Quitters never win? But what if you are quitting smoking? Eric’s diary – Part Fourteen

Seventy three days and counting, always counting.

I've come to the conclusion that cravings will always be there. You get much better at dealing with them in time, but there is no doubt that they will always be there. Health insurance There is no doubt at all that already my health has improved. Quitting smoking is like taking out a health insurance on yourself. My breathing is so much better as is my sense of smell and taste. My other half tells me that when I was smoking, it was like sleeping beside a 90-year-old man with severe bronchial problems.   Not sure what her reference was, but I took her word for it and am relieved to know that my breathing is barely audible now. Missing I'd be lying if I didn't say that sometimes I miss smoking. I've spoken to people who are off them a lot longer than I and they too have said that they have moments where they miss smoking. It was such a big part of everyday life. A disgusting, unhealthy part granted, but a part nonetheless. When you are so used to doing something for so long and then suddenly you stop, there is bound to be some sort of grieving if you will. I am not for a second saying that I am having quiet moments to myself dabbing my eyes with a tissue to mop up stray tears whilst simultaneously looking a pictures of cigarettes. I am admitting that I miss them, but that's okay. I am not missing them enough to get back smoking, no, not one bit. I think it helps to be honest. It makes you realise that you have done something big here, you have made a change for the better and there are consequences. If this is the only consequence of me quitting, I can handle that. Wealth gains One of my favourite things to do is visit my HSE Quit page. The one which reminds me how much money I've saved and what I could do with that money. This is from the other day: Gone to the dogs Back in the real world, my twin boys, Adam and Alex made their confirmation last weekend. I was a very proud dad as they scrubbed up well and looked the part. It also confirmed to me the wisdom of the decision to quit. I looked at all the kids in the church and some had grandparents there, others didn't. I want to be around when my grandchildren are having big days. Outside the church I was almost repulsed by everyone lighting up cigarettes, but I cannot judge. I was the very one to do the same thing. Outside airports, outside pubs, outside churches, just anywhere outside. We went to Shelbourne Park that evening for a night at the dogs and had a ball. We had a nice meal, had a bit of a flutter on the dogs and not one cigarette was consumed or even thought about. The progress in my mindset it developing all the time. I am accepting that I will miss them, I will have cravings, but I refuse to be a slave to them and I will not cave in. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to the very indulgent silk sheet shop.