E-cigarettes Were My Golden Ticket

I started smoking when I was 18 years old—I guess what happens in Germany doesn’t necessarily stay in Germany. I became a closet smoker and remained one for about 13 years. I had to keep it in the closet because I ran with crowds who would severely thumb their noses at me–even abandon me–if they knew. You see I am a “good girl.” I attend church and worked with children, I ran leadership programs at work for teenagers on probation, I’m generally healthy, and I have a husband and two beautiful children. But when no one was looking, I was taking deep drags off my Marlboro like my life depended on it.

 Leading a double life was hard. I could never, under and circumstances allow my smoking life and my non-smoking life to cross paths. It was exhausting. My husband and I had tried to quit many times, but nothing was working; and we couldn’t ask for help from people who didn’t even know there was a problem. I was almost ready to resign myself to a pathetic life of hiding and slowly dying in the shadows with my cigarette.

 Then one day, my brother Kevin came to my house and asked “Are you still smoking? I thought I smelled a hint of smoke in the garage last time I was here.” Kevin was one of the few members of my family who knew I smoked. I confessed that we were still smoking. “I want you guys to try this—it’s what I used to quit. I guarantee you’ll be able to quit if you use it.” I was intrigued, so I listened.

 What he showed me was an electronic cigarette; specifically a Joyetech Ego T. He told me he had started a company called Cigtronix (www.cigtronix.net) and had been selling them for almost a year. At first I laughed. Me, smoking one of those dorky things—ridiculous! But I tried it. . .and was amazed!

 That’s how I was introduced to the world of e-cigs. I started using that little device and never looked back—that was almost a year ago. I haven’t picked up a cigarette since I picked up that Joyetech, in fact, I haven’t even wanted to. I am completely and shamelessly a believer.

 To those who are thinking about quitting, stop thinking and start quitting! This is the way to go. To all my fellow quitters, VAPE ON!