I’ve often thought about quitting smoking, but then I’d think oh I’ll get to it one day.
That day is here. It’s been 25 years, but I can now proudly say I’ve been smoke-free since October 1.
My name is Sandra Waddick and I am the assistant manager of the Northern Tavern.
Recently I was asked if I’d like to join an ILT stop smoking challenge as part of STOPtober. I knew it would help motivate me, and my staff who also smoke. I’m a very competitive person, so once I said yes I was committed. It was game on.
In my mind I always thought I could stop whenever I wanted too, but really that wasn’t true. It became so ingrained in my lifestyle. My whole world focused on the next time I’d be going outside for a smoke.
I was smoking 15-20 a day and spending about $140 a week. I decided I really wanted to quit and it wasn’t just for any one reason – the expense, the wasted time, being an “anti-social” smoker, and my health.
How have I coped? Well, my house is very tidy!
I also realised recently that I’d usually smoke when I was bored for something to do, or to clear my head, so at the moment as long as I’m keeping busy I’m generally fine. I’ve even cut my caffeine intake from 15 cups of coffee a day to two.
I’m retraining my way of thinking – what I do and how I do it – to make sure I don’t fall back into the old patterns. I’ve changed my entire lifestyle.
I’m not going to say I’ll never smoke again, but I’m going to try my absolute best.
If I can give up, anyone can!
Nga Kete’s Southern Stop Smoking Service has really helped. It’s non-judgmental, and it’s face-to-face which I prefer rather than a voice on the end of a phone.
The prize at the end of this challenge is the best possible prize – my own good health.
That day is here. It’s been 25 years, but I can now proudly say I’ve been smoke-free since October 1.
My name is Sandra Waddick and I am the assistant manager of the Northern Tavern.
Recently I was asked if I’d like to join an ILT stop smoking challenge as part of STOPtober. I knew it would help motivate me, and my staff who also smoke. I’m a very competitive person, so once I said yes I was committed. It was game on.
In my mind I always thought I could stop whenever I wanted too, but really that wasn’t true. It became so ingrained in my lifestyle. My whole world focused on the next time I’d be going outside for a smoke.
I was smoking 15-20 a day and spending about $140 a week. I decided I really wanted to quit and it wasn’t just for any one reason – the expense, the wasted time, being an “anti-social” smoker, and my health.
How have I coped? Well, my house is very tidy!
I also realised recently that I’d usually smoke when I was bored for something to do, or to clear my head, so at the moment as long as I’m keeping busy I’m generally fine. I’ve even cut my caffeine intake from 15 cups of coffee a day to two.
I’m retraining my way of thinking – what I do and how I do it – to make sure I don’t fall back into the old patterns. I’ve changed my entire lifestyle.
I’m not going to say I’ll never smoke again, but I’m going to try my absolute best.
If I can give up, anyone can!
Nga Kete’s Southern Stop Smoking Service has really helped. It’s non-judgmental, and it’s face-to-face which I prefer rather than a voice on the end of a phone.
The prize at the end of this challenge is the best possible prize – my own good health.
