Is it getting better, or do I feel the same?
I am now 59 days off the smokes and to be honest, I didn’t really think I’d get this far. My breathing has improved immeasurably and my sense of smell and taste has improved no end.
Journey
I made the decision to quit smoking over 12 weeks ago. Motivated by reasons such as health, wealth and a small bit of ego thrown in for good measure.
Make no mistake, I deliberately made my decision public knowing that there was a certain ‘strength in numbers’ thing going on.
I knew this journey would be tough, that there would be pitfalls, but knowing people would be reading this made it a bit easier.
I had a duty to stick with it. I wanted to prove to myself that I didn’t have to be a slave to the tobacco industry and addiction.
Pills, thrills and mind-aches
I took the pills prescribed to be my GP and they did help. I weaned myself off them towards the end of the dosage term and have been flying solo ever since.
It was thrilling in a kind of ‘walking a tight-rope without a safety-net’ way.
There have been many scary moments. Lots of tricks of the mind. Temptation has been strong, but so far I’ve stood strong. I survived a weekend in Amsterdam and have been on a few nights out too.
For those who have quit, they will know the difficulty of a night out and not smoking especially when some drinks have been consumed.
Support
The best thing about all of this has been the lovely support I have received. From family to friends, work colleagues to strangers in the street, there have been fantastic messages of support and it has really helped me in my quest.
I know that there are many difficult moments and cravings ahead, but the determination to succeed will beat them. It would be arrogant of me to say I have conquered this, as I have not. Yet. I’m still a novice at quitting.
I think you can realistically say you are off the cigarettes if you can stay off them about six months. I am four months away from reaching that milestone, but I’ll get there.
What next?
I guess the next logical step for me now is to avail of my new found healthier lungs and get fit. I have put on a few pounds and would like to shed the fat. I had done a brilliant body transformation which got me into the shape of my life before and would love to do another one.
This time, the difference being, I am off the smokes. I need to get back to the gym and start working out regularly. People say I should go for a run. I’ve never been into running. Ask any of my previous football coaches.
I get bored running. Going to the gym for a total 45 minute work-out appeals to me. It worked before and now I reckon it would work even better again given I am off the smokes.
Personal trainers, come at me!
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
