I quit smoking

It has been 2 weeks since I stopped smoking.

I had wanted to quit smoking many times in the past, but was able to talk myself out of it mainly because I did not believe the impact of cigarette smoking alone on health and longevity.

Sure I believe that smoking is bad for one’s health. So are many other things. Since smoking is enjoyable, why focus on smoking alone?

According to one Life Expectancy Calculator, I am expected to live till 102 regardless whether I have never smoked or have smoked consistently 5 cigarettes a day (which I did). According to another life expectancy calculator (unfortunately I no longer have the link), smoking takes away three years of life, which is not a huge deal.

So why did I stop smoking now?

For two reasons only; one is that the world holds a very different view and second is nicotine is highly addictive. Because the world holds an extremely opposite view from smokers, it makes smoking very difficult to do and smokers ridiculous looking. Since it is an addiction, you must smoke when it is time to smoke even if it puts you in an awkward situation. You can no longer call smoking enjoyable when you must stand on the sidewalk as far away as possible to a restaurant door, trying to take as many puffs in the shortest time possible because the temperature is minus 20 degrees Celsius and you are freezing.

Canada has universal health care system. It seems that all medical staffs believe that smoking kills. If you are sick (regardless the type of ailment), you are asked to quit smoking otherwise smoking becomes the main or partial cause of your illness. At least that’s how they make you feel. By quitting now, I will feel psychologically more secure that I will not be refused medical care in case I need it.

Richard broke his ankle two months ago. He was still asked at the hospital whether he smokes cigarettes. Since he does not smoke, we had no further probe. I imagine myself in that situation. I probably would not have responded to that question very well since I would have been totally preoccupied in feeling sorry for myself and would have considered that question unrelated to a broken ankle. I know someone who always lies about smoking cigarettes when she goes to a clinic because she does not wish to be nagged about.

How do I feel now?

I still crave for a cigarette. However, I am mature enough that I no longer wish to rebel for the sake of rebelling. With my personality, once a decision is made it is hard to go back. So I will be safe in my new journey as a non smoker.