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March 17, 2009

Three Years Smoke Free

Three years ago today I quit smoking.

It was a good decision.

It has not been easy thing to do.

I'm 30 pounds heavier, but smell much better and have much pinker lungs.

As a moderately self-righteous ex-smoker, I often act like I know all the secrets to kicking addictions of every kind, but I think it's pretty obvious that I don't.

But I do know this: You quit doing what you know is bad for you when you are ready to do it. End (and beginning) of story.

Apparently, I'm still ready to stay a non-smoker.

Go me.

Thank you.

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Comments

  1. Holly A. Moss says

    March 17, 2009 at 12:09 am

    Congratulations, Cathy! Here’s to another 3 more ++++ of non-smoking! 🙂

    HollyM

    Reply
  2. antafoya@gmail.com says

    March 17, 2009 at 12:23 am

    You go girl! That is awesome. That was the best decision you could have ever made. Your family is blessed by that decision.

    Reply
  3. shari (tigsnbitz) says

    March 17, 2009 at 12:39 am

    Congratulations CZ..I hope you keep that drive in you to stay smoke free.
    Not only do your family and friends need you, so do we CZ addicts! : )
    Keep up the good work, and stay strong.
    Shari

    Reply
  4. melrose says

    March 17, 2009 at 12:44 am

    congrats….i’m on one year this month. i’d done it once before-quit for 10 years! oy vey!

    Reply
  5. SchoolMommy says

    March 17, 2009 at 1:05 am

    Congratulations!!!! Keep it up…we all want you to live a very long life 🙂

    Reply
  6. Zarah says

    March 17, 2009 at 3:42 am

    YAY for you!!

    I quit five years ago (soon) after reading the Allen Carr-book. It is amazing. It really REALLY helped. I have never ever felt like a cigarette since. Not even once.

    So… If ever in doubt – find it and read it.
    You’re doing GOOD!!

    Reply
  7. Alli Paterson says

    March 17, 2009 at 5:14 am

    congratulations!!!! you have done a super job

    I have just passed my 10 year anniversary

    Reply
  8. JoEllen says

    March 17, 2009 at 5:27 am

    You rock Cathy! Keep it going girl!

    Reply
  9. Caren says

    March 17, 2009 at 5:45 am

    That is awesome. I quit smoking 20 years ago…after a lot of quitting and “thinking” I could just have one cigarette at the bar with friends. It doesn’t work that way for me. You go…and keep on going! Excellent! I also just realized that I came across your blog long enough ago to remember when you quit smoking. Crazy!

    Reply
  10. Tanya says

    March 17, 2009 at 6:15 am

    GREAT JOB! I quit almost 3 years ago, myself. Damn, it was the hardest thing I ever did! Cheers!

    Reply
  11. Lisa says

    March 17, 2009 at 6:15 am

    Go you!!!

    Reply
  12. ~ Kim says

    March 17, 2009 at 6:19 am

    Congratulations! Just over 6 mths smoke free here and I gained about 30 pounds too! UG! And that’s not counting the 15 or so I needed to lose before I quit! Some days I still miss it …. especially during fights with my sometimes-not-so-dear-hubby! I’m guessing that will eventually pass…and slowly but surely I’m working on losing what I gained.

    Congrats again! And happy St. Patty’s Day!!

    Reply
  13. Angela Walthall says

    March 17, 2009 at 6:21 am

    Congratulations!!!!

    Reply
  14. Joanne says

    March 17, 2009 at 6:48 am

    Congratulations CZ! You are awesome at everything you do!

    Reply
  15. kribss says

    March 17, 2009 at 7:11 am

    yeah you!

    Reply
  16. Cricket says

    March 17, 2009 at 7:17 am

    Congratulations on being smoke free for 3 years now!!! You are right..you quit when you are ready for you to quit!!

    I’m happy to say I’ve been a non-smoker now for 20 years now!! Best decision I ever made for myself!

    smiles,

    Reply
  17. csuzanne says

    March 17, 2009 at 7:24 am

    you go girl!!
    not a smoker myself, but my mom quit after 44 years of smoking 4 packs a day! she’s been clear for 22 years now, and i’m so proud of her!

    Reply
  18. remember moments says

    March 17, 2009 at 7:25 am

    Congratulations Cathy!!!

