In the early days of summer, Mr. Dao Xa's small garden in Bich Khe village is filled with the vibrant colors of betel nut trees, guava trees, bougainvillea, and many other neatly trimmed ornamental plants. Amidst this peaceful space, the 73-year-old man slowly brews a pot of green tea, smiling gently as he welcomes guests to his home.
It's hard to imagine that the man enjoying such a healthy and relaxed life once spent many years smoking. At one point, he smoked almost a pack a day. The habit of drinking tea and smoking continued day after day, silently becoming a part of his daily routine.
Mr. Dao Xa tends to the lush green garden around his house in Bich Khe village, Ai Tu commune. After quitting smoking 5 years ago, gardening has become a joy that helps him maintain a healthy life - Photo: Phuong Thien
Recalling that time, Mr. Dao Xa said: "Back then, drinking tea always required a cigarette nearby. Many times, I knew cigarettes were harmful, but quitting was very difficult. Some days, the craving for a cigarette was so intense it made me restless."
Those seemingly harmless cigarettes gradually affected his health, causing him to become increasingly thin, frequently tired, and experiencing more persistent coughs. His declining health meant that the man, accustomed to working and tending his garden, began to clearly feel the unwanted changes of old age.
However, what preoccupied him more than his own health was the fact that during community gatherings, he frequently heard the local Front Committee and other socio-political organizations disseminating information about the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm; about the effects of tobacco smoke on human health and family happiness.
Those stories gradually settled in his mind. "After listening to the propaganda from the commune's Front Committee officials and other political and social organizations, I realized I needed to change. Not only for myself, but also for my children and grandchildren," Mr. Dao Xa shared.
The decision to quit smoking was made, but actually doing it is not an easy journey.
In the early days, the craving for cigarettes was constant. Just sitting down for tea or meeting friends would bring back the feeling of wanting to smoke, like a habit deeply ingrained for many years. There were times when he felt like he couldn't overcome the challenge.
To cope with his addiction, Mr. Dao Xa found simple but effective alternatives. When he craved cigarettes, he would suck on candy, drink green tea, or go to the garden to tend to his plants, water them, and weed. His hands busy with the soil and plants helped him gradually forget the restlessness of the days of withdrawal.
"I told myself I had to try my best every day. Whenever I craved a cigarette, I'd go to the garden to water the plants, pull weeds, and tend to the flowers. Gradually, I got used to it. After quitting, I felt much healthier, ate better, slept better, and now I've even gained some weight," he said with a gentle smile. That smile is perhaps a well-deserved reward for years of persistent self-conquest.
After five years of abstaining from cigarettes, Mr. Dao Xa's health has improved significantly. His coughs have decreased, his body feels stronger, and his spirits are higher. Most importantly, he has rediscovered joy in everyday life, in every tree, every flower bed, and in conversations with his neighbors.
From someone who quit smoking to someone who inspires others.
The lush green garden surrounding his house is now not only where he tends to his plants but has also become a familiar meeting place for many villagers.
Over cups of hot tea, the story of his journey to quit smoking was told naturally and sincerely, detailing his experiences, the difficulties he faced, and the positive changes he experienced after giving up smoking.
Each cup of tea now has no cigarette beside it; instead, it's filled with stories of encouraging people to build a smoke-free life. Photo: Phuong Thien
It is that sincerity that creates the persuasive power. Mr. Do Duc, a villager, said that witnessing Mr. Dao Xa successfully quit smoking made him think a lot. "Seeing Mr. Xa quit smoking and his health improve, I also started thinking about it. He often encouraged me and explained the harmful effects of cigarettes, so I decided to quit. It's been over a year since I quit," Mr. Duc shared.
Besides Mr. Duc, many other villagers also gradually changed thanks to those simple conversations. Mr. Hoang Minh Tam, Mr. Do Tam, and even Mr. Dao Trung, the son of Mr. Dao Xa, are all people who quit smoking after being persuaded and having their experiences shared by him.
Mr. Do Tam recalled: "Mr. Xa spoke in a very approachable and unpretentious manner. Seeing him living happily and healthily, tending to his beautiful garden, and having a relaxed spirit, everyone felt more motivated to quit smoking."
Perhaps that is also the most effective form of propaganda: not dry slogans, but an example set in everyday life.
Formerly the Head of the Fatherland Front Committee in Bich Khe village, although now retired due to old age, Mr. Dao Xa remains actively involved in community activities. Among these, he is particularly passionate about promoting awareness and prevention of the harmful effects of tobacco.
He regularly participates in community activities, meets with people, and encourages everyone to build a healthy living environment and reduce smoking in their homes and public places.
Inspired by the story of a former smoker, the movement to build smoke-free residential areas in Bich Khe village is spreading naturally.
Many people have changed their perceptions, and many families are proactively saying no to cigarettes to protect their own health and the health of their loved ones.
What is admirable is that at the age of 73, Mr. Dao Xa said he will continue to work alongside the Front Committee and local organizations in disseminating information on preventing and combating the harmful effects of tobacco; and continue to encourage his children, grandchildren, and neighbors to build a civilized lifestyle and maintain a green, clean, and beautiful living environment.
"Quitting smoking isn't easy, but if you're determined, you can do it. Once you have good health, life becomes much easier and more enjoyable," he confided.
Late in the afternoon, golden sunlight bathed the small garden in Bich Khe, where the gray-haired man diligently tended to his familiar trees. Gone were the silent wisps of cigarette smoke that had risen years ago; only the green of the foliage and the peacefulness of everyday life remained.
In the tranquil countryside, the story of Mr. Dao Xa continues to spread. It is the journey of an ordinary man overcoming his own limitations, but from that journey, positive things are being sown in the community, giving each family a better chance to live healthier lives, each residential area a cleaner environment, and each person the belief that change can always begin within themselves.
Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/nguoi-dan-ong-73-tuoi-gieo-mau-xanh-tu-quyet-tam-bo-thuoc-la-238260601171103386.htm
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