Chapter 1: My Commitment to Change

Day 1: This Time, I Mean It!!!

This time, I’m genuinely embarking on a 90-day journey, with the hope that it will turn into a lifetime of being smoke-free.

I don’t think an extensive introduction is necessary; my background is already outlined in my bio. For those who may have missed it, I’m Martin, 36 years old, and I have been a smoker.

Yes, I’m admitting it: I’m a smoker. For many years, I wore this label with a peculiar sense of pride, often saying, “I smoke wherever I go.” To me, having coffee without a cigarette was unimaginable (I realize the absurdity of that notion, but we’ll address that later).

It may seem odd to initiate this journey by publicly sharing my thoughts and challenges regarding a habit I know is detrimental. However, I believe that articulating my experiences will not only assist others who share similar struggles but also help me stay focused and divert my attention from the cravings.

Let’s take a step back. Last Friday, I successfully went the entire day without a cigarette. I felt a rush of pride and strength. But then at 7 PM, I faltered (and the same happened this Tuesday). I went out and bought tobacco. I stumbled.

But here’s the perspective I’m embracing—I refuse to view this as a failure. Instead, I consider it a vital part of the journey. Sometimes, the path to success is paved with setbacks. This isn’t an excuse; it’s simply part of the reality I must face.

I needed to experience this slip to gain insight into my challenges and fortify my determination.

As of today, August 29, 2024, I’m officially committing to this—no turning back. A quote from Samuel Beckett resonates deeply with me: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”

That’s my intention—to improve with each setback until I no longer stumble.

This isn’t merely a 90-day challenge; it marks the start of a new chapter in my life where I prioritize health, resilience, and freedom over a habit that has hindered me for far too long. I understand that the journey ahead will not be simple, especially since I’ve already encountered challenges—but this time, I feel a renewed sense of confidence. I anticipate moments of doubt and temptation, but I am ready to face them head-on.

And I’m bringing you all along on this journey. If you’re reading this and grappling with a similar struggle—whether it’s smoking or something else—know that you’re not alone. Together, we can overcome these obstacles.

If you’ve had experiences that helped you on your journey, please share them in the comments. Your insights might be just what someone else, including myself, needs to hear.

So here’s to day one, and to many more days, months, and years of living smoke-free. I’ll return with updates, challenges, and hopefully, more victories. Let’s make day two another step towards a smoke-free life.

Let’s do this—this time, for real.

Chapter 2: Learning from Others

In this video, "Tobacco: The Quitter Diaries Series - Episode 1 (full version)," we explore the real experiences of individuals fighting against tobacco addiction, shedding light on their struggles and triumphs.

Chapter 3: Continuing the Journey

In "Tobacco: The Quitter Diaries Series - Episode 4," we delve deeper into the ongoing challenges of quitting smoking, offering valuable insights and encouragement for those on a similar path.