Chris kicks the habit after one final fling…
I knew it was time to give up smoking when I went out on tour this year; I wanted to have the strongest possible lung power to make it through such a grueling musical endeavor.
As any smoker who has quit smoking knows, it was far from easy—in the Metal circuit, it’s hard to find someone who DOESN’T smoke!
Not only that, smoking has been a regular aspect of my existence: I started smoking at fourteen and I’m just about to turn twenty-four.
No matter how difficult I knew it would be, I knew I needed to kick this habit, not just for the sake of my voice but also for the sake of my general wellbeing and the health of my body.
I was constantly subjected to temptation at every turn but I resisted and reasoned to myself that if I made it until the end of the tour, I would reward myself by enjoying my old habit!
So, when the tour was over, I got home and the first thing I did was fire up!
For two days I was my “old self”, smoking with no end in sight.
Then, I had a gig…
When I sang, I felt a negative impact just from those two days of smoking…it’s hard to describe the feeling but the best way I can put it is to say that I wasn’t vocally “connected”.
When I was on tour and not smoking, my voice felt fresh and vibrant; when I was doing that gig, I felt “burnt” and constricted.
Even though the gig went well, I walked off stage knowing that I had to throw in the towel on smoking–for good.
The feeling of my throat being burned to a crisp was enough to convince me that this was the right way to go. After all, I’d much rather give up something small like smoking than give up something I love—singing.
So, I’ve continued to stay away from smoking; I have the urge every now and then, but generally, I feel great about not smoking.
I’ve replaced my bad old habit with running and exercise and so far, it’s been a great substitute.
To appreciate air!! Simply wonderful hahaha!
I think that one has to do what is best for them and if something like smoking is bringing you down, and you know it, then it’s time to let it go.
If it works for you, then god-speed my friend! In my case, it was necessary to let it go.
