True_Love 2019-10-01

CLEARING

THE SMOKE

Is it realistic? TL’s production manager, Khathu Thusi,

challenges herself to give up cigarettes for three months

whilst praying it lasts forever!

I’vealwaysknownthatthisdaywould
come, where I would reflect on the
journeyI startedinJunethisyear.I
challengedmyselftoquitsmokingand
hereweare,it’sAugust2019,anditfeels
likeI’vehadthelongestthreemonthsof
theyear.
Constantly finding myself under
tremendousstresstryingtojugglework,
studiesandlifeingeneral,resultedin
mepickingupthehabitofsmoking.The

first time I smoked was when I landed

my first job. I was working at an Italian

restaurant in Bruma, Johannesburg,

while also studying part-time. I loved

that place! The area was buzzing with

young folks working at nearby banks

who enjoyed smoking while having

their morning coffee.

I joined in and my favourite thing

became a shot of espresso and a

cigarette. The environment allowed

this habit to grow in so many ways - like

the motorbike culture in the area and

my boss, Gianni, whom I crushed on for

days (my then-boyfriend, who’s now my

husband, will kill me for this)! Gianni

and I had cigarette breaks all day!

THE BEGINNING

I’ve never experienced the cravings real

smokers always talk about. Up until

today, I still don’t know what craving

90 |^ OCTOBER^2019 | WWW.TRUELOVE.CO.ZA