A Decision is Taken

I have taken the decision to quit smoking after more than 40 years on the weed.

I have been badgered by family and friends for years and now is the time.
It is 4 months since I retired from my job and 16 months since I went on a diet and exercise program after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I took off over 50 kilos and have gotten back into shape with regular exercise.

I have run out of excuses and now is the time to face an even bigger challenge to quit smoking.

I have decided to make a blog of this journey which is sure to be full of challenges and ups and downs.

I have set Saturday 1 August as quit day and I am preparing myself by reading up on smoke cessation.

My motivation is not dissimilar that which I had to follow a diet and exercise for my diabetes. It is not fear of dying but the desire to enjoy the best quality of life I can for the time I have here. I do not wish to finish my days bridled to an oxygen tank or wasting away with cancer, a stroke or some other degenerative disease.

I am a hard headed slave to nicotine but I am tired of it all:

Enough of my shortness of breath
Enough of the anti social behavior of slipping outside to grab a smoke
Enough of the stink in my clothes, on my breath, in my house, in my car, on my person.
Enough of running out at night to fight with an uncooperative vending machine to get my fix.
Enough of wasting time when we have so little to spare to give myself a cigarette fix.
Enough of not being able to smell and taste as well as I could.
Enough of being enslaved by addiction
Enough of self denial which cheats none but yourself
Enough of wasting money on a self destructive habit
Enough of committing slow suicide

So let the adventure begin. Another step in taking control of my life.