One Last Cigarette…

Time to tell it as it is… the real-life things you and I deal with, the things we all struggle with and the issues we often overcome despite ourselves! These short stories are for YOU, and me.

First cab off the rank: Alan (not his real name – he has enough to conquer without our naming him). Feel free to send me your comments. I am learning too… Saroj

Alan’s story: Episode 1

Caught up with Tom last week. Hard to believe we were in the same Uni year, the way he looked. He’s either working out or Dorian Gray reincarnated. It’s been a long time since I talked to anybody about exercise (when you’re still smoking, this doesn’t often come up). In any case, I have a stock list of excuses to hand. A couple of laps in the pool? I’ll just relax on the sidelines with a cigarette thanks. A trip to the gym? Some other time. What about a quick game of squash? Are you joking? l have half a pack to get through! You know the sort of thing…

That said, I’ve had to get pretty inventive around the workplace lately… the incessant fitness schemes would drive a man to drink.

I blame my old Uni… late nights cramming for next day’s exams, fuelled with takeaway meals, roll-up ciggies (no, not that kind, just regular smokes) and the odd cask of red when we had the cash. We managed to graduate though, some of us with honours. But even then ‘Lady Nicotine’ had me in her cold embrace (no blind beggar was ever more abjectly led by his dog, or more loathe to cut the ties!).

But two weeks ago I started walking. I’m on a new exercise regime. You won’t have heard of it, because I just made it up. Here’s how it works: walk until you feel Lady Nicotine tap you on the shoulder. Slow down. Engage in abject dog routine (light up a fag). Walk some more. Repeat as required (you get my drift).

And here’s the kicker. One day, something happens. Really. Lady Nicotine stumbles and nature’s little reward and pleasure receptors – endorphins (which I’d never heard of before I Googled it), kick in. Man, I love that feeling!”
Alan

Alan, wow! That is Nature working. You can’t bottle and sell the body’s natural response to fresh air and exercise. I can’t wait to find out how you’re going…
Saroj.