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Five years, what a surprise.

Five years, what a surprise.

Fiveyears

Five years ago today I quit smoking.

Five years ago today, I put an end to a 28-year habit. (And if you're trying to do the math, that puts me at roughly 12 when I first puffed away. I know. Crazy.)

Five years ago today I curled up into a little ball and sobbed like I'd just lost my best friend in the whole wide world.

Five years ago today I relied solely on will power and white knuckles.

Five years ago today I said, "I'm done."

I know there are people out there struggling with this addiction. I also know that until you are ready to quit, people going on and on about kicking this bad ass monkey off their backs falls on deaf and disinterested ears.

I just know that I had a deep and intimate relationship with something that was very, very bad for me. I loved it with a depth and intensity that addicts are all too familiar with. Then, I finally faced the truth: try and live a healthier life or end up dying an ugly death from a smoking-related illness.

I also know when I was finally free from the pull of nicotine, that I began to live differently in every possible way. My life no longer revolved around planning the next smoke break. I can't tell you how liberating that was, and continues to be.

I didn't know if I was going to stay quit. But as the days turned into months, and the months into years, I started to breathe a little easier (figuratively and literally), and it seemed like this non-smoking life was a keeper.

There are days when I focus on this accomplishment alone, this five years of being quit, and I feel like I could do just about anything.

Today is one of those days.

David, take it away…

 

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. madeline St onge says

    Congratulations Cathy. Good job. Right there with you. I told myself if I could quit and stay quit I could do anything and I can.
    Happy St Patrick’s day to you

    Reply

  3. Kathy Jo Camacho says

    Congratulations! You have rocked this and will contiue to do so. :)Between the no smoking and the exercise – you are a new you!

    Reply

  5. Christina says

    Congrats Cathy! Quitting is difficult and smoking is one of the hardest habits to break… but you did it. Go you!! (you didn’t trade cigarettes for booze due to St. Patty’s Day did ya?!) Have a great day and bask in your glory of accomplishment.

    Reply

  6. Jeannette says

    Cathy I know exactly what your saying. I quit at the end of Dec 2004 after having tried a few times to stop. But what made it different this thren was that I had decided that morning, that that cigarette I had just put out half way through was going to be my last. I had had enough! And now when I look back I can’t believe how easy it was.

    Reply

  8. Lisa Russo says

    You know, it occurred to me today that – as a child who grew up in a haze of my mom’s cigarette smoke – she quit at about the same age you did. And stayed quit. For 20+ years now. So proud of you both. 🙂

    Reply

  11. Lee Currie says

    So good! I’ll be 10 years quit in May and it was the hardest – and most worthwhile – habit to break! You are, as always, an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your stories!

    Reply

  13. MarionW says

    Congratulations! That is a great accomplishment and is probably the single biggest thing you could do for yourself.

    Reply

  16. Sarah says

    Congratulations! What a great accomplishment! YAY for you!

    (I wish my twin brother would QUIT for good, but he keeps getting sucked back in after a really good GO at quitting… doesn’t help that many of his friends still smoke, I’m sure.) As for me, I can proudly say that I am 33 and have NEVER EVER TRIED IT! (Being a premie baby with lung problems at birth, I had NO DESIRE and I am cool with that.)

    Reply

  17. Barb says

    Congratulations!

    I’m so glad that you found the fortitude/strength/will/everything-it-takes to quit. My FIL is dying of emphysema. It’s a horrendous way to check out of this planet, and my MIL is right by his side, still smoking two packs/day while he’s on ten liters of oxygen. She’s lost two siblings from the same insidious disease, yet remains unwilling to even entertain the idea of quitting.

    A few years ago, she told me (direct quote), “I’d rather smoke my entire life and die ten years too soon than be fat like you.” Well okay then.

    Anyhow, huge accomplishment! WTG!

