I started smoking ciggerettes when I was 18, because it was legal and I wanted to feel accepted and not bored. I tried to avoid full blown addiction, I would stop for a week then start, or smoke just one ciggerette then stop. Eventually, life happened and I became stressed out. Then cigs became a neccesity. I'm now 43 and I've been smoke free for almost 8 months. I feel better and I am less worried. I always thought cigs helped with stress, I don't believe that anymore. Maybe one in 30 cigs eases tension, the rest just made me sick. On the whole, they added tons more stress to my life. They weren't helping. I was believing a lie. I enjoy walking now. I read more. I have more time for my family. The cigs did a lot of damage that can't be undone, but at least they aren't causing damage today. I am glad I quit.

[roads]

Actually a lot can be undone. I quit 20 yrs ago, when I was 45 & had a 3 pk/day habit. My lungs are much better now, I can walk further & faster, climb a higher grade with fewer problems. I camp, hike, backpack better now at 65 than before I quit.

So congratulations & be prepared to be even happier you quit with each anniversary!

[notz]

Brook!!! Congratulations! What a fine thing you've started, stopping smoking is a hard thing to do. It's been just about 14 years now for me.

I just had a conversation with my 23 year old niece about this over the weekend. She doesn't ever remember me smoking! That made me feel really good. She didn't ever remember me smelling yucky and she didn't remember me stuck outside smoking while the real fun was going on inside. Doesn't matter how long a flight it is, I don't refuse anymore!

The health benefits alone...you've done a wonderful thing! You go, girl!

Thanks. When I smoked, I was OK with the idea of dieing 10 years too soon. My self esteem was dangerously low and I was physicly sick and nauseous frequently. I perseverated on unpleasant memories more than I do now. I am glad I was able to quit. The universe seemed to align just right and I had an opportunity to escape my cig addiction. I took the opportunity and I am very glad I did.