A week ago, I wouldn't have believed it. Almost seven days without smoking a single cigarette. And it's in no small part thanks to you.
As I wrote on day one, I've tried to quit before, but I always found myself giving in again. Not this time. What's different is that my desire not to smoke is now stronger than the urge to give in. Not much stronger - but enough to keep me going, one day at a time.
A lot of that drive comes from within. But not all of it. Like most challenges, it's hard to do something truly difficult on your own. Fortunately, I haven't felt alone for a moment since I quit smoking.
Yes, I've been driven by the words of encouragement - and gentle ribbing - from my colleagues, friends and family. But what's even more heartening is that you've been there with me. I've received an outpouring of supportive tweets, comments, emails and even a surprise phone call from you, my readers; complete strangers who, through compassion or curiosity, have reached out to wish me the best.
It's meant a lot. Truly, it has. It's kept me going when I've really wanted to give in. I may not have had the time to reply to you all - and I am sorry about that - but I have thought about you; I've thought about the shame of having to confess that I stuffed up; thought about how disappointed you'd be if I did give in; thought about how, just maybe, you might be a little bit excited for me when I reach that one-month milestone. And, of course, I've been carried along by your words of encouragement.
The act of getting this all down in writing has helped, too. It hasn't simply been cathartic. It's given me structure, a meta-purpose to quitting. Bad day? I can write about it.
If you're still a smoker or trying to quit, maybe that could help you, too. Anyone who signs up for Quitline can contribute a blog post - I've only had a cursory read during my numerous quit attempts, but it's always seemed like a very encouraging and supportive environment.
And it's not too late to take part in Stoptober, either. Organiser Kelly Pohatu is encouraging people to sign up and "give quitting a go" anytime this month. Why not today?
Trust me - although the drive to quit can only come from within, you won't be doing it alone.
To take part in Stoptober, visit www.stoptober.nz
For help quitting, visit Quitline at www.quit.org.nz or phone 0800 778 778