I wasn't going to make this contribution until I've been smoke-free for a year. But as I am totally committed to N.O.P.E. (Not One Puff Ever) - and will never smoke again - I've decided to write it now.
I smoked for 55 years - about 20 roll-ups a day. I gave up a few days before my 70th birthday so that I could say to folk "Oh no, I haven't smoked since I was in my 60s."
When I first quit - I looked at this website every single day - or more precisely - every single hour - and found the encouragement from others exceedingly helpful. I even posted a few personal thoughts and comments.
I haven't posted much in recent times for 2 reasons.
Firstly - I've logged in less often as I've not wanted anything to remind me of smoking. I've moved on.
Secondly, and more importantly, - I didn't want folk to see that I'd smoked for over half a century and think that if they've only smoked for 10 years (say) - they can carry on lighting up for many years to come.
I have been very fortunate in that it appears that I haven't suffered any physical damage from my long term smoking (yet !). I am aware that others who smoked for far fewer years than me have paid for their habit with their life.
It's not been an easy journey to becoming a non-smoker because smoking was so much part of who I was. Fags were my friends. I smoked to celebrate - I smoked when I was down. I smoked when I was on the phone. I smoked when I was writing. I lit up with every cup of tea - and after (sometimes during) every meal.
I simply couldn't envisage life without cigarettes - but I firmly decided that I'd give quitting a go - and see what happened.
And now - eleven months after chucking the last of my tobacco in a nearby river - I am a non-smoker.
And I'm still me.
On the physical front - it's a real joy to be able to lie down to sleep without my chest sounding like an out of tune barrel-organ. I can walk faster and further without becoming breathless. Teeth (yes - I've still got a few !) are whiter - I don't reek of tobacco - my eyes are brighter - etc. etc.
On the psychological front - I've discovered that I can do all the things I used to do without needing to light up. That was a surprise.
Like everyone - life has chucked a few stresses and strains my way. And I'm amazed that I can deal with them without fags. I probably cope with them better - because my first thought now is how can I deal with the problem - rather than where the hell is my lighter.
I'm reluctant to say that if I've managed to pack up smoking - so can you. It sounds a bit arrogant.
But that is exactly what I want you to know. If I've managed it - you can too.
It is so worth it.
I wish you well.
Not Quite Day One - But Nearly, I Hope