    Reply
  19. Julie Mitchell from Montréal, Canada says

    March 17, 2009 at 7:26 am

    Go YOU. I can imagine how hard quitting can be. I have a hard time quitting the cookies!!

    Reply
  20. Cheri says

    March 17, 2009 at 7:33 am

    Congrats Cathy! Not only are your lungs pinker – your kids lungs are happier too! Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  21. Jan Connair says

    March 17, 2009 at 7:35 am

    For me, it’s caffeinated tea, which gives me migraines, but which I am drinking right this minute (after having successfully given it up for several months). Well, I haven’t actually taken the first sip yet. Should I go toss it down the drain?

    Reply
  22. Kim says

    March 17, 2009 at 7:35 am

    That’s wonderful Cathy….

    Reply
  23. Jody says

    March 17, 2009 at 7:38 am

    Congrats on your smokeless anniversary 🙂
    I quit 17 yrs ago and to this day when I am really stressed, I still think about how good it would taste, but 99.9% of the time I think of how disgusting it would taste. lol

    Reply
  24. Stephanie S., VA says

    March 17, 2009 at 7:38 am

    AWESOME!

    Reply
  25. debbi hyden says

    March 17, 2009 at 7:40 am

    Congratulations!! its a big accomplishment! i quit 11 1/2 years ago and it really was one of the hardest and best things i’ve done for myself. But well worth it.

    Reply
  26. Betty says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:00 am

    One day at a time… Here’s to another 3 yrs smoke free 🙂

    Reply
  27. Mart says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:04 am

    Congrats CZ – I quit 18 monthe, 30 lbs. heavier, but THE BEST thing I have done!!!
    😉 Mart

    Reply
  28. Gina says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:11 am

    Congrats – It’s one of the hardest things to accomplish!! I am almost 3.5 years myself and also 30 pds heavier…is that some kind of evil, magic number??!!

    Reply
  29. Tanya says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:17 am

    YES – go you! Keep it up, sister, we are here for you!!! ~TanyaS

    Reply
  30. sue Treiber says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:18 am

    congrats to you and your pink lungs 🙂

    Reply
  31. Katie Scott says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:19 am

    Yay for you!

    I was an occasional smoker in college & law school but have been 99% quit since 1995 (smoking only in the “M” states – Maine, Massachusetts & Missouri – although its been so long that if I try to have one now it burns my throat and I actually don’t like them anymore).

    Reply
  32. Carol says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:19 am

    You go girl. I am 1 1/2 years smoke free and also 30 pounds heavier. LOL Weight Watchers and I are great pals these days.

    Way to go. You are an inspiration.

    Reply
  33. ronni H says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:26 am

    I am another ex-smoker… 8 months, 2 weeks, and 3 days, with an extra 15 lbs to show for it. But I feel great! Congrats Cathy! =]

    Reply
  34. ShellyJ says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:27 am

    Congratulations! Way to go 🙂

    Reply
  35. Melissa LaFavers says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:27 am

    Good for you, Cathy. I’m glad you’re healthier and happier. But smelling better? Yeah, that’s the best reason of all, am I wrong? ; )

    Mel

    Reply
  36. kp says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:37 am

    huzzah! pink lungs make everyone happy!

    Reply
  37. Jennifer M. says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:39 am

    Good for you!

    Reply
  38. Jennifer says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:54 am

    Congrats Cathy – so proud of you. My mom quit when I went to college in 1998 – says she still wants one every day.

    Reply
  39. Suzanne says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:56 am

    You ROCK Cathy! What more can I say?

    Reply
  40. Emma says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:57 am

    Cathy, congratulations. I know it’s not an easy thing at all but it’s so, SO worth it.

    Reply
  41. Robyn says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:59 am

    Way to go Cathy!!!!

    Reply
  42. Amy Louise says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:04 am

    YES!! Go you!!!!!

    Congratulations!!

    I work in Mental Health & Addictions and it is true – it is less difficult to quit Heroin than smoking – so pat yourself on the back! You are an amazing person!!

    Reply
  43. Nancy Hyland says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:10 am

    Congratulations!!! That is amazing and a daily battle I am sure.

    Reply
  44. sara says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:12 am

    way to go, cathy!

    Reply
  45. pam says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:20 am

    As a nurse who works in a radiation oncology treatment center, I applaud your decision to quit smoking and really applaud your continued smoke-free status. You go, girl!!!!

