Yes, I've been driven by the words of encouragement - and gentle ribbing - from my colleagues, friends and family. But what's even more heartening is that you've been there with me. I've received an outpouring of supportive tweets, comments, emails and even a surprise phone call from you, my readers; complete strangers who, through compassion or curiosity, have reached out to wish me the best.
It's meant a lot. Truly, it has. It's kept me going when I've really wanted to give in. I may not have had the time to reply to you all - and I am sorry about that - but I have thought about you; I've thought about the shame of having to confess that I stuffed up; thought about how disappointed you'd be if I did give in; thought about how, just maybe, you might be a little bit excited for me when I reach that one-month milestone. And, of course, I've been carried along by your words of encouragement.
The act of getting this all down in writing has helped, too. It hasn't simply been cathartic. It's given me structure, a meta-purpose to quitting. Bad day? I can write about it.
If you're still a smoker or trying to quit, maybe that could help you, too. Anyone who signs up for Quitline can contribute a blog post - I've only had a cursory read during my numerous quit attempts, but it's always seemed like a very encouraging and supportive environment.
And it's not too late to take part in Stoptober, either. Organiser Kelly Pohatu is encouraging people to sign up and "give quitting a go" anytime this month. Why not today?
Trust me - although the drive to quit can only come from within, you won't be doing it alone.
To take part in Stoptober, visit www.stoptober.nz
For help quitting, visit Quitline at www.quit.org.nz or phone 0800 778 778
