The big STEP

I have thought about quitting for many years now. As a smoker for 50 + years lots of things have changed in the world, not the least myself and my general health. Many years ago I promised that if my Tobacco reached over $10/packet I would give them up there and then. Hmm... well they reached the $10 easily then $20, then $30, then $40 and are threatening in the next price rise to go over $50.

I am now on an aged pension at least I made that, my cough seemed to increase at around the same rate of the price rises. But none of that worked, seemed like I was destined to cough my way into a paupers grave and all because I was sick and "B" tired of other people telling me what to do. Not only telling me but treating me either as a complete nincompoop fo smoking or as a true pariah on society for blackening the walls and giving their children cancer.

Well at the begining of this year I decided it was high time to do something for ME...Not THEM...Could I improve my health, some of what I read said so. Could I improve my bottom line, even this nincompoop knew I could. Two years ago I was smoking two 50gram packets of rollies each week, I had reduced this down to 1-1/2 packets per week. That is still over 100 smokes per week, 15-20 per day, cough and that is around $80 bucks a week, on a pension, I dont think so!!

So in June I went to a hypnotist/psycologist up near me, recommended by my doctor. I had tried Champix, patches, but not getting my head examined. In one session I gave up for a whole week, then broke out with just one smoke, then another and so on. Eventually back to my 20 a day!! Funny thing though, this guy promises that you will give up and sticks his money where his mouth is. A one up fee at the beginning, not cheap, then no more, never mind how many times you break out. Boy has this made it easier, 50 years and lots of cash, gone... still some years left in me. No real cravings, some substitution when I feel my habit, which is pretty strong after so many years, when it sort of creeps up on me and my hand reaches out for my rollies. Oh yeh, I got rid of anything in my house that looked like smokes. I had papers, lighters, ashtrays, filters, matches stashed all over the place. NOT anymore...all gone. If I can do it, so can you...!!