    Reply
  46. Stacy says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:21 am

    Great for you!!! Here’s to more smoke-free years!! And I love you honesty and the fact that you don’t claim to know the way to quit (fill in bad habit here).

    Reply
  47. {VICKI} says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:25 am

    WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  48. Kathi says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:41 am

    Congrats! It gives me hope to know that someone had done something real hard and I might be able to do something hard too.

    Reply
  49. Dana says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:44 am

    just so darn proud!

    Reply
  50. Conni says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:50 am

    Congratulations! That’s HUGE!!

    Reply
  51. Kayleen says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:50 am

    Rock on Sister! 7.5 years and 25lbs here but you can loose the weight, you can’t get new lungs. Am I correct that you quit on St. Patrick’s Day? Most people go the other way…

    Reply
  52. Michelle says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:50 am

    Congrats! Quite an amazing accomplishment.

    Reply
  53. Tracy Johnson says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:53 am

    Congrats! I quit about 20 years ago, and weight much more than I used to (varies from 15-40 lbs!), but I say it’s healthier to be overweight than a smoker. Plus we smell better and have more money. Well, maybe not more money in hand, but more money to spend on other things, ie scrapbook and stamp supplies! Keep up the good work no not smoking. I won’t ever go back, becasue quitting was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, including giving birth and dieting.

    Reply
  54. Michelle Giaimo says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:56 am

    that i great, quitting smoking is the best gift you can give your family. I know because I care for my mom who has COPD.

    Reply
  55. Sandi Malloy says

    March 17, 2009 at 10:05 am

    Quitting for my BD was my best self-given present ever! 21 years later I’m still thankful that I finally did it. You go girl! You have great reason to be proud.

    Reply
  56. Kris says

    March 17, 2009 at 10:13 am

    Great job, Cathy! If I lived on your street I would bring you a giant bouquet of flowers. And some brownies. And maybe a beer.

    Reply
  57. Kim says

    March 17, 2009 at 10:21 am

    Way to go!!

    Reply
  58. Nicky H says

    March 17, 2009 at 11:04 am

    Congratulations! That’s awesome!

    Reply
  59. Dag says

    March 17, 2009 at 11:06 am

    11 1/2 years for me as well!! august 17th…
    congratulations, cathy!

    Reply
  60. Jessica Stoops says

    March 17, 2009 at 11:08 am

    Congrats Cathy on this HUGE accomplishment!
    Jess

    Reply
  61. Jodee says

    March 17, 2009 at 11:30 am

    Congrats and good for you! My hubby wants to try and quit again this month. He wants to, I really don’t. So, it’s kind of a struggle of feelings and what is going to win out. They have raised the prices of cigs so bad now, I shouldn’t need too much more incentive! LOL!

    Reply
  62. Jana says

    March 17, 2009 at 11:30 am

    YAY YOU! Congratulations Cathy!

    Reply
  63. Linda says

    March 17, 2009 at 11:31 am

    Congratulations! What an accomplishment!

    Reply
  64. bobbie says

    March 17, 2009 at 11:42 am

    Congratulations!!!!!!

    Reply
  65. tchrtiff says

    March 17, 2009 at 11:53 am

    Congrats on the huge milestone. I don’t smoke but my mom does. I’ve watched her try to quit a number of times. It’s so hard. You should be so proud of yourself! I’m sure your family is!

    Reply
  66. Joni Arcocha says

    March 17, 2009 at 11:55 am

    Congrats on the 3 years!!! I agree…it is one of the best things you could do for yourself and your family!!!! This year will be 21 for me.

    Reply
  67. jocelyn says

    March 17, 2009 at 12:11 pm

    WTG, Cathy. Seventeen years for me, but I won’t tell you how many pounds ago that was, lol.

    Reply
  68. MNScrapbookmom - Kyra says

    March 17, 2009 at 12:15 pm

    Cathy, July 2nd marks my 4th year of being smoke free. It is an accomplishment that I am so proud of everyday. Congratulations on your 3rd year, as each day is a milestone!!! Kyra¥

    Reply
  69. Lisa says

    March 17, 2009 at 12:48 pm

    You are awesome; Congratulations!

    Reply
  70. gitz says

    March 17, 2009 at 12:54 pm

    YEA YOU!

