wayne on September 16, 2008 

Gary left a comment on my last post in my quit smoking mini-series that was absolutely brilliant.  While I have successfully made a list of all the reasons that I hate  smoking, he thought about it the other way.  What about the benefits of quitting tobacco smoking?    I had a great list of negatives, but considering the positive benefits is also a list I want in my wallet when I quit smoking cigarettes.

I'm glad he left that comment, because quite honestly, I hadn't even thought about making a benefits list.  Nor had I seen one already (granted, if I look now I'll likely find one, but I won't unless I need a little inspiration).  I guess I tend to fall on the negative side when I view my own smoking.  Maybe that's good, maybe not, but I want to be a bit more up-beat and positive about the whole thing this time around.

Here is a list of all the positive things that I will experience when I finally give up the nasty habit that is smoking.

Benefits of Quitting Smoking

1. I won't smell after about a week.  You know its in the clothes I wear, and after a few good wash weeks, I should be smelling like a spring daisy, or a good bar of Zest.
2. I'll have much more money to spend on other frivolous items and goodies.
3. Or I can save the money for a nice vacation.
4. I'll no longer be looked at by non-smokers in a deriding way.  Not that I really give a flying middle finger what people think of me, it still bothers me when people do it.
5. I will be saving myself about 2 hours each day.  I can use that to write blog posts instead!
6. My truck will smell much nicer after a wash and some of that new car smell.
7. I will slowly, over time, get back the breath capacity that I once had.
8. I will gain more energy and time.
9. I will be able to play in the sack much longer without tiring.  This should really be #1.
10. I will no longer be forced to stop at gas stations and liquor stores for smokes.  Now I'll be down to gas and beer.
11. I can sit inside Starbucks and be happy knowing I don't need to be outside to smoke.
12. My boss will think I'm a superstar because I'm not disappearing as often.  (In case she happens to read this...)
13. I will be bringing up a large amount of phlegm.  Never fear, you won't hear it coming, and yes, it will go away and not hang around swinging off some branch.  Is there a doctor on the blog that can explain why this happens?  I'm looking for something more than 'you're flushing your system man, body has to work that out bro...', perhaps a medical explanation?
14. I'll be a positive influence to those that still smoke.  No, I won't be one of those that rides peoples asses to quit...I can't stand those people personally, and I'll never be one.  Not seriously at least.
15. I will no longer have the need to carry a lighter, unless I go rock out at some concert.
16. I will no longer litter the earth with my butts when no ashtray is around.
17. No ashtrays!
18. Perhaps the wrinkles in my hands will go away...alright, one can hope right?
19. I'll not worry about a less than satisfactory erection.  Not that I've had any issues mind you...I have my pride to consider right?  lol
20. I'll be able to stick other things in my mouth to appease my oral obsession.  I want to say something like 'like a clitoris, or nipple' but I felt that might be crossing the line.  Ah hell, I said it anyway.  There's my flag again, are you proud now?  Look at what you guys have done to me.
21. I will be large (if I don't work out) and in charge.
22. I'll be able to work out and actually push myself to do more aggressive cardio work outs.
23. I will no longer think about smoke breaks (at least, eventually right?)
24. I will not worry about my face or hands turning yellow
25. I will have an opportunity to improve my overall health.
26. I will not have a need for mints or gum to hide my breath.
27. I will not wheeze or cough as much over time, and eventually that will stop altogether.
28. Those "pinhole burns down the front of favorite satin shirt" will no longer be an issue.  I'm really bummed that no one picked up on the musical reference. 
29. I can say 'sorry, I don't smoke' when a stogie leach is around.
30. I will no longer worry about sneaking a smoke and getting busted in restricted zones.
31. Did I mention the buttload of money I'll be saving?
32. I will be able to savor flavors and smells much more after I quit.
33. I will no longer have a ritual smoke at the beginning and end of each day.
34. I will no longer have a smoke when I hop in my truck.
35. I will no longer have a cigarette after eating a meal.
36. I will no longer feel stressed or have that 'I have to smoke' feeling.
37. I will no longer smoke.
38. I will be much happier
39. I will be much healthier
40. I will succeed.

I wanted to end the list as upbeat and positive as I can.  While the benefits may have blended with some positive affirmations, I still think each and every one of these will help me become stronger willed when that big day comes.  Speaking of which, I'm thinking about claiming a date and going for it soon.  Of course, you'll hear about it.

Sound Off

What else can I put on this list?  There are so many benefits, however coming up with 40 was fairly easy.  I'm sure there are plenty more that I just can't put a finger on yet. 

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