Happy Anniversary To Me
Picture: A glorious sunset over the Coconino Plateau from the rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona
It’s not quite as big as sobriety, but it does harken to a chemical dependancy. Two years ago this week, the boat I bought showed up in my driveway. Two years ago this week I had my very last cigarette. It was a nasty habit I’d picked up, fought, and wrestled with off andf on since I was a Junior in High School. I am so happy that the promise I made to myself has succeeded, when all other attempts to quit smoking failed.
The odd thing – during every failure, I wanted to quit, and in those times, quitting was easy. Each time I tried, I did quit, but only for a few weeks or a few months. Yet I always fell back.
This last time, I didn’t want to quit. I just made myself a promise that if I bought the boat, I’d quit. This time was worse by far than any other attempt, again because I really didn’t want to quit. Despite my anti-smoking aids, the withdrawls went on for months. Yet I never fell back. The major difference was that this time I’d found something I wanted more than cigarettes. I made a promise and thankfully, this time it stuck.
It seems the sun has finally set on my days as a smoker. Now I only have one more year to go before I can qualify for non-smoker health insurance rate.
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December 2nd, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Congrats Gary! A healthy and wise choice. Glad you’re able to stick with it.
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Congratulations!
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Congratulations, Gary – that’s terrific! One of the best things you’ve done for yourself and those who care for you, I’m sure!
- Jack
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Good for you, and your family will thank you. My dad has smoked since high school and has no desire to quit, even though the rest of our family would like it. At least now the wildlife can’t smell you coming down the trail
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Drug addicts say that quitting smoking is more difficult that quitting crack, heroin or any other drug. So a BIG congrats on what may be the most difficult thing to quit, besides eating food!
Patrick
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Congratulations, Gary!! Yes, that’s reputed to be one of the most difficult habits to kick. I guess you’re one of the few who really knows. Good call!
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:18 pm
I’m glad for you Gary. Also, so your kids can have a healthy father when they are my age!
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:48 am
congratulations on your continued smoke free life
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:03 am
Awesome Gary – congratulations!
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:48 am
Congratulations sweetie. I know it’s not been an easy road for you, but you did it!!! You have added years to your life and for that the kids and I grateful.
December 5th, 2009 at 4:49 am
Congrats Gary. Now can you convince my brother to finally quit?
December 16th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Nice one Gary! Next week will also be 2 years since I quit smoking.
Any ideas on how to convince my wife to quit after almost 30 years of the evil stuff?