Letting Go of Comforts: My Journey From Smoking to Vaping

Who would’ve thought Facebook—once a hub for “pokes” and snooping on exes—would evolve into a platform brimming with life-changing inspiration? Amid the mix of clickbait like “How to Get Your Ex Back” and “The Quickest Way to Get Abs,” I stumbled across an engaging blog that got me reflecting on a pivotal question: What comfort have I replaced smoking with?

As a smoker for 15 years, I understood how deeply ingrained habits shape us. From childhood, we all develop comforting rituals, whether it’s brushing our teeth, embracing family traditions, or clutching quirky comforts unique to us. My own childhood companion? A tattered yellow dog with brown spots named Spot. He was more than a soft toy—he was my source of comfort and security.

When adulthood loomed, societal expectations forced me to part ways with Spot. After a carefully managed "breakup"—from bedside table to bookshelf to a final resting place in the attic—I moved on. Yet, the process taught me how emotionally tough it is to let go of something that provides comfort.

Fast forward, and smoking became my adult equivalent of Spot—a ritual tied to moments of stress, relaxation, and routine. Whether it was a cigarette with wine after a hectic week or a quick puff during a work break, it felt irreplaceable. But the rising costs of cigarettes, coupled with smoking bans in the UK, made it clear: it was time to quit.

My Path to Vaping: From Struggles to Success

Like many smokers, I tried everything to quit: nicotine patches, hypnotherapy, and even cold turkey. But each failed attempt left me frustrated and unmotivated. That’s when a friend introduced me to vaping. She was a heavy smoker but had successfully quit for months thanks to vaping, which gave me hope.

I visited the I Love Vapour website and was amazed by the variety available—devices like the Vaporesso XROS Mini and Elf Bar 600 V2, plus an array of vape juices, including popular flavours like blueberry sour raspberry and strawberry kiwi. I chose a starter kit, opting for high-nicotine juice to mimic the hit of cigarettes and planned to gradually reduce my nicotine levels.

The transition was surprisingly smooth. Devices like the Elf Bar AF5000 Prefilled Kit made vaping easy and enjoyable, while options like nic salts provided a satisfying alternative to traditional cigarettes. Over time, I reduced my nicotine intake and now aim for zero-nicotine juices.

Why Vaping Works for Me

Vaping isn’t just a healthier alternative—it’s a customisable experience that fits seamlessly into daily life. The cost savings are undeniable, especially with affordable options like Crystal Bar and Lost Mary BM600, and the social acceptance of vaping far outweighs the stigma around smoking.

Sure, I sometimes question if swapping one comfort for another is wise. But letting go of old habits takes time, and vaping has become my bridge to a healthier, smoke-free life. Whether I’m enjoying the cooling watermelon ice flavour or indulging in fizzy cherry vape juice, vaping has made quitting smoking feel less like a loss and more like an upgrade.

If you're ready to replace smoking with something better, explore the world of vapes—from the compact Voopoo Drag S2 to the sleek Aspire PockeX. Like me, you might find vaping isn’t just a substitute—it’s a lifestyle.

So here’s to life’s little comforts—and finding smarter, healthier ways to enjoy them.