Traveling without smokes
I had a layover in Istanbul airport about a week ago and after a long flight I needed some fresh air. A sign pointed me to a terrace so I headed there. Sure enough it was an open air area under the roof but it doubled as a smoking section. I had no urge to smoke but I stayed there for about 5 minutes because despite smoke filled air it was a lot cooler outside than inside. Can't say that I was offended by the smell too much but I was shocked to see how people would almost run in just to light up and I could tell that these folks had a long flight without a smoke. And I felt sorry for them not because they smoke but because they are addicted and suffer but tell themselves that they are enjoying it. And then I realized that I was just like them mere 10 months ago. And then I became happy and content that I am not driven by my next smoke anymore. So I left the terrace. Didn't light up but this experience reinforced my determination to stay quit.
Yes and i used to be like them aswell so i can really feel for them...but thats in my past now and have flown a few times since quitting and i still know where the smoking areas are at airports, but its lovely to be able to say to yourself, "you have come along way in your personal journey, and just 1 smoke can put you back there again".
Thats their journey and i am on mine.
Well said jenno211058- "That's their journey and I am on mine". Twice before just one puff had put me back there again for 10 years each time. No third time though. Stay strong and vigilant. Good luck.
Hi Safe2017. I have had the same experience in airports in various destinations en route to another port. One simply cannot get out of ones head the stench of cigarettes in a confined area, let alone why we ever got ourselves into the state where we needed such a pit stop. Airport Dubai. Will not forget that smoking experience in a hurry. Maybe that is what added to my need to quit.
Hi Lia,
Surprisingly the stench didn't bother me as much as I thought it would but it wasn't a pleasant for sure. I saw myself somewhat from the outside looking in because that was me just 10 months ago. Just living from cig to cig. I am very happy that I am no longer with them but I do know that I am a cigarette addict and just one puff will take me back. Ten years ago I resumed smoking after staying quit for 2 years. I recall that the first puff was really horrible, foul tasting and had a really gross smell coming out of my lungs with each exhale. But then there was a second puff, and a third and before I knew it the whole cig was finished. Then, there was a second cig and a third one and all the while while having a smoke I was still telling myself that I am not really a smoker. It took me more 10 years to quit again but I am here now smoke free. Good luck, stay strong and smoke free. Cheers