Fitnesslifestyle
The Haze in my life
As the saying goes, once bitten twice shy. For me, I became “shy” only when I was bitten twice. Back in 1993, at the age of 16, I flirted with death. I was diagnosed with gut TB (known as Tuberculosis). That year, my weight plummeted to a mere 31kg and without any concrete diagnosis; the doctor suggested performing an operation on me to see just what exactly was wrong with me. With the operation, they confirmed their diagnosis as Tuberculosis and after a year of medications followed by regular check ups, I was finally “discharged” at 18 years old. I was already smoking before then. Well, I did manage to stop during the whole ordeal but I reverted back to the old self as soon as my TB was cured
I started out as a social smoker when I was 16 and when I fully recovered from my illness I became a regular smoker. I would not call myself a hardcore as a pack (during my time, only small pack was available) of cigarettes can last me for 2 to 3 days. Only when I was out with friends that I tend to smoke more. So there I was, happily puffing away during my ITE, Army, and Poly days. I felt like a grown up with a stick in between my fingers. Frankly, I felt good about myself back then.
When I started work in year 2002, I began to smoke more. I gave myself the excuse that I was too stressed up at work and needed a puff as a “release”. With all the excuses I gave myself, I was convinced that smoking can indeed de-stress me and I do not feel bad when I chain-smoked. During my 14 years in smoking heaven, I did try to quit umpteen times but the longest period was a mere 30 days. The temptation around me was just too great and with the little mind power that I had back then, I relented and I was back puffing again.
The turning point came during my first reservist training. My bunk was on the fifth floor.On one occasion, I forgot some stuff and I ran up the stairs to my bunk. When I reached the fourth floor, I was panting hard and grasping for air. My chest was tight and I felt breathless. I FELT LIKE DYING! That was the last straw. I knew I had to do something. I decided then…..to quit smoking for good. It was not an easy decision to make and the series of activities followed up made it even harder. Cold turkey, irritability and mood swings are all common withdrawal symptoms I had to cope with. But with supportive friends and understanding colleagues who did not haunt me to join in their smoking breaks, I managed to hold firmly to my beliefs and day by day, I lived through with my sight drawing further and further away from the cigarettes. Once someone mentioned, “One must have the Will of Steel to quit smoking.” I can confidently say that I definitely own one of those.
The process
The quitting process was not easy. Apart from steering away from the sticks, I rewarded myself by putting aside $10 every 2 days (that's the frequency that I will buy a pack of cigarettes) and come month-end, I was grateful and thankful that I had persevered. The money saved was really quite substantial. Seeing the amount of money I had saved, I was more motivated to continue to stay smoke-free. I became financially and physically healthier. I felt fitter and my appetite grew. I went for my evening swim more frequently and regularly.
Then it dawned upon me. Its time I do the one thing that I had wanted to do but shelved it off some time back ~ Triathlon. Having known some good friends through a competition in year 2008, we trained and exercised together on a regular basis. My fitness level improved a fair bit and the best part was I finally managed to overcome my phobia of swimming in the open water. Then it happened. In July 2008, I took part and completed my first ever Triathlon (Sprint distance).
Quitting smoking is just like doing a triathlon. It takes a lot of mind power and determination. With strong mental power, you will definitely cross the finishing line. Same applies to quitting smoking. Of course, friends around you play an important role as well. I thank God for the good friends that came along the way. It was them that I did not go back to smoking and with the same support, I was able to do and complete a Triathlon. Till now, our training session is still on going as we fully understand the importance and benefits of having a healthy body. For the past 14 years, I had been “killing” myself slowly and still, thought what I was doing was “cool” and “manly”. It was nothing but pure stupidity and ignorance. As of now, I will continue on with my exercise regime with my training buddies and hopefully to be able to do an Ironman in this lifetime. One thing for sure, I will not be foolish again to burn my money and health away. One advice for all smokers, suffer now and remain healthy later in life rather than to destroy your health now and still suffer later in life. It is not easy but if I can do it, you can too.
Stanley
Won "Mr Cool" title from R U MEN'S HEALTH ENOUGH 08 contest
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