I bet you weren't expecting that, huh? And I bet some of you are really surprised that I was ever a smoker to being with. But I was. For many years.
There was a time when smoking was very popular, even encouraged. It was socially acceptable and people smoked everywhere. During my teen years you were more likely to take up smoking than not. And having spent the majority of my life (so far) in a province with the highest rate of smokers, your chances skyrocketed. So I foolishly joined the crowd, became addicted and ended up regretting it.
But ten years ago today, I decided I'd had enough. I kicked the smoking habit to the curb and have never looked back since. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.
Ten glorious smoke-free years. Yay, me!
Congratulations! I gave up smoking - I can't remember which year now, but it was on my birthday. It wasn't easy, but being smoke-free was my birthday present to myself. Well done you!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, the comment option was not showing, so I'm replying to another comment so I can comment! :-) Congratulations to you and to all those who have kicked the habit. I know it's not easy, but it's so good for your health.
DeleteThis comment issue happens to me all the time on this particular blog, but I find if I click reply on another comment, the normal comment option box appears down the bottom.
DeleteGood for you, Sarah! Yes, it isn't easy, but definitely worth it.
DeleteNatalie, you are right; there are ways around this commenting problem but some people don't know about it. I considered changing my commenting style but don't like the other options since I enjoy replying to each person individually.
DeleteThanks, Tina! I'm one of many who have finally kicked this habit.
DeleteCongratulations, Martha. You are doing great. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I am definitely going to stay on this path!
DeleteBravo, and more power to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteKudos! Take a deep breath and appreciate that you can! Part of the reward for kicking it!
ReplyDeleteOh, you bet!
DeleteCongratulations!!!! A wonderful achievement to be celebrating for 10 years!!! I worked for a doctor once who said the best gift someone could give themselves was to stop smoking if they were a smoker, so indeed a great gift you bestowed upon your body with being smoke free!!!
ReplyDeletebetty
This is definitely the best gift you can gift yourself.
DeleteCongrats Martha it could not have been easy!
ReplyDeleteThank you! No, it wasn't easy. But it was a great thing to do!
DeleteIt killed my dad, but my mom quit, then started again briefly, then quit again.
ReplyDeleteIt's not easy to quit and many people quit many times. And start up again many times.
DeleteCongrats ! It has been 2 years for Papa and I this February to and we don't miss it at all . It wasn't easy but well worth it !
ReplyDeleteBravo to both of you! Keep it up.
DeleteThat is awesome. Truly awesome! Smoking killed both of my parents so I applaud you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that about your parents. I lost a friend and a cousin to this.
DeleteYou are to be commended. I never smoked but my husband did. He quit in 1969. My brother had a client who told him that quitting smoking was harder for him than getting off heroin; the man did both.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, it is difficult to quit. Smoking is so addictive.
DeleteI think that deserves something like a trip to somewhere exotic. Think of all the money you have saved. And of course the health benefits will last forever. Congratulations, Martha!
ReplyDeleteA trip to somewhere exotic sounds wonderful! I'll have to think about that. Maybe after we've sold the house and settled into a new one.
DeleteCongratulations. I was lucky because smoking always gave me a terrible headache and cough.
ReplyDeleteLucky you! It's best to never have picked up this habit.
DeleteWell done. Giving up any kind of addiction is a true test of strength!! -Jenn
ReplyDeleteThanks! I am very proud of this. But I do wish I'd never started!
DeleteYES! Yeah you! That is quite an accomplishment, Martha!
ReplyDeleteI smoked from ages 16 to 20. I never liked it but I guess I was hooked as well. One day I threw away a whole pack and that was it!
Bravo, Jim! You quit before it got a true hold on you.
DeleteCongrats on being smoke free for 10 years!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI'm glad for you! Congrats on 10 years!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bethany! It is quite an accomplishment. Thankfully it's not socially acceptable anymore!
DeleteYay you! Congratulations on being smoke free. Quitting smoking was one of the hardest things I ever did.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness you did quit! Something to be proud of.
DeleteAhh such a great decision Martha!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in a house of early morning smoke wafting across the breakfast table. I was always fanning the smoke away from me. Is it true that smoke always travels to that one person who eventually ends up with an allergy or an immune deficiency ~ in my case yes.
So bravo to you and keep those bloody smokes at bay, far far away!!!
I'm very happy this is over and done with. I'm NEVER going back to that again.
DeleteCongratulations. quitting was so difficult for me so I always admire people who have beat the craving. I must say though, even after 35 years there are times ...
ReplyDeleteThat is pretty common but thankfully I've never had a craving. I think it's because I grew to resent cigaretted so much!
DeleteGood for you, Martha! It's a real testament to your willpower and determination that you've been a non-smoker for 10 years!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debra. I don't take this lightly. It's a challenge to quit, and that's why I'm very sympathetic to others trying to do the same.
DeleteGlad you quit, Martha! It is so hard for some people. I have a friend who quit recently and she is staying with it. I am praying for her!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to her, Nancy! I hope she sticks with it. It's not easy but she'll be so happy she did it!
DeleteWell done Martha ...
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thanks, Jan!
DeleteBRILLIANT!
ReplyDeleteBest thing I ever did!
Delete