Someone somewhere along the way decided today would be known as the, ‘great Canadian Smoke Out – a day that seems to be applying even more pressure on smokers to butt out. As a smoker I can tell you, we don’t need another day with even more pressure to quit. As a smoker I can assure you all smokers know a number of things that you continue to tell us:
A) It’s bad for your health
b) It stinks
c) It’s expensive
If you are a non-smoker, bet you didn’t know that a pack of cigarettes in BC costs anywhere from $13-$15 per pack! I know, even more reason to quit. Quitting smoking is by far the hardest thing I’ll have to do in my life. It’s cost me more than just money – it’s cost me potential relationships. Not too mention the looks you get from those who don’t. Having stopped three times previously, from the withdraw pings to the mood swings – it isn’t an easy thing to do.
The other thing – as a smoker – you’re constantly reminded of is how it is slowly killing. Yes, we know that to. Do you think smokers would smoke if they they weren’t completely addicted?
I’ve read books, I’ve tried the patch, hypnosis, and that dreaded cold turkey. Truth is, they could have worked – but I have to be honest, I don’t want to quit (as crazy as that sounds) and until I do want to quit, feeling pressure to do just that from everyone and anyone but yourself just makes you smoke more.
My call is on the government to get out of the pockets of big tobacco companies and either make it completely illegal to smoke, or develop a plan to make the withdrawal a little easier to cope and function with..
Or just try will power, Neil. When you’re ready.
Neil