Cold Turkey- will Power

Today is the many attempts I tried to quit smoking. I have never smoked in my life until only about 5 years ago when I was running my own clothing business. It wasn't the stress that triggered me to start smoking but the continous smoke break my staff were taking. I thought I will try one, after that I haven't stopped. I attempted so many times but life's worry, angst and pressure kept be back to smoking. I have 4 kids all teenagers and a husband who is not very supportive in raising the kids and maintaining the family. I did not want to break my family apart by leaving him, so instead everytime I am pressured, hurt or stressed I turn to smoke.

When I started working in a very stressful environment as a Debt collector, the more reason I have to smoke at my break times to relieve me of the stress and abuse I take from my clients. Thus, my plan to quit smoking never really eventuated.

My real reason for quitting is that I'm worried about my health. I joined a fitness program and I couldn't finish a run of 500m without huffing and puffing. I am worried that with my kids becoming teenagers, they will succumb to my habit. I'm not much worried about the money I am burning, but it would be nice to have a nest egg after I eventually stop for a reward. A holiday maybe. An accessory, extra shopping.

Above all, it's mainly for my health. I don't want to develop cancer. Today is my starting day. Thank God to continous advertising of quitline. i don't believe in cutting down, I tried, instead it made me smoke more. Everytime I tell myself, it's my last packet and I will keep it for 2 weeks, it never happenned. While I know there is a cigarette in my bag, I am always tempted to grab one utnil finish. then I say to the next packet, it will be my last..... it never happenned. The best thing is to see NO cigarettes around. I will test myself. starting today.