Think You Enjoy Smoking? Think Again.
Imagine watching yourself smoke. Not once, not twice—but five times. What do you see? Chances are, you’re distracted—driving, chatting, texting, maybe sipping coffee or wine. But here’s the kicker: in all those moments, you’re never really present with the cigarette.
Why?
Because deep down, you don’t enjoy smoking.
Enjoyment Looks Different
When you eat your favourite meal, you’re in the moment. When you savour a glass of whisky, or make love, or lose yourself in a great conversation—you’re all in. The taste, the smell, the experience—it’s pleasurable, conscious, and engaging.
Now compare that to a cigarette.
Do you love the smell? The taste? The act of inhaling 4,000 toxic chemicals?
Didn’t think so.
The Real Reason You Smoke
You’ve spent years building associations. Smoking meant you were cool, part of the group, a little older, maybe a bit rebellious. But those were the associations—not the cigarette itself.
When you first tried smoking, did it feel good? Or did it make you feel green?
Exactly.
The 5-Cigarette Challenge
Here’s your task: the next five cigarettes you smoke, do so mindfully. That means no driving, chatting, scrolling, drinking, or daydreaming.
Just you, the cigarette, and the truth.
Notice the taste. The smell. The way it feels in your throat and lungs. Breathe it in. Hold it. Breathe it out. Repeat.
Do this five times and ask yourself one question: Do I actually enjoy this?
You already know the answer.
Ready for the Next Step?
Once you’ve discovered the truth—that you’ve never really enjoyed smoking—you’re already one step closer to becoming a happy, healthy non-smoker.
If you’re ready to take the rest of the journey, we’d love to help.
Get in touch today.
Steve Burns - The Therapy Lounge
