Thanks Richard, I wish it was as simple as making the decision, then doing it. I don't want to give anyone the impression that I was able to kick the habit without any problems. Making the decision to quit was a no brainer, but actually following up on that decision was one of the toughest things I ever did. Nicotine is an extremely powerful drug that will test your willpower like little else will. Between the time that I decided to quit and actually took my last puff, was about 2 weeks. I had tried at least a dozen times before that to quit because it was expected of me. But until I REALLY wanted to quit, all my attempts were half hearted, and the results proved it. Just like an alcoholic, if I took one drag from a cigarette now, I'm afraid I would be hooked all over again. I think the only thing that keeps me from that temptation is the horrible smell from anything associated with cigarettes. When I smoked I never had a clue how disgusting cigarettes smelled, how bad my car smelled, or how much I stunk up the house, or even how nasty I smelled. I was also a selfish, bull headed, litterbug. I now see those same traits in other people that smoke. And I know that they don't realize how others perceive them, because once I was in their shoes.
Well I've preached my little sermon, and I'm sure it will fall on deaf ears, but I feel better for having said it.
