Smoky Endings

I think it is probably safe to say now that I have quit smoking. It has been over two months since my last cigarette. I was never that heavy to begin with, maybe one a day on average. And there were many times when I went weeks without. But this time it was more a conscious decision.

I know you are all thinking that I must feel incredibly healthier now. That my breathing and stamina are much better then they were. Sorry to disappoint you, but it’s not true. I feel exactly the same. Like I said, I never smoked that much and I don’t think I ever had enough to really make a difference in my lungs. Moderation was my philosophy when it came to smoking, as it is with just about anything I do. Because of this I think that I was able to smoke and not suffer much of the consequences. I really do believe that it’s the people who smoke two packs a day and have family history that get cancer, or heart disease. I’m not saying that smoking is ok for your health, far from it. But I do think we give it to much credit for the damages we’ve seen.

But smoking is addictive, and that is the main reason I quit. I wasn’t addicted to cigarettes anymore than I’m addicted to country fried steak. I just really enjoyed them. Unfortunately, addictions seem high on my moms side of the family. My grandpa was a life long smoker and a bit of a alcoholic for a while as well. My mom has pretty much gone down the same road, and I know of other members that did too. I didn’t really want to take the chance, so I cut my self off while the cutting was good.

Will I ever smoke again? Probably. I will probably have one every now and then with friends, and I still smoke my hookah a few times a month. I also enjoy cigars as a tradition when we all go camping. But I can say with full confidence that I am not addicted to any substance, other then maybe sausage gravy on my chicken fried steak.