    Mostly because now you’re going to live longer and I can read your blog longer. Which equals…

    YEA ME!

    🙂

    Reply
  71. janis m says

    March 17, 2009 at 12:59 pm

    yeaaaaa for you, Cathy! what else is there to say? 🙂

    Reply
  72. Elena says

    March 17, 2009 at 1:11 pm

    Yay for you! Alot of hard work involved with this but so happy you pulled it off. Next time I have a glass of wine, I’ll toast to your three years and then to three more!

    Reply
  73. Tori says

    March 17, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    May you enjoy many more smoke-free years.

    Reply
  74. Jeannette P says

    March 17, 2009 at 1:35 pm

    That is an amazing feat to quit smoking & not turn back. I applaud you!!!! Great job!
    Enjoy breathing better, smelling better & actually being able to taste good food. The next feat will be to reach your wt loss goal. Good Luck!

    Reply
  75. Tina Cockburn says

    March 17, 2009 at 1:41 pm

    Congrats, my non-stinky friend. Your lungs (and those of others) thank you.

    Reply
  76. alexa says

    March 17, 2009 at 1:44 pm

    Yep, go you! Well done!

    Reply
  77. Mary Kate says

    March 17, 2009 at 2:03 pm

    Congratulations! That is no small thing.

    Reply
  78. Cindi says

    March 17, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    GO YOU! Congratulations!!

    Reply
  79. Deb Jones says

    March 17, 2009 at 2:30 pm

    Congratulations! Great job! I’m proud of you.

    Reply
  80. emily ruth says

    March 17, 2009 at 3:00 pm

    that’s awesome! great job! i’m hoping this starts happening for me & food soon…no joking, i need to be ready to kick it out (or up or in or something)

    Reply
  81. Ami Pilon says

    March 17, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    I too gained way too much weight after quitting. For the last two years I have been walking a mile a day (four times around our condo complex) five days a week and lost 30 pounds. It takes time, but I now miss walking if I let it go for more than one or two days. My new habit is way better than the old one. Congratulations.

    Reply
  82. Deb says

    March 17, 2009 at 3:09 pm

    Woo hoo! Congratulations.

    Reply
  83. melissa cavanaugh says

    March 17, 2009 at 3:48 pm

    YEAH Cathy! Congrats on your big anniversary!

    Reply
  84. Carol in SLC says

    March 17, 2009 at 3:56 pm

    BIG congratulations, Cathy! I know what an accomplishment it is, finally succeeding myself after many, many attempts (now 22 years smoke-free). I attended a medical lecture once where the speaker said nicotine is more addictive than heroin – I believe it. You’re awesome – keep it up!

    Reply
  85. Rhonda P says

    March 17, 2009 at 4:18 pm

    Congrats Ms Z! Definitely something to be proud of. It’s hard sometimes. Me, I’m going on 8 years. Am also 30 pounds heavier. If I can do it, you can too!!!

    Reply
  86. Megan says

    March 17, 2009 at 5:33 pm

    Congratulations!! 🙂

    Reply
  87. Traci Gann says

    March 17, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    WOOHOO Ms Z! Congratulations to you, and we’re happy you’ll be around for many more years as a result!

    Reply
  88. Laura Melohn says

    March 17, 2009 at 6:32 pm

    Congrats!!!

    Reply
  89. star says

    March 17, 2009 at 7:25 pm

    Good job Cathy!

    Star

    Reply
  90. Dawnmarie says

    March 17, 2009 at 8:43 pm

    Good Job Cathy!

    Reply
  91. caroline says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:18 pm

    Cathy! Great job on the quitiversary!

    I’m really excited about the “anyone can write a little” workshop, but could you give us a hint about how much it’s going to cost? I really want to do it, but I have to start planning now…

    Thanks!

    Reply
  92. Kate says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:19 pm

    Congrats on being free of cancer sticks for three years! There is and should be no looking back. You can always work on the weight gain when you are ready to. Just think how much better off you are not be poisoning yourself anymore with smoke! Yippee!

    Reply
  93. Josiane says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:22 pm

    I am so proud of you! And glad that we’ll be blessed enough to enjoy more of your blog posts and classes. lol…

    Congratulations!

    Reply
  94. Angie says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:28 pm

    you GO girl! I can’t believe that was three years ago. You’re my hero.