    Reply

  18. Angie Hall says

    Congratulations and Hugs, Miss Cathy! You can stay quit. For real. We’ve got your back. And also, just know you are doing a wonderful thing for yourself and your kids. My dad was a life-long smoker, and the second-hand smoke caught up with me when I was 38. My lung collapsed! I survived, and all. But that was rough. So just know that you are ushering your kids toward lasting good health and inspiring an entire community of women/scrapbookers/foodies/peoplewho’dratherreadyourblogthandoherhusband’slaundry!

    Reply

  24. DawnS says

    That’s something worth celebrating…congrats!

    It makes me so sad when I see the teenagers of today smoking. Both of my parents smoked, but they started “way back” in the 50’s and truly didn’t know any better.

    I have 2 sisters…2 of us have never even tried smoking, but my other sister still smokes (even after my Dad passed away from lung cancer). It’s a very hard habit to break.

    Reply

  28. Wendy says

    I’m impressed that you remember the exact day … this echoes my story, but I have been smoke free now for 2 years and can’t imagine ‘smelling’ that disgusting ever again in my life. I look at my 14 year old dd and shudder at the thought that at her age I was a smoker, not just puffing, but an actual smoker .. how sad. But we thought we were so kewl and looked so mature.

    Thanks for always being such an inspiration.

    Reply

  34. dawn says

    WAY TO CATHY!!! I THINK THIS IS THE BEST POST EVER AND I’M SO BEYOND HAPPY FOR YOU!! I grew up with smoking parents and hated it and begged them to quit. They wouldn’t even listen to me, I swore that when I grew up there’d be no smoking in my life. Well 42 years and I’m proud to say I never have. My dad finally quit about 20yrs ago after 2 heart attacks, he wishes he’d had quit sooner. My mom still smokes but not like before and she sneaks and does it now too. The sad thing is my one sister started at 18 and hasn’t quit and actually just gets worse every year. I’ve tried to help her, begged her, bribed her but nothing. She said this is her life and if it makes her happy and it’s her lungs then that’s her choice. It is very very hard for us to get together since her house smells so I don’t visit her often and at my house I’ve had a non smoking sign on the wall forever so she won’t visit me. If we meet in public she always goes and takes a smoking break in the middle of our outing and it drives me crazy. I’ve had the talk with my kids and they have seen the movie in health and those black lungs and they said don’t worry mom it’s not for me. I still talk with them though because you never know they might change.
    Sorry about going on, it’s a very sensitive issue for me. So really Cathy I’m so very happy for your choice and that you’ve stuck with it. Love the picture too, you are so good at this number/photo thing.

    Reply

  35. Becky T. says

    5 years! You ROCK!! I quit 2 years ago Dec. 18th and my husband followed that September. I totally love being a non smoker (after 27 years) and look forward to never going back! You go, non smoker Cathy! Mwah!

    Reply

  36. Cynthia Friese-Hassanein says

    Thanks Cathy! Your my hero!!!! I am still plugging away. I have broken down a few times, but get right back up and dust the ashes off me:) But, this post could not come at a better time! The emotional is so hard. It is good to know that it will subside!

    Reply

  37. cathy says

    I talk to my kids about this ALL the time. I want them to be aware that smoking isnt just a thing you do, but an addiction as strong as any out there that pretty much takes over your life. The whole going out on an outing, but having to take smoke breaks? Been there. Oh man, have I been there. It was SO annoying to the people around me too. Oh sure, i was conscientious, you know, smoking downwind and all, but i still stunk and made a perfectly good outing all about me and my needs. The thing with your sister, she wont quit until she wants to. I hope for her its not when she has a smoking related illness. The fear of that drove me to finally quit.

    I too, cannot be in ANY space where there has been smoking. I never smoked in my house (always out in the alley, or on my old front porch, because I couldnt stand the smell. Even as a smoker. Still, if I even catch a whiff of it anywhere, it grosses me out completely.

