The Price of a Vice

An acquaintance was diagnosed this week with COPD and told to quit smoking.  As of now she says she hasn't smoked in 12 days.  But she's whining about quitting.  To which I say: get over it!

I quit 11 years ago (cold turkey after 5 non-smoking days in bed with bronchitis) when I was clinging to a wall, gasping for breath, after climbing a flight of stairs.  It was the best decision I've made for myself.  I was over the 5 day "gotta have a ciggie" hump; ok, I was a raging bitch for awhile and put on a few pounds... but I stopped coughing almost immediately, gradually built up my stamina, started walking every morning, and the money I saved???  After 11 non-smoking years?  Thousands.  

I was lucky... no lingering after effects.  Finally lost the excess weight, haven't had bronchitis since I quit.  My acquaintance may not be so lucky... medication and oxygen may become staples of her life.  I hope not and wish for her the same luck I had when I quit. 

It's mind over matter... bad habits can be broken.  Overall, the price of a vice may be too much to pay.

Penny Pincher