Today marked my second session of the local smoking cessation class, a free five-week program that meets every Tuesday at Anaheim Regional Medical Center. So far, it has been both informative and inspiring. I’ve already made significant progress, cutting back from three packs a day to one by spacing out my cigarettes—from every fifteen minutes to one every hour. This week, my goal is to extend that time gradually to two hours between cigarettes, and next week, I’ll begin using nicotine patches to quit entirely.
One of the biggest triggers we discussed in class today is my morning routine. Waking up and immediately having three or four cigarettes has been a deeply ingrained habit for me. My instructor suggested a gradual approach—reducing by one cigarette each morning until I break the pattern. So, tomorrow I’ll start the day with three, then two the next day, and so on.
Beyond just habits, this journey carries deeper weight for me. Recently, I’ve been undergoing tests for an unknown lump on my neck—an MRI, an ultrasound—the looming possibility of cancer is terrifying, especially since my father lost his life to it. But quitting smoking is a positive action I can take right now, a proactive step toward my health in the midst of uncertainty.
Today’s progress: I maintained my pace of one pack per day by spacing out my cigarettes, and I will continue extending that gap to two hours throughout the week. My instructor was proud of my progress, and I gained valuable insight into my triggers, cravings, and healthier alternatives. One tip I’m already implementing is locking up my cigarettes and lighter to eliminate impulsive smoking—forcing myself to pause before giving in to a craving.
This journey isn’t easy, but I’m committed. Follow along as I share my progress, setbacks, and victories in my Smoker’s Journal. If you’re quitting too, let’s do this together.
by Dan and Bonkers
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