I started smoking cigarettes when I was 12 years of age. Both my parents smoked so it was easy for me to get cigarettes. I started on Chesterfields, moved to Lucky Strikes then to Camels, preferred doctors the ads said.
Eventually, it became a habit, an expensive one, that turned into a 3-pack a day habit. It continued for 30 or so years. Then it was time to stop so I stopped, cold turkey, over 25 years ago. I approached it as a 1-day-at-a-time venture. I would wake up each morning and say "Lord, with your help I will not smoke today." I still make the same resolution. Maybe not every day, now, but anytime I have that urge for a puff.
The Great American Smokeout takes place on the 3rd Thursday of November each year
In 1970 the idea for the Smokeout began in Randolph, MA by Arthur P. Mullaney. Arthur asked people to give up cigarettes for one day and donate the money they would have spent to a High School scholarship fund.
1974 saw D-Day "Don't Smoke Day" in Minnesota
1976 saw the American Cancer Society effectively get over 1-million smokers to quit for 1-day
1977 saw the 1st Great American Smokeout Day sponsored by the American Cancer Society.
When I quit smoking and my sense of smell returned I learned just how awful cigarette smoke odor is. Now when I take a listing where the owners are smokers I speak to them about how odors can be offensive to buyers kill the possibility of receiving an offer. I do explain I have an air purification device that can be of great aid and would it be ok to place in their home.
If you are a smoker please consider taking part in this year's Great American Smokeout on Thursday, 21 November 2017.
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