The smoke free journey
Russell Tanoue
 
As of Sept. 17, 2006 it has been 11 months since I quit smoking.
Cigarettes not smoked: 6,481
Money saved: $1,782.00
Date quit: September 17th, at10:00am.

September 17, 2005-September 17, 2006 1 year:
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 7,220 
Money saved: $1,980.00

On September 17th, 2005 I was in the bathroom cleaning with a cigarette on the ash tray.  For some reason I was thinking about life and the demands of my world.  Suddenly I looked in the mirror and thought, life is so short why am I contributing to it's shortness.  You know, I  dumped the pack of cigarettes, went to get the carton of cigarettes and dumped it and started counting the seconds.

Anyone who smoked or still does know how strong of a hold tobacco has on you.  It is the worst thing to deal with.  But I stuck firm to my belief that I was shortening life and instead needed to take a stand not only for me, but for all those around me.
Smoking is like an added luxury, one that associates calmness to when you smoke it.  We associate relief of stress to a cigarette and how it relaxes us. 

I truly believe the tobacco companies should be so ashamed of themselves making a good living by destroying peoples lives.  Basically killing them slowly.  Although it is a choice to smoke like anything else, it should not be readily accessible to anyone.  I've been to many funerals and they past because of Cancer.  So if Cancer is one of the deadly disease we all face, why smoke. 

Here is my advice for those of you who wish to quit smoking or quit a habit including staying away from a lover that is NOT right for you (ha, ha):
1.  Believe that your body your live in is your last.  You won't have another one.
2.  Believe that it all happens by choice, in a second and if you be patient with yourself, another second will pass, then a minute, hour, days and months.
3.  Replace that habit with a healthy one.  For me, I started a 2 month muscle stimulation diet and workout plan.  It was great and I met my goal by gaining 12 pounds, most muscle weight.
4.  Keep your mind busy, every time you think of smoking or your habit, literally slap your thigh, (I learned this in Anthony Roberts), and another second will pass and your thoughts will be elsewhere.
5.  Tell people about your quitting.  It's an accomplishment and you should reward yourself for it.  For me, I count the amount of money I saved from not smoking and treat myself to something or a trip.  Every month I celebrate.
6.  Most important, stay away from stress.  Including people that drain you.  Surround yourself with positive ness.  It helps to read about your journey of cutting the habit.
7.  Remember your life is precious, so love your life.  Love your life completely!!!!  No one else will.


As I celebrate  being tobacco free, it has surely been a test on my willpower and determination.  It has also taught me how important it is to motivate teens to be tobacco free.  It is a choice however, the wrong choice indeed.

It's like I now have this new platform, which is also why the American Cancer Society has been one of my major charitable organizations I support.  And I am proud to be a Society Member.

Story in MidWeek Magazine: Midweek Magazine Sept. 22, 2006

Links of interest.  If you wish to quit, do it now!

The Foundation for a Smoke Free America

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