An Active Rain Member I Am So Proud Of - Even If This Is Not Read

George - I read what you wrote and want to say thank you!  I have had a moment or two of not staying true to myself - but in general have done much better than I expected myself to do.  I fell off the wagon once - but went right back the next day to being a non-smoker - every day is easier - although there has not been an easy one yet.

It is kind of funny - my husband who is a smoker and a long haul truck driver - was home for the weekend and didn't realize that he was the only one smoking...

By not talking with my family about my choice it is actually easier - kind of surprised me.  I think when I have asked for their help before it is overwhelming, they are always asking how I am doing with not smoking. 

I think when it has been 6 months I will schedule a vacation and announce this is for me for not smoking.  Until then we shall see how long it takes for them to notice.

Thanks again George.

George,

This is for Thesa.  I am proud of you for quiting smoking.  And you know what?  Even if it doesn't take this time look at as practice for when you do quit.  Smoking is  one of the worst addictions there is and the hardest to break.  So hang in there and know that now or whenever you decide to stop you have support here. :)

FYI many smokers started when there was no information about how terrible a toll it would take on the body.  Oh yes, every knew it wans't that good for your lungs, but no body told the public that it would cause cancer and a host of other things.  The tobacco industry has for the last 30 years steadily increased the amount of tobacco in cigarettes and other addictive ingredients.  Yes, the best policy is to just say "no" before you start, but many of us were programed into thinking it was cool to smoke.  Now we pay the price. 

Hang in there girl, you WILL quit, if not now later. :)

George - You are such a caring guy, always encouraging all of us!!  This was great of you.  Again, you make me think your clients must be among the happiest and most satisfied EVER.

Thesa - You have been so brave telling us how things have gone.  When you came back and told us you had a little lapse, I was even more proud of you.  You're going to beat this because you really are strong. 

George and Thesa -- keep up the good work! 

George,it was read and I too hope and wish Thesa well with her goal. It's not an easy one but WoW how rewarding in the end.

Many times there are great blogs but unfortunately they are overlooked...happens to me all the time but you just put it out there and if it sticks, great ... if it doesn't...oh well. Try again.

Thesa - Hang in there - you can do it.  Just think what a great vacation you can have in 6 months if you put the saved cigarette money in a jar every day....you will probably be amazed.  I quit over 25 years ago - many of us started smoking when we were young and before the dangers were known but I remember it was hard to quit.  You can do it.

George - great kindness and generousity on your part to start this post to help Thesa.