A quitter’s diary: Here’s what my fifth week of quitting smoking is like

Brought to you by the HSE. Jack Kelly (20) is from Ballinasloe in Co Galway and he's been smoking since he was 16. Jack has given up cigarettes for the New Year and he has written a "quitter's diary" for JOE over six weeks to describe exactly what it's like to quit smoking.  So here we are. The last blog. The end of our JOURNEY. I'm here deliberating what to write. Should I be as dramatic as possible (which you know I love)? Talk about how much of a life changing decision this has all been. Yes, I have dealt with this new found fame quite well. Being thrust into the spotlight in such a fast-paced way was tough for me... the constant fear of the press, keeping up appearances with friends and family... but I remained grounded for you, the readers, and my fellow quitters. This has been a real emotional rollercoaster... yes, we just went up a level from 'journey' and I love it. From the initial excitement/superiority of quitting to the mini and constant cravings throughout your smokeless days, I found my moods have been about as unpredictable as Donald Trump doing... well, anything. I can feel a Twitter feud brewing already. Keep on eye out. Major meltdowns can occur, especially on a night out in Athlone... Well, that last one is a bit of a niche 'meltdown' but nonetheless we picked ourselves back up and marched into the 'No Smoking Area' of LIFE. I'm going into motivational speaking after all this is done! I think, for me, the hardest aspect of quitting was the pressure of not letting anyone down by not being able to put out that fateful last cigarette. But I've come to the conclusion that it's all 100% on you. Friends and family can't be your motivation. The Quit Team is a good option if you feel like you need some help to get you started or if you need some help to stay on the straight and narrow. Of course they can help you along the way but it has to be for you. It's your body, your lungs, your skin, your SOUL... okay, forget the soul part but you know what I'm getting at. To truly achieve one of the greatest things you can do, quit smoking (well it would be even greater if you never started in the first place but we won't get into that now). You have to really want it, jump head first all in or else you've already lost. Nicotine is that weird annoying cousin we all kind of hate, and it will take an outrageous amount of time and energy to get rid of it. However if you have the patience and sheer grit required, anything's possible. Oh no, I'm starting to tear up. I knew this would happen. Breath - you're okay. So with my parting words, I will leave you with a quote from Mark Twain. "Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I've done it thousands of times." Keep going. If you fail quit again.. and again.. and again! You never know, the thousandth time just might be the charm, and isn't that worth finding out? Nation's Quitter - Signing off. Well done to Jack for keeping us updated about his quitting journey – yes we used the ‘j’ word. If Jack’s honest and heartwarming story has inspired you to think about getting help to QUIT smoking, then get in touch with us here at the QUIT Team on 1800 201 203 today. There’s loads of help at www.quit.ie too, from personalised plans to inspiration to live chats. Start today and be someone’s Quit Hero tomorrow. Brought to you by the HSE.