How I Overcame Smoking After Nearly Two Decades
Written on
The Journey to Quit Smoking
It was July 31, 2016, when I made the life-changing decision to quit smoking—forever. As of now, it's been over 5 years and counting! Believe me when I say that quitting has never felt more liberating.
“Quitting smoking is the simplest thing imaginable. I know this because I’ve attempted it countless times.” — Mark Twain
Before I delve into the three methods that proved successful for me, let me share how my smoking habit began.
Influences That Led to Smoking
Growing up, movies and television had a significant impact on me. The cool demeanor of cinematic heroes, often seen with a cigarette in hand, captivated me. My father was also a smoker, which added to my fascination. After years of resisting, I finally succumbed to the allure of smoking in October 1996, choosing the brand favored by my favorite Bollywood star.
At that moment, I felt invincible—like a hero myself. I envisioned impressing others, conquering challenges, and living an extraordinary life. But soon enough, I found myself questioning why these on-screen icons never seemed to cough after smoking.
As my smoking skills improved, I remained blissfully unaware of the negative impact I was inflicting on myself and those around me—not just through second-hand smoke, but through other bothersome habits that became routine.
It took nearly two decades for me to finally quit. I realized that I had always been emotionally weak, unable to break free from this habit. I tried several times to cut back, sometimes stopping for a week or two, but I always found an excuse to return. This time, however, it was different. This time, I was determined to succeed.
Three Effective Techniques
Technique #1: Enlist Support from Family and Friends
“I can't do this alone.”
I engaged my family—my wife, son, and daughter—in my quitting journey. I preemptively apologized for any irritability they might experience due to withdrawal symptoms. They supported me wholeheartedly despite the challenges.
I also included my friends in the process. I asked non-smokers to help me stay on track and requested my smoking friends to respect my goal by not inviting me to smoke. This accountability helped me tremendously.
Technique #2: Utilize External Resources (Apps and Books)
I explored various resources, both online and offline, to aid my quitting process. I even considered a smoking cessation program but felt too embarrassed to join. Instead, I turned to two specific tools that were invaluable.
Mobile Apps: Among the few I tried, the "Butt Out" app was transformative. It not only tracked my progress but also had a social element where users shared their journeys, cravings, and victories. When I posted about my 10-day streak without smoking, I received encouragement from others, which motivated me to persist.
Audiobooks: I listened to Allen Carr's "Easy Way to Quit Smoking" on Audible. This audiobook helped me dismantle the associations I had with smoking, making it easier to break free from the habit.
Technique #3: Find an Activity That Contradicts the Habit
Somewhere along the way, I developed a sudden desire to run a 5K, something I had never attempted before 2016. Using the "C25K" app, I began training. Initially, I struggled to run even a minute, but I fell in love with the experience.
Running provided a fresh alternative to the highs I sought from smoking. Instead of inhaling smoke, I filled my lungs with fresh air while enjoying the outdoors. This shift not only made me feel better physically but also mentally.
Closing Reflections
Quitting was a gradual process. I started by counting the hours I could go without smoking, eventually progressing to days, then weeks, and months. After six months, I let the app track my progress, celebrating each anniversary by expressing gratitude to my family and friends.
What I Gained and Lost
Losses: Mood swings, the need for breath mints, the odor on my clothes, yellowing teeth, a few friendships, my coffee habit, and most importantly, the desire to smoke.
Gains: Time, over $12,000 in savings, improved taste, a newfound appetite, respect, love, new hobbies, confidence, and—most crucially—my health!
Thank you for reading! If you or someone you know is struggling with smoking, please share this message.
This video discusses the journey of quitting smoking over a 28-day period, emphasizing the importance of taking control back.
In this video, Tiffany shares her personal story of overcoming smoking, providing tips and insights that could help others on the same path.