I would tell myself to Stop Smoking! I started smoking in 7th grade because of peer pressure, a curious attempt to fit in and be accepted by my friends, and once you are hooked, you are hooked bad, ensnared in a cycle that feels almost impossible to break. The initial thrill of rebellion quickly turned into a dependency that clouded my life and stole my breath, affecting my health and my ability to engage in activities I once loved. I finally quit when I was 28 filled with repeated attempts and numerous setbacks before I was successful in beating that nasty habit, a journey that taught me resilience and the importance of self-control, ultimately leading me to appreciate the freedom of living smoke-free.
Stopping smoking was the most difficult thing for me to do in my entire life.
Link to article I wrote in November 2023 about the same subject.
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How I wish I could tell my 20 year old self to don’t start smoking. Aside from the ridiculous amount of money I invested in destroying my lungs, I have COPD now. Sadly, that diagnosis was the only thing that pushed me off the quit smoking cliff. Not that it will do much for me now, but maybe slow the progression a little.
Congratulations on quitting! At the age you quit, you have a great chance of NOT developing lung disease. I sincerely hope this is the case. And kudos for doing a most difficult thing, it is hard to quit. I’m proud of you and happy for you.
Thank you for sharing your experience, and advice.
For anyone reading reading this kind gentleman’s advice, heed his advice. If you smoke, please stop. It’s the best gift you could give yourself.
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Kicking that habit is the best thing I ever did in my life. You don’t realize how much it slows you down until about a year after you quit. I am now over eighty and I speculate that wise move gave me 20 more years on this earth.
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I also wrote an article in November 2023 Here is that link https://tomt2.com/2023/11/04/tales-of-a-former-smoker/
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