    And yet, I remember how much I loved just sitting and smoking. It is an addiction. Make no mistake. Im sorry this is an issue in your life. Some days, I truly cant believe that smoking is even legal.

    Reply

  38. cathy says

    The emotional takes longer than the physical. I swear it does. Even a few years after quitting, I still remembered it with longing. But the freedom. Seriously. The freedom to NOT have to stop drop and smoke is huge. It made me a calmer person and a better parent. I was always on edge, sneaking around to get my fix so my kids wouldnt know. That was hard on them, because i was always so pissy when I was due for a smoke but couldnt get away to get one.

    You do reach a point where you no longer think about it. It takes time.

    And keep in mind, I was a serious pack a day smoker. I didnt dabble, even with all the sneaking around. I was a full on, wake up, have two smokes with my coffee before you could even talk to me kind of smoker. Sure, it felt much better sitting outside smoking in the summer than in the MN winters, but I was there, weather be damned.

    I loved it beyond reason. If I can stay quit, I believe anyone can.

    Reply

  40. Heidi says

    What a fantastic post, Cathy. This was a total goosebumper 😉
    Cheers. Here’s to 5 more!
    Heidi in Guelph, Ontario

    Reply

  42. Cynthia Friese-Hassanein says

    I am printing this out! You nailed it for me. This needs to be close to me as a reminder!! I smoked about a pack a day too. Two days ago I had the melt down of all melt downs. It was like a spoiled kid, who couldn’t have her way. Reading what you wrote about losing your best pal, is so right on. I literally have lost my best friend since I was 12 a couple years ago and this other loss of a “best friend” has thrown me for a loop. Such a emotional addiction that I did not realize until now how much it dictated so much of my time and life. This is what keeps me going. Breaking free of that thing I loved so much that was wrecking so much else for me.

    Thank you for the great dose of empowerment today!!!! 16 days 99% smoke-free can turn into 5 years 100% smoke free!!!

    Reply

  43. Jeanette says

    Your post title put this in my head immediately. After another listen the whole way through, it’s almost appropriate.

    Congrats on quitting. Keep up the good work.



    Reply

  46. Susie Leggett says

    Congratulations Cathy. I can definitely relate to the struggle you went through and your celebrating today. I too quit smoking five years ago this month. It was the most difficult thing and the best thing I have ever done. My husband and I quit at the same time, which helped tremendously. We also used auricular therapy to help with the craving part, but I was still a total emotional mess, having to go back for two additional treatments. Not sure if this is available everywhere, but it helped me a great deal. Still had to get over the whole habit part, what to do with your hands and your time.

    I got pregnant a couple of months after we quit (wanting to become pregnant was a big motivating factor for me to quit), and I am so glad that we are raising our son as non-smokers. I couldn’t imagine the shame I would feel to smoke in front of him and set that example. I always felt shame about my smoking (a twenty year habit- yes I was 15 or so) and I am so happy that I conquered that monster and kicked him to the curb.

    Thanks for reminding me that it’s been five years! Today is a good day. I’m celebrating with you Cathy.

    Reply

  47. heidig says

    Congrats Cathy! My husband quit smoking long before I met him (over 10 years ago), and to this day he can finish a meal and say, “I could go for a smoke right now”. That’s how strong the pull of nicotine is. It’s a hard habit to break!

    Reply

  48. LoriD says

    A friend thought of me when she read your post and sent me the link. I’ve made it 57 days- 57 difficult days, but can’t wait until I can say it has been 5 years!
    Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary!

    Reply

  51. cathy says

    Well congrats to YOU Susie. : ) I felt a lot of shame too. I know there are a gazillion smokers who couldnt give a rats ass about shame. You know, Im gonna smoke, come hell or high water. but I was never one of those. Always filled with shame about it, while loving it all the while.

