Things You Notice As You Quit Smoking

[Gita]

People take a really long time to get to the point.

The ratio of stupid people to smart people is much higher than I'd thought, as evidenced by those who stand close to me honking into their cell phones or eating pork rinds.

Foods taste more like themselves, which I noticed while eating a fresh pear that tasted almost too pear-ish.

Morning coffee seems pointless.

Most people drive far too slowly, and the real morons sit at an intersection after  the light turns green.

I hate it when friends say "good luck," because quitting cigarettes has nothing to do with "luck," which is a false notion to begin with, and they have no clue that only a minute-by-minute exercise of bald will power and mind-over-matter focus will work, and even then there is no certain promise that the urge will  leave completely.

[Jeanette Cheezum]

VENT, my dear, but don't kick the dog. If you want to quit you will.

[Stephen Torelli]

My friends in Sardinia smoke one pack of cigarettes every week or two, something I couldn't do when I smoked. The word, "stress" isn't in their vocabulary (dialect) and they smoke of course for pleasure yet without the fear of ill health. Most live long lives.

[Judy Thompson]

my biggest sadness was losing my sense of smell, almost entirely.  And biggest fear was that it wouldn't come back.  And now every morning I go outside and smell things. That, alone, is worth the struggle. 

[Brittany]

oh my, oh my. girl, i feel the 4th sentence. as a previous smoker (who lived for morning coffee and a smoke) i can tell you it will again have meaning and enjoyment on its own. how true this whole six is- unapologizing and splendid.

it sucks at times but you can do it. kick that addiction in the balls.

[Bill Floyd]

As a drunk who's been quits for 17 years, I can tell you I don't really miss the drink.  But as a longtime smokeless tobacco user who's been quit for 4 years, I can tell you that I'd start again today if it wasn't so damn tough to quit in the first place.  Writing helps.  And breathing is a good thing.  

[Mike Handley]

Outstanding!

[Brad Rose]

I quite 35 years ago, and I STILL hunger for an unfiltered cigarette each time I smell fresh coffee. Coffee and cigarettes are so strongly associated. I especially crave Danish cigarettes which I recall were like smoking roofing tar. I'm afraid you're right Gita. What is the point of coffee without cigarettes.
I love the idea of luck having nothing to do with it. It's all will power. After one quits, the first 100 years are the most difficult.

[Teresa]

Oh, I just saw the tag.  God you're funny.  Every word. 

[Teresa]

I bow to thee.  I don't think any addiction is as strong as a cigarette addiction.  But I know a Scorpio can beat it.  If anyone can, you can.  I don't want to be condescending and tell you how proud I am of your efforts but I have a lot of respect for anyone who takes on a difficult task like this.  You've made other changes in your life as well.   Another Scorp transformation.

[Toby Tucker Hecht]

Gita--it will be hard, but worth it.  I am pulling for you.