You’ve heard it said before – curiosity killed the cat. But in Donna Lim’s case, curiosity led to a 20-year affair with nicotine, one she is still trying to break free from. The 37-year old executive secretary has failed in her many attempts to quit smoking but she is optimistic and confident that as long as she keeps trying, she can reach a point in her life when she’ll live her life free of cigarettes. Here is her story.

On picking up smoking...

“It was just after secondary school. Out of curiosity, I accepted a stick, thinking I would never be hooked. But like they say, ‘Never say never’. Since my fi rst cigarette, I’ve never completely quit, even though my ‘record’ is successfully reducing the number of sticks to just two a day during various attempts to quit.”

On reasons for quitting and efforts to do so...

“I want to quit smoking for many reasons – save money, maintain my health and looks (who wouldn’t want to remain as youthful looking as long as possible?), and most importantly, provide a healthier environment for my two young daughters. I try not to smoke around them because it’s not healthy for them to be breathing in second hand smoke.

“I’ve tried quitting on my own before, but none of my attempts have been successful. I’ve tried going cold turkey, and I’ve also relied on nicotine patches purchased from the pharmacy. Unfortunately, I failed each time, mainly due to stress brought about by the demands of work and family as I juggle multiple roles as a wife, mother, daughter and sister. I have also failed to resist the urge to stop smoking because my husband is also a heavy smoker, who leaves cigarettes around the house. Having colleagues who smoke does not help either, because I kept joining them on smoke breaks at work.”

On her desire to quit...

“My daughters have told me many times and have even written me notes to say I should stop smoking. Shame on me. I truly want to quit because that would be such an empowering achievement. What’s more, not smoking would mean I’d feel healthier, and more in control of my health and my life. Ultimately, I believe I must be committed to quit for myself, and no other persons. I intend to rally support from loved ones and those around me, and perhaps seek professional help, to achieve my target of quitting this addiction in two years’ time.”

Posted by Publisher1 Publisher1 at 10/05/2009 02:38:56 PM |