    Reply

  52. cathy says

    Oh it took a LONG time to lose that post smoke craving. A really long time. Now, I sometimes say it as a joke. Like this morning, over breakfast, I said to Dan, MAN a smoke with this coffee would be great. He just laughed. : )

    Reply

  53. Deb says

    Congratulations Cathy! So glad you pulled yourself through this. The gift you give to all of us is your attitude and creativity and because of your success we’ll get to have you for a long fun time!! Happy Day!!

    Reply

  54. Carly says

    Dear Cathy- congratulations on your huge accomplishment!
    As a medical student I am continuing to learn about the horrible horrible things smoking does to the body. We learned a sobering fact yesterday- 1 in 2 smokers will die from smoking. You have done yourself an incredible favour by quitting and I believe your body is showing it’s appreciation!
    YAY for health!
    Keep on rockin’

    Reply

  55. Becky says

    Cathy- You deserve to be very, very proud (and SO deserve that IPad2!) I work for hospice and see lung cancer patients everyday. My own wonderful father died of lung cancer 6 years ago at the ripe old age of 60 and I miss him everyday. My sons, who were very close to my dad, were cheated out of having a loving grandfather to help guide them through their childhood and now teenage years. I can only say that if you have spared yourself, Dan, Aidan & Cole the agony of lung cancer, then, well done my friend, well done! Congratulations! Go YOU!

    Reply

  56. Lupe says

    Can I just say? I love you Cathy Z. Weird, I know, coming from a woman half way around the country whom you’ve never met. You often post things like this that make me, one, happy to be alive and ready for anything and two, happy for you and fiercely proud. Huh? Yeah, I know. But it’s true.

    Reply

  57. Lori says

    Yea for You! But also Yea for Dan, Aiden and Cole! As a kid, I begged my mom to quit smoking. I’d come home from school after learning all the dangers of smoking, and TRY to tell my mom to stop. And she would Shut Me Down before many words were out of my mouth. I learned to stop saying anything.

    Except then she died when she was only 55 years old of a heart attack – six weeks before I was getting married. I was only 26.

    She never got to meet my amazing three sons (or my sisters’ four kids).

    My MIL died of lung cancer last year. She and her husband did not stop smoking – even while she was going through chemotherapy and radiation. I know that it is an overwhelming addiction, but I always want to think that our loved ones are worth breaking that addiction.

    Reply

  58. Andrea says

    Hurray for you Cathy! And all the other ex-smokers that commented here! I am so proud for you all! I do know what it’s like – and I still feel the pull when I smell a fresh one lit up. But then I remember how smokers smell, the bad breath, the stinky clothes, stinky car, stinky house… YUCK!
    Again, Hurray for all of you and Congratulations!

    Reply

  60. Andrea says

    Wow. I think you are better off staying away from this cancerous (pun intended!) person. I’m just so sorry she is family.

    Reply

  62. cathy says

    Wow. 60 is SO young. I honestly regret all the years I spent doing this. Im only hoping this body has had time to regenerate and recover. You know?

    Reply

  64. cathy says

    Wow. That is pretty sobering. I grew up in a house where my Dad smoked at night. Only when he was having a beer after work. Maybe two or three smokes a night. My mom hated it. She didnt drink either. However, I started stealing smokes from his packs when I was in middle school, and then he quit around the same age that I did.

    But I remember seeing that it was National Smoke Out day and thinking, Yeah, whatEVER. You know, even though I was a closet smoker, and didnt want anyone, including my kids, to know, I was still very defiant about it. Sigh. Wasted years.

    It IS a horrible addiction, but guess what? People can quit. They think they cant, but thats a load of crap. I was the queen of Nicotine. But no more.

    Reply

  66. cathy says

    Lori, I dont mean to sound all AA on you, but it really is one day at a time. It gets better. Its like a slow ache that eventually goes away. And then, you get to the point when you cant stand to even catch a whiff of it. Thats where I am today. Though I never say Ive got this thing licked, you know? One day at a time.

