Just Quit.

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So 201 days ago I gave up.

I gave up on something I loved, and had loved for over 6 years.

I had told myself and many others that I could quit at anytime, all the while lying to myself the whole time.

I couldn’t quit. I was weak, and I can admit that now. Smoking contributes nothing positive to your life. You physically damage your health, for me personally it has caused irreversible damage to my teeth. I’m currently seeing my dentist at least once a month at the minute.

I downloaded an app to help me keep track of my progress, there are many like it, but I personally used this one


quitsmoking

I have set it as a widget on my phone so I can be constantly reminded how far I have come, it says that in the 6+ months I have quit for I have NOT smoked4,022.5 cigarettes!

I won’t lie to you, that’s not 100% accurate. I don’t drink much at all, but when I have been on nights out the creature in me crumbles and I give in.

So I would say in the 6 months I HAVE smoked around 30 cigarettes and as much as I regret this, I tell myself it’s better than 3,992.5 more.

The app also tells me I have regained 30+ days of life! This isn’t something I’m 100% confident in, usually living my life with the “you can die anytime” mentality. But I feel healthier! I didn’t realise but I definitely had a lingering cough. -Oh, and my sense of smell is insane!

Another thing the app lists is the amount of money I have saved: £402.27. This doesn’t motivate me too much as I made the switch to vaping, and I would say; it has turned into more of a hobby than a need.

Some days I don’t even touch the vape but I like it. I walked into Medusa (a vape shop in king’s Lynn) one day and I haven’t looked back. I try out all the new vapes and then persuade my friends to try them.

Since I have started vaping I have personally converted 7 people. One of my friends is super stubborn and even faced with the fact that vaping is 95% safer than smoking she will need a little more persuading.

I used to go to gig’s performing magic and I would always nip out and have a quick cig, thinking nobody would notice, and it’s only now that I realise this is not at all true. To everyone who had to deal with my stinky, smoky breath: I’m sorry.

-Josh Maddocks 2019