Okay Guatam. I have you on my list to track along with Jer tomorrow
Bill wanted to know how long for me? I've been trying to recall but I believe it is 11 or 12 years now. I have not had any cravings due to withdrawal or habit since the first several weeks - maybe a couple of months? I still recall the pleasure and/or comfort of a smoke at certain times, but I am much more aware of the pleasures of not worrying about how I smell to non smokers, appreciating not having the expense and inconvenience of smoking, and the pure delight in being comfortable, even looking forward to being, in smoke free environments.
A word of caution:
Back in the 70's when I was still affiliated with the YWCA, I had quit smoking and had been smoke free for almost three years. I was drafted by the American Cancer Society to run stop smoking clinics and did this at the Y for some time - with rather dubious long term results I might add.
Then I went to Colorado for a week long training event. My yet unmet roommate had left a pack of cigs on her bed and almost unconciously I pitched a dime on the pack and took one. It made me light headed for a bit, but the next thing I knew I was buying a pack out of a machine. Just this once to get me through the stress of the week I told myself.
It was no time at all that I was back to burning up three packs a day again. I am one of those addictive personalities who can't even have one without breaking my 'sobriety'. So I don't have even one. That is no doubt not the case for everybody. But those of you who are quitting might ask yourself if all the fun your having is worth the risk of having to do it again.
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now.
Go Bill!
Go Heeven!
Go Jer!
Go Guatam!
