Many long-term smokers reach a point where they ask themselves: Is it too late to quit smoking? They feel that since the damage is already done, there’s no point in stopping. But as we see in today’s story, putting the brakes on the damage is always better than accelerating it…
When we’re alone with our thoughts, things we’d rather forget start creeping in—like that scene at the clinic with the man who asked you for a cigarette. He seemed so normal, in such a good mood. Sure, he had a bit of a «dad bod,» but he looked healthy and was incredibly friendly. Then, just like that, he has a heart attack while waiting for a routine check-up.
Then you remember the conversation you had with your friend at the bar weeks ago, pestering you to quit. But you tried to make him see your point: you don’t feel capable of quitting because you think it’s already too late. The tobacco has already claimed your health, and there’s no turning back.
In the middle of your spiraling thoughts, your phone buzzes. You pull off your gloves and answer, mentally cursing whoever is calling. But before you can say a word, a coughing fit hits you, leaving you unable to speak for several seconds.
«What?» you finally manage to say, your voice trembling and hoarse.
«Whoa! What’s going on? Are you okay?» a voice asks from the other end.
«My hands are frozen solid, that’s what!» You cough. «So whatever it is, say it now or forever hold your peace!»
«Hahaha! I know it’s freezing. That’s why I’m holed up at our usual spot. We’re all here. You in? Over and out. It’s been way too long since we’ve seen you. How are you doing? I can hear you’re still coughing a lot…»
«I’m fine. Just a little cough right now, but this cold is really getting to me.»
«A little cough… right. And how have you been since… you know, your hospital stay?»
«My stay? Much better! But that was months ago!»
«Yeah, but we haven’t seen you since then, and… you gave us quite a scare. But anyway, let’s not get off track. Are you coming or what?»
«Yeah, of course! I’ll be there in five. Over and out.» You cough again, shove the phone back, pull your gloves on, and pick up the pace, arriving even sooner than you said.
The wall of heat inside the bar hits you instantly, melting the chill. It’s the exact opposite for the people sitting by the door, who catch the blast of freezing air from the street. Their faces tell you exactly what they’re thinking without saying a word: Close the damn door.
But you don’t notice their glares. You’re too busy struggling out of your coat before closing the door. Because of that, one of the guys sitting nearby shouts:
«Would you do us a f***ing favor and close the goddamn door?» The man is a head taller than you, even while sitting on a barstool. He looks completely disheveled—days of stubble, wrinkled clothes, and eyes that suggest he’s had a few too many beers.
«Excuse me?» you stammer, completely thrown off by his aggression.
«The door! Dammit! Do I have to repeat myself?» he says, sliding off his stool and stepping toward you.
«The door is already closed. You happy now?» Anna, one of your friends, snaps as she steps right in front of you.
The man looked like he was itching for a fight, but he backs off, grumbling as he returns to his seat at the bar. It surprises you how quickly he backed down just from her words. After all, it was two against a giant. But then you turn around and see your entire group standing behind you with «don’t-even-try-it» looks on their faces.
«Hey there, Ice Cube. Come on, we’re at the back,» Eva says with a warm smile, putting an arm around your shoulders and guiding you to the table. «What was that? Were you trying to warm up by going full Rocky Balboa on that guy?»
«I’m in no shape for a fight,» you cough. «That animal was looking for trouble. He’s totally wasted.» You cough again.
«That cough sounds awful! Are you really okay?» Angela asks, worried.
«Yes, Mom. Relax, they aren’t going to have to admit me to the hospital again,» you say sarcastically.
«It’s just that you really scared us, man,» says Manuel, the athlete of the group and a tennis pro.
«You guys are so dramatic!» you say to the circle of concerned faces. «I was only in there for a little bit. They just liked me so much they didn’t want to let me go,» you smile.
«And what did the doctor say?» Carlos asks.
«Oh, the usual.» You shrug, tilting your head back toward the ceiling, trying to remember. «Let’s see… He put me on a bunch of meds, told me to see my GP for check-ups, be more active, start exercising as soon as I could, and… quit smoking.»
«Well, start with the last one and do the rest step-by-step.»
«Quit smoking? What for, Loli? It’s already too late. It’s not worth it anymore.»
«What are you talking about? It’s never too late!» Carlos interjects, having been quiet until now.
«Look, let’s be real. Both you and I know perfectly well that no matter how much I quit, the damage is done. There’s no turning back. I’ll always be like this, or worse…»
Why the Answer to «Is It Too Late to Quit Smoking?» is Always No
«You said it yourself!» Miguel insists. «If you keep smoking… you will be worse because the tobacco will keep destroying your health more and more. But if you quit… at least you can put the brakes on everything that’s happening to you.»
«Right, sure. Like if I quit smoking, I’ll be magically cured.»
«No, I’m not saying that. Tell me: if you keep smoking, are you going to feel better, worse, or the same?»
«I’m already in bad shape.»
«Fine, but tell me, what do you think?»
«I’m not going to get better. If anything, I’ll be worse…»
«And if you quit? I’m not asking if you’ll get better, but will you get as bad as you would if you kept smoking?»
«No… I’d stay as bad as I am now, but not as bad as if I smoked.»
«Exactly! See? You say you feel bad, but if you can avoid getting even worse for as long as possible… why not quit? You’ll come out ahead. You’ll live better.»
- If you think quitting smoking would be worth it and you want to try, click here.
- If you don’t want to try quitting because you don’t feel capable, click here.
- If you want more information on the benefits of quitting smoking even if you already have a smoking-related illness, click here.
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If you feel like it’s already too late, maybe you need to see how it all really works.