Blog: Its Been Two Weeks Since I Quit Smoking

It's been almost 2 weeks since I last took a drag. I have to admit, when I first asked smoking cessation guide, Terry Martin for help quitting (for the second time), I was a little intimidated. All those how to's in front of me and all I wanted was a cigarette. I am glad I took the time to read her advice, though. The thing that got me was the article I read about the will to quit.

I've always been proud of my ability to make a decision and my self will, so why was it so hard to crack my smoking habit? After all, I bragged continuously (actually, let's say annoyingly) about how long I'd been smoke free and snickered at smokers that continued to spend their checks on cartons. I soon realized I was no better than they were- I was just lucky to be able to quit before my lungs did. I don't have to be one of the growing number of gay men dying from lung cancer and other smoke-related complications. Aren't there enough things for us gay men to worry about? It's bad enough we have to fight to marry and adopt kids, but now we fight our own bodies by poisoning it?

I made my list of goals like Terry suggested and realized that I had my priorities all wrong. I'd totally forgotten how much I liked to sing. A friend then told me about upcoming auditions for a great musical at a local community theater. I've done plays before, so I decided to clear my throat and go for a note. At first, I sounded like Marge's sisters on The Simpsons. I didn't think there was a part in this play for a bald headed man that sounded like Flo, so I had no choice but to give up the cigarettes for good. I guess you can say I created a motivation stronger than my urge for a drag.

Of course, I still moonlight in a bar, so the constant temptation surrounds me. So far, I've been able to cut the craving; but I have to say I've chewed enough gum, sucked on plenty of mints and devoured enough straws to overflow a landfill. I'm not worried, though. I like the smell of orange mint gum much better than ash.

My audition is coming up soon. I'll let you know if my phlegm-free vocals resonate through the auditorium...

My Gay Smoking Journal:

• Entry 1: I Relapsed After One Year Smoke Free!

Gay Health:

• 36 Percent of LGBT Adults are Smokers