At midnight on January 19, 1997, I quit smoking, for good.  This time.  Yes, I had quit several times before. But, this time was different.  My heart was in it. I really wanted to give it up.  That was four thousand-eighteen (4018) days ago!  It seems like just yesterday.  I would rollover.  Open one eye and feel around my night stand, scrambling for a cigarette.

Do I miss it?  You bet I do!  I’m an addict.  Do I regret quiting?  Are you kidding?  The benefits of quitting far out-way the pleasures of smoking.  I can breathe again.  I can taste and smell.  I don’t wake up every morning coughing uncontrollably.

Is it hard to quit?  You’re darn right it is.  Day number one was the worst.  It was like time was standing still.  Hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second the clock seemed to move backwards.  I thought the day would never end.  But it did. Straight into day number two. Only slightly less agonizing.  Days three, four, five, a week and finally a month had passed.  Ahhhhh! Finally a month.  I was beginning to loose the urge to hurt innocent by-standers.  My kids started to feel like it was safe to have a conversation with me! AND alas, I began to start feeling better.

A month turned into two, three, and then a year.  Five years into ten.  The urge to light up is very rare now.  BUT, when it’s there, it’s INTENSE, for thirty seconds or so.  Then it’s gone again.  Maybe for months.  Life as a recovering addict. BUT, it is possible.  I’m living proof!

Have you quit yet?  Do you want to?  I’d like to hear you story.