    Reply

  67. 2hounds says

    Congratulations! That is a wonderful, wonderful accomplishment! My DH quit after his first heart attack – 15 years ago – and that was after watching both of his parents die smoking related deaths. He tried to quit a gazillion times before – but while he was in intensive care for a week – and in the hospital and not smoking – I asked him. and he said I could clear out the house – and I did – every pocket, every drawer, all the vehicles, everywhere I could think – got rid of the smokes, the ash trays, everything. And then we ditched the smoke laiden drapes and started painting the house. He also can’t be around smoke, he actually starts to choke if he is around smoke – not only from cigs but also from leaf burning. – again – congrats! (and I too can’t believe they are legal)

    Reply

  71. Connie B says

    Cathy, You go girl, so awesome to keep that darn monkey off your back. So awesome, quitting smoking you can do anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    My anniversery is coming up in June & it will be 7 years since I quit. That damn cancer stick was not my friend but my enemy.
    I will celebrate with you today, we can breathe easier and we are alive and free!!!!!! Happy Day 🙂
    Connie B

    Reply

  72. Debbie Servantez says

    Good for you, Cathy!! I quit 9 years ago after stretching college smoking with partying into 10 cigs a day to relieve job stress (worked in computer tech support…ugh). It was SOOO hard. Now my little kids (the 8 and 5 year old) are shocked when they see someone smoking…they totally don’t get it. Thank goodness things are changing!

    CONGRATS!

    Reply

  74. Dumblond says

    Congratulations!
    I also started smoking at age 12 and did not stop until I was 20 and found out I was pregnant with my son. After he was born, I couldn’t wait to start back up again. My first cigarette made me sick. I had no problem giving it up for good.
    I do not miss the stink, the smoke or the depleted bank account.

    Reply

  75. Lee says

    C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S*!
    I quit 25 1/2 years ago and it was an excellent decision.
    The day I finally quit was easy.
    But that’s because I had several quits and restarts before that.
    Wishing you and your whole family good health and happiness always!
    ;o)
    – Lee

    Reply

  77. jessica o'brien | jessohbee says

    so awesome!!!!!! congrats!

    i just realized my husband has been done for about 6.5 years now and we never really celebrated. i’ll be giving him an extra big hug and kiss today! it’s a huge achievement. he was a pack-a-day smoker for about 8-10 years. now he is a drug-free, vegetarian, health-nut runner! 🙂

    i’m really happy that i don’t have a single girlfriend that smokes and i can only think a handful of coworkers, out of hundreds, that do. i don’t know if that is a california thing or not (i think laws here for smoking inside were passed earlier than other places), but i am often shocked how many people in other areas or other social circles smoke.

    Reply

  78. tara pollard pakosta says

    good for yOU! my parents had that addiction and just quit about 15 years ago, thankfully! my sister has been smoking since she was 15 and now at 41 wants to quit….I want to help her, but I can’t….I can say with pride, I have never even tried a cigarette in my life~! THANKFULLY, because it’s just so bad and addicting!
    so PROUD OF YOU that you quit!!!!I can’t imagine how hard that must have been!!!!
    tara

    Reply

  79. cathy says

    He sounds pretty sexy! : )

    I DO think different social circles breed smokers. NONE of my friends smoked. At least not since I was in high school, and even then, it was only a few of us. Strange but true. Where i grew up in the suburbs of Seattle, Wash, youd think thered be a lot more smokers.

    Reply

  80. Donna says

    Five years is so great to be smoke-free. I tried smoking in my teens to be cool and I remember starting to like it and I put the kabosh to it. Thank God! I could feel it pulling me in.

    I think you are amazing for breaking this addiction. I really do. It sounds like it is one tough road. Glad you are patting yourself on the back and recognizing how great your accomplishment is. Never stop doing this. Way to go!!

