Yesterday was my one year anniversary of giving up the dreaded cigarettes.

After smoking for nearly 40 years I decided I wanted to quit and after many failed attempts in the past, I decided this time I really wanted to give them away. I think that's the reason I've succeeded so far this time and not during the other attempts.....because I wanted to give them up and not because I was told to by the doctor or a relative, or because I was being forced into it with situations like non-smoking workplace policies etc. It was because I made the decision myself.

I used the patches for one month, then went pretty well cold turkey after that. I still have the occassional craving but overall I'm doing really well.

Although some of the damage that smoking has done to my body can't ever be repaired, I feel better in myself. I can climb stairs and hills without puffing, and my chest feels and sounds clear at last.

Congratulations to others who've also succeeded, and to those who are trying to give them away.