I quite smoking...after 23 years no less, easily.

I quit smoking on January 6th this year. This is a pretty big deal actually because I have smoked for a very long time - 23 years actually...ouch. Of course I smoked the natural cigarettes, American Spirits - Lights, but it was still an addiction that I resented. I was one of those smokers that "loved to smoke" and would laugh off even the most serious debates about smoking. I would smoke that last one of the day no matter how tired I was, and I would go outside alone to do it if necessary, as long as I could have it.

I loved smoking - but in reality, it sucked.
Of course parties were the best because I'd sit outside with my friends and we'd laugh and talk and smoke 'till late at night. I even remember one party where there were about 25 of us on this small back patio, scrunched up together under this awning-like structure because it was pouring rain. That didn't seem to phase any of us, but looking back, it was almost comical. There we were, about 25 of us, all in our mid to late 30's - generally professionals - huddled up together in the rain while looking in on an empty, expansive living room that was warm and dry and could comfortably hold all of us and then some. But these are the scenarios of being a smoker, and they don't seem that silly when the nic fit sets in.

I remember driving with the window cracked because it was raining and I had to have a smoke even though the rain drops were bouncing off the edge of the window and into the car, or the agitation of waiting for the meal to be done so that I could go outside and have that often coveted after dinner fix. If you've never smoked, all of this will seem absurd, but if you have, then you know exactly what I'm talking about. I spent years choosing my restaurants, dating locations and activities based on whether or not I could easily have a cigarette.

When my kids were young I was a closet smoker, meaning I did not smoke around them. The problem was that I was always with them and I had to have that nicotine fix. I remember one day I was going out to run some errands and my youngest daughter wanted to come with me. I actually spent 10 minutes convincing her that it would be boring and that she would have more fun at home. Can you imagine? I gave up alone time with my daughter just so I could have a smoke. And the sad truth was, that even though I got my fix, it was still a lonely trip.

When I quit smoking, I realized that it is not actually a very social habit, but in fact it is quite the opposite. There is nothing social about excusing oneself from an important event to sneak out and get a fix. There is nothing social about wishing away important moments just to get to the part where one can smoke.

Smoking Allowed in Designated Areas ONLY
I was at Busch Gardens the last week of December with my husband and my daughters. I hadn't quit smoking yet and I was stunned to find out that smoking was only allowed in specifically designated areas throughout the park (and these areas were small, uncomfortable and crowded with other smokers). I felt like some kind of leper every time I lit up. Quite frankly, it sucked. What I hated most is that I specifically searched out each designated area so that I could time it properly, but each time I got there, I despised feeling so segregated. At one point I was sitting on a bench in the designated smoking section while my husband and kids were on a roller coaster and I was waiting and smoking. While I sat there, I noticed that some families passing by glared at me. Then some guy walked by and made a derisive statement about smoke polluting the air, while a mother and her kids stepped another 4-5 feet away from me so they could avoid the smoke. Honestly it pissed me off. After all, I was in the "designated smoking area" and I was one of those conscientious smokers who exhaled toward the ground or away from others. It was irritating and even a little humiliating (which was even more irritating).

I finally quit, and it was surprisingly easy!
Anyway, I had already decided for months that I was going to quit in the New Year. I had planned on doing laser treatment because I had heard good things about it, but I ended up quitting without it and I can't imagine that laser treatment would make it easier than it has been. The one thing I was afraid of was that I did NOT want to be one of those ex-smokers that spend her whole life pining for a cigarette. I wanted to be done with it and I wanted to have my life back. Actually, it was so much easier than I imagined. I read the book, The Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Allen Carr and I quit. Just like that. My husband had done it 3 days before me after finishing the book himself. I hadn't planned to just quit like that, but he had quit smoking rather unexpectedly and he seemed totally unfazed by it. Amazing. In fact, he would go outside with me while I smoked and he seemed totally at peace with himself. It was really cool.

What it's like to be a non-smoker.
So there I was finishing the book and my last smoke, and I knew I was done for good. A couple days later we went to a friend's birthday and I spent most of my time inside for a change. The coolest part is that I did go outside and I sat with my girlfriend and we talked for some time while she smoked and we both enjoyed a glass of wine. I was comfortable and didn't even think about it. Now that is something I never expected. My sense of smell is back and it's wonderful. I eat wherever I want, linger at the table while chatting with my friends, wake up refreshed and without an alarm clock most days, and I feel great. Most of all I have this sense of peace about it.
As an aside, this was the 2nd time I had read the book. The first time I didn't quite get it, but the 2nd time was pretty effortless. But the coolest thing for me is that at least 3 other people have quit because of me. Apparently I was such a "die-hard" smoker, that since I quit so easily, anyone can quit with this program, or at least that is the thought process my friends have explained. I don't care why or how, I'm just thrilled that they've done it, too.

And now, I've begun my diet...