As an addict, every day is a single step towards a smoke-free goal. Being human, I've made mistakes (honestly, its near impossible to not smoke when one is drinking), but on that same note I'm completely driven to quit. With all the encouragement I have received from my readers and my family and friends, the only way is forward into a non-smoking future.
I finally decided to go the cold turkey route. My brother, who so thoughtfully and kindly purchased an e-cigarette for me, was the catalyst in this movement. I tried to use my e-cigarette, but I see the reason why these things have never caught on: they are just the most inconvenient form of nicotine. Charging batteries every couple of hours just for three puffs ? My e-cigarette must have been a lemon, because it never seemed to work when I tried to use it (then again, my brother seemed to have the magic touch and got it to work every time).
When I first mentioned quitting smoking to my grandmother (an ex-smoker herself) and my plan to simply reduce my intake, or to try an e-cigarette, she firmly and adamantly shook her little white head and insisted, "The only way is cold turkey." She was right. Although, it is the hardest thing I have ever done. There are days where I slip up, but for the most part I've been doing well.
I haven't bought a single pack of cigarettes, and I plan on never purchasing them again. Just the notion of how much money I'm saving is enough to keep me from buying any more cigarettes. And this blogging process has been the most therapeutic element of the whole process -- I feel as if my HuffPo readers are my support system, one which I vehemently don't want to let down.
So, wish me luck. Like any addiction my willpower will be tested at every moment of every day. I like to think I'm strong, and so this will only be a welcomed challenge.
Thank you, thank you, for all the support, readers.