7 years and counting...

I just stumbled on this old blog, and wanted to post an update to let any reader(s) know that I am still smoke-free after 7 years, 5 months, and 15 days, or something like that. I am definitely not counting the days anymore.

I do get tempted now and then. Fall weather, hot coffee, out-of-town socializing (places where people still smoke in public, even indoors) are all sentimental places for me. Fortunately, I am confident enough in my quit and far enough away from the grip of it that I can feel these longings, keep them in a happy memory lane place, and then joyfully renew my commitment never to smoke another cigarette again in my life.

My two daughters are more than enough motivation, but I think I had enough reasons to stay quit anyway.

Recently, my two brothers who quit successfully for years relapsed, to varying degrees. I sympathize, and I think they're back off smokes now, but this news merely strengthens my conviction that there is no justification for a relapse--the penalty is too high. I don't want to deal with the effects of a relapse, and that cigarette would taste terrible and make me feel gross and guilty.

So hooray for a successful quit. So many people have done it. You can, too!