How I did it:  Kick the habit, or, Kick the bucket! 



 "If you are planning to quit smoking, ask me", was

my boast. "I have done it several times", I would quip followed by a

guffaw. Sprightly at 27 years of age and a top-notch techie to boot, I had

every reason to brag about.

It all started after I joined college, when I thought it was a fashion to

smoke, not knowing the exact consequences. What began as fashion became an

addiction over time? From a few cigarettes a day, it became a few packs, by and

by. The fingers and lips twitched to light up a cigarette at every conceivable

opportunity. Wise counsel from well-wishers and the near and dear was brushed

aside, summarily.Genial, jovial, and amiable by nature, friends,

acquaintances, and relatives enjoyed my company. I could sense their

discomfiture over the repulsive habit. They hated to be passive smokers. I am

basically a person who learns something out of everything. As I lay on my bed,

I thought to myself, “My schooling and college have shown me a good

professional path in life. Through my parents, I learned what love is all

about. Through faith and practice, I learned what I am all about. Through

friends I learned what my environment is all about. But, what benefit has

smoking given me? I then heard my mom call me for dinner. She had been telling

me about her severe knee pain. It was like a gong that sounded in my head; and

my heart was beating fast, I was sweating. I went into deep thinking and I

heard my heart say, “ Mom is in pain. Dad is finding tough to go to office and

work. They have been working hard for all us these years. Now it’s my turn to

return back that gratitude. I should not be a burden for them. What am I doing?

I am spoiling my own health and in the future if I am down with cancer,

everybody I love and know will suffer because of my pain. A mother indeed can’t

take her son’s suffer. What am I doing? Parents have also started my marriage talks.

I will be spoiling another person’s life too. Oh, NO.” I woke up all of sudden

from the trance. I made up my mind to reduce smoking. From a pack, it came down

to 5, then to 3, then to one, and then none. Then on one special day, my mom’s

birthday, I walked up to her and said, “I have quit smoking, Ma”. That was her

“Best Birthday Gift” ever.
 
What friendly advice didn’t do over the years; self-determination and

inner motivation achieved.  


A Double Bonus indeed:

The nicotine had numbed my olfactory nerves and masked the taste buds. It’s

more than 6 months since I smoked. I have developed a good appetite. Besides, I

am able to enjoy my meal and appreciate it too! A welcome change in the

household!

Lest I should get back to my old ways, I have etched the words “Smoking kills

with Cancer” as the screen saver on home computer.
P.S: I am very sure many smokers in the early twenties are

browsing through this article and with a tinge of guilt too! Folks, Smoking is

like a virus entering the system. It may not impact you immediately; but the ‘system’
will crash ultimately!I reiterate the headline, “Kick the habit, or,

Kick the bucket!”!


 


 

Lessons & tips: Self motivation and determination.
To Realise purpose of life

Resources: self

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Jan 06, 2010, 03:09AM PST | 0 comments | 6 cheers