.. for one month. Yes. I actually stuck to my New Years Resolution. I wish I could say that it was ONE year, but I’ll get there… On 01 January 2012.

I had made the decision to quit on New Years Day. The biggest mistake is saying you’re quitting at New Years. We all know that isn’t going to happen… You know that once the count down has happened and the champagne is flowing, you won’t just put the cigarette out and that’s that.

I wanted to be realistic to really give myself a proper chance. I partied the night away in Ballito with my closest mates. We got home, had a coffee, I had my last cigarette and went to bed. When I woke up later that day on the 1st, that’s when I counted it.

I must say, there are plenty of ways to stop smoking, but at the end of the day, it really does come down to your MIND. You have to WANT to quit.

I feel good about it. Yes, there are times that I miss it. I miss the social aspect, I miss a good cigarette with a glass of wine or Jack and Lime, I miss a cigarette with a cup of coffee or after a delicious meal.

BUT I don’t miss the smoking hangover, I don’t miss the smell in my hair and clothes, I don’t miss that smokers breath and I certainly will be happier with healthier skin, hair, nails, lungs and whiter teeth. I also think that it looks so awful seeing a woman smoke. I know a lot of people are surprised that I smoked, ah well… it really was my only vice. Glad to say that I don’t…anymore.

Alex Jay told me that a craving lasts all of 180 seconds. That really helped me. Every time I would crave a cigarette I would think this: “You can’t get through 180 seconds? You’re a little weakling! You can get through 180 seconds and then it’s over.” Hahahaha!

I don’t know that seems to work for me. Thank you Al!

In those 180 second cravings, I’d keep my fingers busy by Blackberry Messenging, Tweeting or checking facebook.

You can’t quit if you don’t want to. Simple. There are so many excuses, like:

1.) “I enjoy it too much”

2.) “I’m going to pick up weight”

3.) “I just can’t survive my morning coffee without it…”

To help… These are my personal opinions:

1.) I also enjoyed it a lot, but I enjoy my health a lot more.

2.) I personally find that I lose weight – I think perhaps it’s from the detox and I suppose I’m scared that I may pick up weight from that theory, so instead of feasting on sweets and chocolates, I just really watch what I eat and exercise. Those endorphins help. A lot! My theory is this: You’re used to putting hand to mouth, when smoking, so we substitute the habit by eating (hand to mouth) … If you really need to do that, be aware and rather eat an apple, lean biltong, a handful of nuts – healthier snacks.

3.) Yes you can. You survived those morning cups of coffee long before you started smoking. It’s all in the mind.

I know it’s only been a month, but I really can’t imagine ever picking up a cigarette again. I can’t believe how strong the smell is. When smokers walk passed me I can smell them and I just think: Gosh, was that ME?

Don’t worry … I am not anti-smokers … I’m just self aware now.

If you’re planning on quitting, power to you! You can definitely do it – your mind is stronger than you think!

Good Luck and let me know how you’re doing!