09/12/2025
I had my first cigarette when I was 11. Unfiltered, it was a Park Drive, a proper cigarette. I eventually stopped smoking in the early 90’s. Soon after however I started on ci**rs. At least 5 a day, inhaling the darned things too. Stopped those in 2004.
Perhaps smoking contributed to my heart problems. It could also have been other things; poor diet, overweight, excessive, prolonged stress, not sleeping well at times.
No matter, what’s done is done. My focus now is on change. Specifically, on making changes that will help me hang around a good while longer.
So, 25 smokes a day to 10 tablets a day. That’s one of many changes.
Whilst in Spain I thought a lot about the changes I have made and am making. I mention smoking because I find it incredibly useful to look back. I especially see that I have changed many things. Things that used to be so, so important. And they just aren’t anymore.
You’ll have many examples of your own, of things you changed, sometimes in an instant. You made a decision and bingo, job done.
Whatever your health challenges now it’s worth remembering that change, whilst not always easy, still happens. A lot. We all do it, often without knowing how.
Granted, there are times when you might need some help from someone else. Looking backwards, bringing to mind some of those changes and then using all of that to help you change now is certainly a good start.
More soon
Paul
