The one habit upon which I’ll build this post actually isn’t (wasn’t) mine; it was my dad’s. I heard this story a few years after it happened, when one day I asked him why he stopped.

He used to be a heavy smoker. And from what I’ve heard, smoking’s one of those things that beckons you when you’re stressed. We all have our own escapes, but smoking seems to be a common one.

My dad used to smoke a lot. I would venture to say he used to smoke a pack a day. That’s not record-setting or anything, but it’s definitely not something to be ignored. It will have long-term repercussions on your health.

He used to work closely with his manager, Pascal. And despite what others may say about relationships between an employee and his manager, they were friends. I remember one time we went out on Pascal’s yacht to go fishing. We didn’t (couldn’t) catch anything and ended up eating my mom’s kimbap. I also remember we all sat inside and watched Gangs of New York together (talk about awkward…). They were close enough where my dad felt comfortable bringing his son on a fishing trip with his boss’ wife.

Pascal was diagnosed with lung cancer and eventually died after a long struggle. Yes, he was also a smoker. And on his death bed, one of the last words that Pascal ever told my dad was, “John, stop smoking.” My dad stopped smoking that day.

Moments like these change you. Even a habit that was developed and ingrained over decades can be kicked immediately. Sure, there are old desires, temptations, and drawbacks. And when you see others fully indulging in that old habit of yours, you remember. It doesn’t need to be a bad habit. You just need to feel guilty enough.

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