Editor Quits Smoking, Sees The Light
There’s nothing like a crippling fever and cough to ruin one’s Memorial Day Weekend. Every time I thought I was better, I got worse and stared at the lovely days outside from my bed going in and out of fever induced naps. I eventually got well enough to get up and take care of myself and enjoy about 3 hours of the long weekend all the while knowing how and why the illness got into my body:
Cigarettes. Lots of them.
The Excuse: “Because I am going through some tough personal times.”
It got pretty gross there for a while. I would wake up and run outside to have a cigarette before I exercised then another before I got on the train then another after I got off on my way to the office. This entire ritual was performed all before 9am. It was no surprise to me that I woke up on Thursday morn feeling like toxic garbage.
It was a great way to end the relationship, though. I’ve tried ending it before but this was enough for me. Hell, I quit drinking so this should be a piece of piss to get through. I’m not going to turn my blog into an anti-smoking-drinking ranting board but I would like to stress to everyone how amazing it feels to be ridding my body of all the crap I’ve been putting into it. Actually, I feel worse than I ever did while I was smoking but that is natural for a week or so after you quit. My lungs are regenerating back to a healthy state which, in turn, makes the rest of my body feel like I still have the flu. Awesome.
In conclusion, don’t smoke and if you do try and quit. It’s bullshit and costs too much.
I’m putting a little box in the corner of the blog to mark how many days I’ve been smoke free because, in the end, you guys can yell at me if I slip up.
All the best,
Dennis Cahlo
Keep strong Dennis. I have quit a few times, the longest was two months ago when I went 27 days.
I only smoke 1-3 cigarettes a day now and think I will take the final plunge soon.
Trick is you cant ever quit until you actually want to do it. I am not at that point yet, but it sounds like you are, so just keep strong.
Cold turkey is best, but the patch worked for me while I was using it, really helped take the edge off.
Best,
Amir
Thank you so much, Amir. This really does feel final for me. I’ve been wanting to quit for a while.
All the best,
Dennis Cahlo
Congratulations Dennis!
“Never quit quitting” was what people always used to tell me and I never did until it was finally the right time for me. This month is my 5-year anniversary of not smoking. Woohoo! But I have to say, after 15 years of a pack-a-day habit, it was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done. There were definitely a few days where I wanted to rip someone’s head off, but in the end, well worth the struggle.
Here if you need someone to chat with…
Rob
Thanks Rob!!! I really appreciate the support.
I feel like this is it. I have no desire to smoke right now but will call you as soon as I feel the urge to light up.
All the best,
D.
Congrats
Best of luck Dennis, I really enjoy reading your blog, and am glad you’ve made your health a priority. One only looks as good his body feels.
Hi Jay,
Thank you for enjoying the blog and for your support as well. I’m staying very strong!
All the best,
Dennis
WOW! You must have worked really hard on this site, I really really like it!