From Cigarettes to Vaping: My Journey to Quit Smoking

Hello, my name is Magaret, and I’m a 55-year-old woman from the lovely countryside of Somerset. For most of my life, I was a heavy smoker, lighting up around 30 cigarettes a day for a staggering 35 years. My mornings started with the familiar crackle of a lighter, and my evenings ended with a final drag before bed. It was a routine that felt as ingrained as breathing itself, but little did I know how much it was actually taking my breath away.

Three years ago, my doctor gave me a wake-up call. I had been struggling with mild COPD, and my breathing was getting worse. “Magaret,” he said, “you need to quit smoking. Have you considered vaping?” To be honest, I hadn’t. The idea of switching to something new was daunting. But the fear of not being able to breathe was even more terrifying.

I decided to give it a try and visited my local vape store. I felt like a fish out of water, surrounded by sleek devices and colourful e-liquids with names I couldn’t pronounce. But the staff were friendly and patient, guiding me through the process of choosing my first vape pen and a tobacco-flavoured e-liquid that seemed like a good starting point.

The first few days were tough. I missed the feel of a cigarette between my fingers and the harsh but familiar smoke filling my lungs. Vaping felt different—cleaner, smoother—but it wasn’t an instant love affair. It took time to adjust. However, I noticed something surprising: I wasn’t craving cigarettes as much. The act of vaping, the hand-to-mouth motion, and the nicotine hit were enough to keep my cravings at bay.

A turning point came during a long weekend trip to Bournemouth with some friends. Wandering through the town, I stumbled upon The Vape Shop. It was like discovering a vaping treasure trove. The variety of natural-made e-liquids was astounding, and the staff’s enthusiasm was infectious. I left with a few new flavours to try, including a delightful berry mix (AppBerry) that quickly became my favourite.

Since then, I’ve been a loyal customer, ordering their e-liquids online and having them delivered straight to my door. It’s so convenient, especially with my busy schedule working at the local post office. I’ve never looked back. The switch from smoking to vaping has been life-changing. Not only have I saved money, but my health has seen remarkable improvements. My breathing is better, and the constant cough that once plagued me has disappeared.

It’s been three years now, and I haven’t touched a cigarette since. I’m not sure if I’ll ever give up vaping completely. There’s something about the habit that I still enjoy, perhaps the ritual of it all. But I’m grateful every day that I’ve freed myself from the nasty grip of tobacco cigarettes. Vaping has given me a second chance at better health and a brighter future.

So, if you’re a smoker like I was, and the thought of quitting seems impossible, consider giving vaping a try. It might just change your life, as it did mine.

Margaret S

Somerset