One year today 2/5 and still smoke free !!!!

From day one, I never truly thought I could really do it. But hey, so far so good!

I don't know how many butts you smoked a day but I must say I'm extremely proud of you for giving up the habit.

Smokers use to rule the restaurants in my area exposing all non-smokers, including children, to the harmful effects of second hand smoke. Unfortunately, that practice was accepted for many years, but not anymore.

All the restaurants in my area are now smoke free. It originally started as a non-smoking area in each but graduated to no smoking at all. All the smokers protested and stated they wouldn't patronize these restaurants, but the places are always full of hungry people.

Digger, you've done a great thing for yourself and your family. You should be extremely proud of your accomplishment. I'm proud of you!

Bob

Congatulations Digger !!!!
I gave them up 30 years ago this past Jan 1st.
I have never regretted it.

Congrats Digger. I gave that nasty habit up about 2 and a half years ago. Right after my father passed away from congestive heart and lung failure. It was a really sad and horrible way to die. I never want to be a slave to the tobbacco industry. Again Digger congrats, a person can always do whatever that have their heart and mind set on.

Way to go Digger! I know it's been a tough year for you.
Bob

Congrats on such a great accomplishment!!! I spent my first few years out of college working on lung cancer research so it is always so great to hear of someone who has given up the nasty habit! Seeing my father over the years trying to give it up several times and not quite getting there, I know it must have not been an easy thing for you to do. Keep up the awesome work and just think, all that money you save by not buying those "cancer sticks" as my father calls them, can be put into your HL collection.

shirin

Way To Go Digger!

We're proud of you! Your family and friends are no doubt proud, too!!

Congratulations! I remeber as a kid the cloud of smoke that would start to settle around my father's face and then descend to his torso. Eventually, the cloud would be enough so that it was like looking at fog to see his body. He gave up after his first heart attack, and thank goodness, he's 86 and still going. So good luck on staying off the cigs

Congratulations Digger,

I know how hard it is- I tried many times before I actually succeded in giving up cigarettes.

It's been so long I'm no longer sure how long it is.

The one thing connected to my giving up cigarettes that is ironic is that my daughter Beth was one of the reasons I stopped smoking. she was very verbal against smoking as a child.

She's now been a smoker since her Senior year in High School- about 6 years and counting. She's still not ready to give it up.

Dennis

Congratulations Digger!

We are very proud of you!

That is so

When I was little I'd steal my dad's cigarettes, break them all in half and then put them in the toilet. I wouldn't flush them, I'd leave them there for him to see how mad I was.

shirin

Great job of sticking with your decision. We all do want you to be around for a while, so we're all glad you have been successful in your "undertaking" (am I warped, or what?)

Dave

Way to go, Digger!! It is over 10 years now since I quit and the first year was the hardest for me... It is easy now, in fact I can't stand the smoke at all!!

Good job, Digger! Keep it up, we know you can do it! We want to keep you "above ground" as long as we can!!!!

I can't believe that it's been a year already. That is just so great Steve...glad to hear you are doing so well. So, have you been working on your painting more? How come we haven't seen any new pictures on the forums? I always enjoyed it when you posted them.
Ruthie

Actually the painting has been the big casualty of breaking the habit so far. Becky always told me that she didn't think I could paint without a cigarette. Well she was pretty darn close so far! Without the "habit" and not having my dog at my feet (his blanket is still there) when I painted any more it has been very, VERY hard to get back into the proper "atmosphere" to paint. I learned many years ago, that if I weren't in the proper mood, not to even try.

I don't think you will have to wait much longer. I have been getting that "itch" and that craving for acrylic!!

Congratulations Digger

You have learned how to use one of the greatest powers that God has given US.

Controlling your own destiny.

Keep up the great work. It is all down hill down now.

Congratulations on such a wonderful achievement Steve. I look forward to seeing those new paintings and drawings. I know personally how difficult it is to kick the habit (I did in 1980). I also know that those urges decrease more over time and you have passed that all important goal. Keep up with the healthy lifestyle. I know you are feeling better and enjoy life more because of your decisions to take control.

Ron
(CT Keeper)

Congratulations Digger I know first hand how hard it is. I am now on my 13th year and never thought it would be possible.
Its even more enjoyabe now living in smoke free Delaware, In November of 2002 they passed a law banning smoking in any public place including bars and casinos. Now they are trying to pass a law banning smoking at all Kids ball games and even on the beach,no second hand smoke here, and im sure the law will move to other states except the ones that have income from growing the stuff.

Ron
Don't downgrade the states who "grow the stuff". Every person has the right to either smoke or not smoke.

Congratulations Digger!

When I quit my smoking addiction 3-1/2 years ago, I ended up with another addiction and that was collecting Harbour Lights. I went from about 10 pieces at the time to about 200. I couldn't get enough of it. I'd go right from the dinner table to the computer.

And I thought I spent alot of money on cigarettes. Of course I'm glad I have the addiction I have now though.

Ken

Good for you, Steve! It is a great accomplishment and taking each day at the time, you can keep being smoke free.
Derith

Congrats Digger. It's hard to stop smoking, I remember when Dad quit, man was he a bit of a grouch for the first 6 months.

Way to Go, Digger!!!
Dave and Kate

Congratulations!
As many of you know, I am a pharmacist and I continually lecture people about the harms of smoking. In fact, my TV segment this month is about smoking cessation products. (by the way, if you are in the St. Louis area you can see my segment at 0615 on Thursday 2-13-03 on Channel 5- KSDK NBC). It is a HUGE thing that you have accomplished. If you ever feel like lighting up again, call me! I will be glad to talk you out of it. Or better yet, look in the mirror, tell yourself what a wonderful thing it is you have done and resist the temptation!
Keep up the good work-
chris g

Again Steve, congratulations! It was very tough for you, but you succeeded! Keep up the great work.

Tim

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

Now you will be able to run up the lighthouse steps instead of huffing and puffing up them.

Mary and Jeff