    We are all stronger than we know when we set our mind to something and COMMIT! COMMIT! This is my word of focus right now. COMMIT! Congrats!

    Reply

  81. Suzanne says

    Congratulations! I’m SO very happy for you. It’s truly a major accomplishment. My Dad was a smoker for 40 years and is now in hospice care with end stage COPD. It’s awful and you’re right, it’s an ugly way to go. I admire you for having the strength and courage to quit and giving yourself the precious gift of a longer and healthier life! 🙂

    Reply

  82. heather says

    Well done Cathy! I love belonging to the ex-smokers club because I know just what it took for us to do it!!
    I have been to my Aunts funeral today. She died because her lungs couldn’t do their job anymore. I don’t want to go like that.
    Giving up any addiction is tough but it CAN be done :))

    Reply

  83. Cathy says

    Sometimes it’s OKAY to be a quitter! I am proud of you! My dad died of lung cancer, smoked almost my whole life that I can remember, and it was a horrible, miserable, painful death. Your kids will not have to tell the same story…..

    Reply

  84. Elaine Millar says

    Hey girl, well done! I know the story and the difficulty.
    Been there with you. I quit on April Fools Day 1984. That was probably before you were even born. Best day of my life. My giftie to me.

    Congrats on the celebration.

    Reply

  85. zewa says

    Congratulaions Cathy on quitting, on moving more and eating less, on your new cook book stand and your jacket. Have you noticed the tragedy in Japan at all?

    Reply

  86. cathy says

    Oh definitely. I cant even fathom what they are going through right now. Wait, was this sarcasm? It can be so hard to tell on the Internet.

    Reply

  88. Leora says

    Congratulations Cathy! This is HUGE! My parents smoked and could never get passed the addiction. My kids can recite my rant about not ever starting. You are an inspiration.

    Reply

  89. Robyn says

    Woot, way to go. I know how it feels, I’ll be smoke free for 6 yrs in Sept. I am at the point where I cannot believe I smoked, what was I thinking.

    Reply

  91. dawn says

    Cathy, thank you for this understanding about my sister. I know it’s out of my hands but it’s the big sister in me that hates what she’s doing to herself. I think my feelings are so strong because of my parents smoking as a child, even then I knew it was wrong and wasn’t for me. She turns the big 40 in a month would be nice if that could change her way of thinking.

    Cathy, I hope my reply wasn’t too harsh for you and your past smoking days, I try never to make someone feel bad or hurt their feelings or anything like that. Just wanted you to know that I understand it’s addicting and hard to stop. My response was so fast without thinking, so know this had nothing to do with you and mostly about my sister. Thanks for sharing this with so many and I bet a lot of the smokers are going to be inspired after reading your post today. Thanks again Cathy.

    Reply

  92. dawn says

    Hi Cynthia,
    I had to chime in and tell you to listen to Cathy, she’s a great role model. Listen to those words and yes print it out like you said and put it in your house and your car. I am cheering for you and sending you some prayers, strength, hope, patience, willpower to say this is the day I QUIT. Just think if you quit today and next year on this very day you can tell Cathy it’s your first year nonsmoking anniversary and she will celebrate her 6th year. Won’t that be awesome. So find some support groups/friends/ go running/ take up another hobby and give it all you got. Good luck!!!

    Reply

  93. Suzanne says

    Congrats!!! It is a great feeling to be done with such a nasty happy! I quit almost 19 years ago when I was pregnant with our oldest and it was one of the hardest things I had ever done at that point.

    Reply

  94. Blogcomment BuzzKiller says

    Cathy, congratulations on giving up cigarettes, but have you EVEN NOTICED how the CIA’s relationships with governments in Libya and Bahrain may have blinded the United States to undercurrents of dissent?

