Matthew Backhouse smokes his last cigarette before starting Stoptober. Photo / Nick Reed
It's hard to believe I've made it this far. Now there's only one week to go.
Next Saturday - the last day of Stoptober - will be my final diary entry.
And, thank sweet misery, it can't come soon enough. Only one week until I can go back to smoking 20 cigarettes a day.
Kidding. I'm doing this for real. But it will be good to simply get on with my life as a non-smoker, without having to relive all the mundane ins and outs of my addiction on a daily basis.
I'm preparing for that day. I've been off the patches for a week. I've tested my resolve with my triggers - and I haven't caved despite indulging in plenty of coffee and wine. And I've ordered my quitting gift to myself - a Seiko automatic diver's watch - which should arrive around the one-month mark. I can't wait.
I had been worried that, without this diary, I wouldn't be able to keep up my resolve. But yesterday I handed over the reins to this diary, and it was actually pretty okay. I didn't miss it. It was actually somewhat of a relief.
And, finally, my health is starting to improve. I've written a lot about how hard this has been on my body. My usually manageable hayfever has gone totally nuts since I quit - culminating in some pretty terrifying red eyes. But with a stronger antihistamine prescription and some eye drops, I'm starting to feel much better. In a week's time, I'll be feeling great.
Am I sad this journey has almost come to an end? A little bit. But not really. In a way, it's only just beginning.
To take part in Stoptober, visit www.stoptober.nz
For help quitting, visit Quitline at www.quit.org.nz or phone 0800 778 778
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