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