Smokescreen
This afternoon, I was sitting outside at my favorite local coffee joint. I was reading a book on my iPad and there was another guy sitting at another table close to me. I was minding my own business when he politely got my attention and asked if he minded if he smoked a cigarette. A bit taken aback, I replied that I really didn't mind. He then said he could get up and move if it bothered me. I then said I would actually prefer if he did that and that I was just surprised since nobody had ever asked me, since the smell bothers me. He then said the smell bothered him too, walked away and lit up. It just left me thinking and pondering what I'm about to write.
Of all the bad habits out there, smoking is the one I detest the most. There are absolutely no health benefits to it, and not to mention the way it brings out the inconsiderate in everyone who do it, with the exception of the guy this afternoon. I can't tell you how many times I've been blasted in the face by smoke when walking in or out of Kroger, or when my neighbors (who are out there right now smoking right beside my house) just smoke away by my window while I'm trying to enjoy some fresh air...and they know I'm there. And they smoke around their small children! I can't tell you how many butts I've found around my yard and on my porch. It's a selfish habit! I've talked to patients many times who tell me "oh honey, don't start this habit ever." I always tell them it's never too late to change and start quitting, but it's just a myriad of excuses as to why they can't stop. My mom is an ex-smoker and quit almost four years ago cold turkey. I remember this because I was about to leave for Scotland, and we had had many conversations in which I said that I was just not going to put up with it anymore. So a couple of days later, a few days before I left, she told me she was going to stop. She said she still has cravings sometimes, especially in the car alone. She said overall she doesn't miss it though and she's glad she quit.
To anyone out there who's reading this and are an ex smoker, good for you! To anyone out there reading this who is a smoker, please consider quitting. Your health improves withing MINUTES of quitting! If you're never in a position to quit, at least please be cognizant of those around you. They will thank you later.
Of all the bad habits out there, smoking is the one I detest the most. There are absolutely no health benefits to it, and not to mention the way it brings out the inconsiderate in everyone who do it, with the exception of the guy this afternoon. I can't tell you how many times I've been blasted in the face by smoke when walking in or out of Kroger, or when my neighbors (who are out there right now smoking right beside my house) just smoke away by my window while I'm trying to enjoy some fresh air...and they know I'm there. And they smoke around their small children! I can't tell you how many butts I've found around my yard and on my porch. It's a selfish habit! I've talked to patients many times who tell me "oh honey, don't start this habit ever." I always tell them it's never too late to change and start quitting, but it's just a myriad of excuses as to why they can't stop. My mom is an ex-smoker and quit almost four years ago cold turkey. I remember this because I was about to leave for Scotland, and we had had many conversations in which I said that I was just not going to put up with it anymore. So a couple of days later, a few days before I left, she told me she was going to stop. She said she still has cravings sometimes, especially in the car alone. She said overall she doesn't miss it though and she's glad she quit.
To anyone out there who's reading this and are an ex smoker, good for you! To anyone out there reading this who is a smoker, please consider quitting. Your health improves withing MINUTES of quitting! If you're never in a position to quit, at least please be cognizant of those around you. They will thank you later.
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