Be a quitter

In March it'll be eight years since I quit smoking. I don't get on the soap box about it much, if ever. As much as I hate being preached to, which is a lot, I almost hate being the preacher more!

Today is the Great American Smokeout, though, and so smoking is on my mind.

It took me a few tries over many years before I finally quit -- for good, it appears. I rarely even think about smoking these days.

It's one of the best things I ever did for myself and for my family. I'm rather slow about it, but I think successfully quitting smoking has aided in since making a series of good-for-me lifestyle changes: quitting soda, becoming more fit and active, and recent dietary changes that have resulted in significant weight loss.

For me, in all these things, awareness and planning were/are key. Complete avoidance of triggers and temptation is impossible, so I had to figure out in advance how I'd handle those situations.

I documented my journey back in the day, and you can read all about it here (scroll to the bottom to get to the beginning).

If I can do it, anyone can do it.

I urge you to set a date.

* * * * *

Thank goodness for the Smokeout today! We're half-way through NaBloPoMo and my blog fodder cupboard is bare. Well, not quite bare, but pickin's are slim! What to blog?

 

Comments

[Flan]

Wow, that means I've been reading (and mostly lurking!) on your blog for almost eight years! I think I stumbled upon your blog just a couple weeks before you quit.

[margene]

You are an inspiration to people who need to quit, needed get fit (me), and eat well. My fodder cupboards are rather bare, too.

[duni]

congratulations! i know that is so hard to do. <3

and if you're looking for blogging inspiration i always love to read those "follow up with my knitting" posts where folks list a few of their knits and how they have worn, what they look like now, if they are still loved, etc. educational. :)

[Carole]

I thought of you today when they mentioned on the news that today is the Great American Smoke out. Good for you for quitting, Vicki!

[Susan]

Oh, my gosh, has it been eight years already? I remember that, and the cold turkey hat. Congratulations for reaching and sticking to your goal!

[Mary]

eight years...congratulations! (and 15 days...congratulations!)

[Entangled Carol]

Congrats! I've watched loved ones go through this process with all different levels of success. It's not easy, but it is never the wrong decision.

[Gene Bernice]

Great Job!! Hope it inspires other people to quit smoking and soda for a healthy and happy life.

[kmkat]

Good for you! It means you will be around to enjoy your family (and entertain me!) for years longer.

[Beth]

I don't need to read it because I read it the first time! :) Congratulations on all of your lifestyle improvements. You're an inspiration.