    Reply
  95. Vicki says

    March 17, 2009 at 9:37 pm

    Go you! That rocks.

    Reply
  96. Lisa Cole says

    March 17, 2009 at 10:52 pm

    wow – I’m PROUD of you! I lost my dad to lung cancer (45 years as a smoker) 23 years ago, I still haven’t gotten over it. I always applaud people who can kick the habit.

    Reply
  97. Somer says

    March 18, 2009 at 1:32 am

    Awesome job!!!!!! I am very proud of you! I am sure everyone around you is so thankful too! Keep up the great job!

    Reply
  98. Madeline St Onge says

    March 18, 2009 at 7:05 am

    I am right there with you but it has only been a little over 4 months for me this time, but I am also 30lbs heavier and I hate that part of it.
    Congratulations on the 3 years Cathy. Go you is right

    Reply
  99. Areletha says

    March 18, 2009 at 8:58 am

    To your “I do know this” statement – Amen!!! Congrats to you. The end of May will be 6 years for me and every once in a while – I still want a cigarette. Yes, I am fatter, but I do feel better and smell better. Yay for us!!!

    Reply
  100. Barb says

    March 18, 2009 at 9:03 am

    Cathy, that’s AWESOME. Congratulations on three years… here’s to many, many more! 🙂

    Reply
  101. Jill says

    March 18, 2009 at 9:20 am

    so true; that’s what happened w/ weight for me–I was just “ready” no reason or answers to how I got “ready”; Congrats Cathy–addictions of any kind are horrible to kick and sustain; you should be very proud of yourself

    Reply
  102. Nathalie (famille1999) says

    March 18, 2009 at 9:46 am

    Congratulations Cathy!!! Good for you and keep it up! =)

    Reply
  103. Anne says

    March 18, 2009 at 9:51 am

    Brava! Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  104. Linda says

    March 18, 2009 at 10:34 am

    Way to go!! I remember when you quit… it’s been 3 years – wow!! Go girl!!!

    Reply
  105. Chasi says

    March 18, 2009 at 10:56 am

    Congrats Cathy! My husband is also at 3 years since he quit. He said it was by far the hardest thing that he has ever quit. Of course he also gave up drinking to be healthier, then smoking, and then gained 40 or so pounds. He said he still has some cravings but then all he has to do is stand by one of his friends that smoke and he is glad that he quit…he said the smell is gross! Once again, Congrats!

    Reply
  106. Cheryl Hinton says

    March 18, 2009 at 11:23 am

    My Dh quit last July. SO proud of Both of you.

    Reply
  107. Cindee says

    March 18, 2009 at 12:18 pm

    YOU GO GIRL!!!! That is huge!! Good for you.

    Reply
  108. Linda J says

    March 18, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    Awesome!!!:)

    Reply
  109. Shelley F. says

    March 18, 2009 at 4:14 pm

    Congrats!!!

    Reply
  110. elendae says

    March 18, 2009 at 5:32 pm

    Congrats, Cathy! 3 years and counting!!

    Reply
  111. Sonia A. Mascaro says

    March 19, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    Congratulations!!!

    Reply
  112. Donese says

    March 19, 2009 at 4:36 pm

    That’s AWESOME! Congratulations!!

    Reply
  113. Cindy says

    March 19, 2009 at 9:24 pm

    Hey Cathy you are my hero:) I wish I was there at the quitting point. I think about it everyday, but still have this attachment. Ugh.

    Reply
  114. christa says

    March 22, 2009 at 12:34 pm

    YOU GO GIRL!!! You should be so proud–quitting is an amazing feat!. I am an RN in the ER and I see, on a daily basis, how smoking absolutely ruin the health of not just the smoker but the small (often asthmatic ) children of the smoker.

    I feel if you can quit this terribly addictive habit you can do ANYTHING! Whooohoooo–sure hope your wings are not getting tired yet!

    Reply
  115. Bheng Tria says

    April 23, 2009 at 4:36 am

    Congratulations for having the courage to do this for 3 years now.. but will it really put more weight if u quit smoking? I’m a smoker for almost 20 years now but not an addict. I can go through a whole week without smoking, provided i don’t have to drink ’cause i couldn’t help smoking while drinking.. anyways, i’m, i think, 20 lbs. overweight and i’m thinking again, should i decide to quit smoking, does it mean i’d put on more weight?????? gosh..

    Reply

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