Sometimes all it takes when times are tough is to know that you're not alone in your journey. I am 71 and I got into the habit of smoking when I was around 18.
It all started in a small way - secretly smoking - especially making sure that I would never be caught by my strict parents. Gradually my smoking increased until I became addicted. I was studying architecture which involved maths. During my grad exams I just could not solve any questions even though I was very good at the subject - so I went to the loo and had a smoke and then returned to solve all problems with ease and scoring high marks. Such was the effect wherein I became a slave to the habit.
Time passed on and a few cigarettes now lead to packets. When abroad I smoked almost 30 in a day and I knew I had to kick the habit but just couldn't. I smoked for almost 23 years and one evening I was watching a program on BBC about a doctor who smoked for 10 years and how he kicked the habit. He mentioned that he did not smoke for one day and since he succeeded he took it over to the second day. Having not smoked for two days inspired him to make it four and then to eight and so on. Until he ultimately kicked the habit. At times he craved he would substitute either a chocolate or a toffee to control the urge for that moment until he could be in control again.
This registered in my mind and after about two years, one afternoon after my lunch I just threw out a half-smoked cigarette. I had about 15 cigarettes left with me, which I handed over to my colleague, informing them that I quit. He just laughed it out and said that he would keep them with him for 10 days challenging me. I also told my boss who was also a heavy smoker and we always smoked together. However, he used to purposely smoke in front of me - not discouraging, but encouraging me to resist the temptation. Whenever I was craving a smoke, which was very frequent during initial stages for a very long period of time - I used to pop in a cardamom pod, or a peanut in my mouth to resist the craving - inspired by the doctor.
Yes it was near impossible to kick the habit. I used to scratch the walls, bang my head on the walls, get angry, arrogant and irritated but still resisted the urge. Slowly and steadily I got over the habit. It took almost seven years, as they say 'seven-year itch' for the urge to totally recede but not die, I passed the toughest exam - to get over the cravings.
I did not inform my family and my wife, noticing something was strange in me though she never ever thought of my quitting. After almost eight months or so she observed that I was not smoking and broached the subject - which I confirmed that I am trying my best. Finally I knew that I won and it's now 30 years since I touched a cigarette. I still remember the date when I lit my last cigarette - 27 July 1986. I smoked for almost 23 years.
I believe nothing is impossible and it is ultimately willpower which helped me. My health improved, my appetite grew and I became more active. Even now at the age of 71, I still exercise a lot. Certainly, smoking would not have helped me to be what I am today. I want to let everyone who smokes know that you will succeed, when you have the will. So please give it up, do not take it to your grave!
