The way how to quit smoking.
It was 1988, one day afternoon of the winter, my son, Edwin knelt down in front of me and said
"Dad, I need you stay alive at least until I finish college.".
???
"You smoke one pack a day, I am afraid you die soon. please quit it now."
This was an order given by Edwin to his father.
He just turned to 16 years old and transferred to Harvard School, a private high school at Coldwater
canyon, LA. And he just obtained a new drive license. He told me "Dad! I'm going to keep my license
clean for my whole life. No speed, no drink, no drug, no smoke, no, no, no, clean and clean. . ."
May be his new school impressed him a proud man, life is the most important than any other, keep clean from any toxic. Actually I have smoked for 27 years since I served Korean army, 1961.
Now, One pack a day, Benson Hedge Gold in a box. I felt no good, could run barely 50m, tired all day long with numb legs.
One day I had cold and lost my appetizer of cigarette, I skipped smoking.
Next day also I didn't feel like, the third day I decided quitting.
I found I already had 3 days credit and would increase my quit credit day by day.
I displayed unpacked cigarette covered on my desk, car, dining room and bedroom but not in my pocket. I knew if I don't posses it near me, I might panic and drive to buy cigarette even 10 miles away.
If I knew where it was, I could take it easy or negotiate with my quitting decision. Also if I saw it direct, It might tempt me and I lose my tempo.
I had many experience of failure last 2 decade. I wished to quit smoking 20 times a day.
When I saw anyone who had quit smoking, he looked a ghost, a superman, an alien from other planet or God.
My quitting strategy was ;
1. Never touch cigarette again.
2. Ask any family member for help not to make me mad.
3. Don't swear or oath strong. The more strong promise, the more temptation follow me.
Just lightly postpone for next.
4. Think " I can do it", Increase your credit days. And be proud of yourself.
5. Say your neighbor you already quit, and be proud of myself with feeling of my confidence.
You know smoking is bad. it is of cancer cause, dirty, costly, dangerous, inconvenient, . . .
Body doesn't need smoking, only your brain (mind) addicted wants it.
Now I'm 72 years old. I feel like better condition than my 47 years old. I run 200m every day with light legs. I like stretch arms, waist, legs.
Steve Choy,
Milford, CT
