And now, the time is near…
It’s now 80 days since I quit smoking. There has to be a Jules Verne/Phileas Fogg reference I can use here, but at the moment, it’s escaping me.
Tír na nÓg
I am not for one minute going to tell you that quitting smoking is akin to downing a mug of the elixir of life. Not for a minute.
However, I have said that smokers tend to look older and their complexions are more weathered. It’s almost 12 weeks since I quit, but I must be seeing some benefits?
I’ll be honest and say that I have found my breathing has improved, but haven’t noticed much physically. Perhaps I’m too used to looking at my face. What? We all have mirrors.
I was told recently at a gig that I look younger and ‘have you had some work done?’ To which I coyly replied, ‘ARE YOU NUTS?! DO I LOOK LIKE SOMEONE WHO WOULD GET SOME WORK DONE?!’
So there you have it lads. It seems my complexion and skin are starting to reap the benefits of this whole not smoking lark.
This time next year, I’ll be a millionaire
One of the most pleasing things for me is the fact that I seem to have a bit more money in my pocket. It seems trite to mention that, but it was an important factor to me in my decision to quit.
Looking at my HSE Quit page yesterday showed me how much money I’ve saved, and it’s a ridiculous amount of money.
As you can see, I can now afford either an eco-friendly washing machine, a beehive or pay for a limo to dinner to a posh restaurant and an overnight stay in a hotel.
I’m quite happy with my hair-style right now, so I’m not getting the beehive.
They said ‘I do’, I said ‘I can’t’
I went to a friend’s wedding last week and I was a groomsman. I knew this would be a new challenge. Not being the groomsman, I’m very adverse at sitting at top tables looking smart in a suit. I’m talking about smoking.
Weddings are long days with lots of alcohol being consumed. The chances to falter are increased, but I remained diligent.
Yeah, it had crossed my mind that a little drag here and there wouldn’t harm, but thankfully, I realised the folly of that strategy and remained steadfast in my determination to stay away from them.
Support
This is the last diary entry on my journey to quit smoking. I know I still have a long way to go and won’t be fully convinced I’m completely off them until I reach a six month or one year milestone.
I have been overwhelmed with the support I have received from the people reading this here on JOE.ie or over on the HSE Quit Smoking FB page. Even people in the street are asking me how I am doing off the smokes.
It’s surreal, but lovely to know that some people have been with me and the diary from the start and have supported me all the way.
I still miss smoking. I am told that this feeling will recede with time. I am looking forward to the day that I don’t miss them.
That said, I have done the right thing and my life can only improve as a result.
Of course it’s not easy and you will have low moments, but believe me when I say that the sense of achievement and pride is so much more gratifying than any cigarette.
Bottom line is, if you really want to quit smoking, you absolutely can.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