    Reply

  96. cathy says

    Oh no no! Never too harsh. Seriously. Im ashamed of smoking. I really am. It was a stupid choice I made for so long. I feel your pain with your sister, totally. I quit when I was 40. Who knows! It might be her time! : )

    Reply

  97. Amber B says

    congrats cathy and everyone else on staying quit!
    coming from someone who “only” used to be a “social smoker” (the ” ” are because i know it’s just as bad!) it is still so tempting for me on those bad days to go buy a pack of cigarettes – but like other addictions, becomes a little easier when you remember to take it “a day at a time” as they say. (Im not going to smoke TODAY!)

    Reply

  99. Angela says

    Congratulations on a huge accomplishment. My BFF has been nicotine free for 11 years. He started smoking about the same age you did. He tried many many times to quit. He tried gum, patches, hypnosis, cold turkey. In the end he did not quite because he was tired of me pleading. In the end you have to love yourself enough to quit. You have to do it for yourself. Again, congratulations.

    Reply

  101. Lisa says

    Way to go Cathy!!! Congratulations on making it 5years. I never smoked but I watched my mom give it up after 40 years. She had such a tough time with it because she couldn’t do any of the patches or gums. It was sheer willpower as you did! Your body loves you for it!

    Reply

  104. Jeannie says

    Congratulations on this. You are a very wise and strong woman. This past year, I lost my brother (50) to alcohol, and 6 months later, his wife (48) to lung cancer from smoking. Your family will always be so grateful that you have made this very, very hard choice. I applaud you!

    Reply

  105. Stephanie F. says

    Cathy,

    That is great I know it was tough at times. I smoked since I was 14, and now have been smoke free for 12 years now. Truth be told I still have some moments that I would like a drag, but I know I am better to be without it. I love your honesty and humor. Thanks for sharing your accomplishments..you go!

    Reply

  107. Ashleigh says

    Congrats! It’s been 2 years since I quit & I completely understand that feeling like you lost your BFF feeling. Oh but how much is gained by giving up such a toxic relationship!

    Reply

  108. Danielle says

    Congratulations Cathy! And to all you other quitters out there. It is a hard thing to do & so worthwhile. Acknowledging this personal achievement is very important. And to share your pride is also important – it may just be the inspiration needed for those who are on the cusp of giving up.

    Like you, Cathy, I started at the ripe old age of 12. When my mum had to return to work, she arranged for in-home care for us after school (aka a babysitter). The girl who came over used to share her smokes with me & so it started.

    I gave up just about 12 years ago & I worked out my savings. Approx +$30,000AUD. And that’s a conservative estimate. It’s enormous!! Unthinkable that I could have potentially burnt all that money (not to mention the time, stink, ball & chain addiction, etc).

    I so hear you on the freedom from the addiction. It is LIBERATING to give it away. So for those of you who think you can’t, give it a try. Day by day. It will be hard initally. No bones about it. Even years later the urge can strike. But before long you realise you don’t need to check if you have enough smokes for your outing, or to last till pay day. You don’t have to interrupt everyone else’s schedule whilst you have a smoke before going somewhere. You won’t have to worry about if you stink or not. You will feel empowered.

    Reply

  110. Kathi says

    Congratulations!!! You have inspired me with your goals for healthy living. Quitting smoking is something you can be extremely proud of. Wah Hoo!

    Reply

  113. Susanmcl says

    Good news & fabulous reason to celebrate!! My husband and I both quit two years ago==Double trouble!! Now we are trying to get started on that 25 lbs we’ve gained. Oh, but the fragrances of the world are wonderful & the tastes can’t even be imagined. I smoked since 14yo==almost 37 years!! How dumb was that??

    Reply

  114. Karen says

    Congratulations! I tried to get my mom to quit for years, so I know how hard it is. Now she’s got rheumatoid arthritis (smoking-related), COPD (lung disease), is on oxygen, no longer leaves the house, and — you guessed it — still smokes. While I’ve accepted that she won’t quit after 50+ years of smoking, it’s still hard. I’m sure your family appreciates your accomplishment.

    Reply

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