. Now you’re on a roll. It gets easier as you get stronger, braver, fitter, sweeter smelling, richer and suddenly you have more time. The gift of idle hands.
My brother gave up six weeks ago, cold turkey, all his vices as a boozin’ smokin’ long haired lawyer with a rock band (he hasn’t cut his hair though) - and has substituted them with his new passion: he’s finishing his phd in law at university in Sydney. Kia Kaha to both of you.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Congrats, Doug. Is this just for Lent or forever? I dabbled with tobacco as a youngster and still notice my attraction to it after all this time. When my lungs were damaged several years ago by an infection I lost 25% of my lung capacity. So, I know a little about that out of breath feeling and also know I’d never consider puffing with the diminished lungs that I have now! Thanks for sharing and I hope you keep it up. Sorry for being long-winded.
February 25th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Thanks for the encouragement