In April of 1982 I quit smoking. I didn't intend to quit forever. I only intended to stop smoking my two or three cigarettes a day until I got over a nasty case of bronchitis. I was 31 years old and it hurt to breathe, let alone smoke. I recovered from the bronchitis, but one April day thirty years ago I didn't light up. On another April day I didn't light up and before I realized it I had quit smoking. Forever.
Those were the days when you could smoke at your desk. I worked in a room with five other people and three of them smoked. Two smoked cigarettes and one smoked cigars. Now that seems like it could have been several centuries ago, but it's only thirty years.
I don't think about quitting smoking very much anymore, but I thought of it today because I heard that a friend of mine's daughter smokes. She is nineteen, a beautiful college sophomore, and it broke my heart to hear she was smoking.
In honor of my No Smoking anniversary I am officially declaring Buttercupland a No Smoking blog. Of course you can visit if you smoke, but I hope if you do smoke you will think about quitting. I love all of the citizens of Buttercupland and wish all of you long, happy and healthy lives and that's easier to achieve if you don't smoke. Please make this the one April day you don't light up. Buttercup -- and your lungs -- thank you!
28 comments
I am so very proud of you!
Very well said. The sickest I have ever been is with bronchitis. I cannot imagine how difficult it would be to struggle to breathe day after day. Congratulations on your anniversary.
Sound the horns and shoot some confetti... I am SUPER proud of you! I smoked when I was much younger but haven't smoked in 27 or so years! Keep it up and we'll cheer other smokers to stop too! HUGS!
Congrats on the 30th!!!
... Ya, I remember so well when smoking was the "cool" thing to do. Took me forever to learn. So stupid!
Me too for the quitting smoking about that long ago - - - but I smoked at least a pack a day. I can't stand the smell anymore.
I never smoked, I took a drag once, just once, and I hated it! I remember the days when co-workers smoked, and I would get infections in my wind pipe from second hand smoke. Not fun. I am a huge fan of No Smoking Allowed. xo
Wow! Good for you and congratulations. I know that once you smoke, it is difficult to quit so well done!
I never knew you smoked. I'm proud of you for never smoking again.
I am so glad you made that healthy decision years ago. It saved your life and gave us a great blogging buddy.
That is one bad habit I never tried. Now if I could quit diet Dr. Peppers I would be healthier.
Great post
Have a wonderful week
Love
Maggie
Well done Buttercup; you are a role model that shows people that yes, it is possible to quit!
Congratulations AND happy breathing.
That is a tough thing to quit!
Melinda
CONGRATULATIONS on this MILESTONE. That is quite an accomplishment. I don't smoke myself. But my husband did. He now has COPD. So sad. Take care.
Congrats on reaching 30 years!! That is awesome!! My husband quit in 1999. My daughter-in-law quit too. Now I wish my son would also. Keep up the good work!
~Linnea
Buttercup, I have just found your lovely blog and am now following!...Congratulations on not smoking for 30 years!! I have never smoked (my Mom did, so I grew up around it) but my husband smokes those nasty little cigars that he thinks "are not as bad as cigarettes" ! Bah! Trying to get him to quit, to no avail...
So nice to meet YOU, though!
Best,
Anne
I quit smoking 23 years ago and never looked back. Best thing I ever did for myself! Congrats on your anniversary! I wonder why anyone starts nowadays, with all the info out there. You would think it would be a no-brainer! xxoo
That's quite a milestone! My house is smoke free, however I'm sure my lungs are filled with pet fur. :)
Wonderful anniversary to be celebrating! Both my parents smoked but both were able to quit. Much harder for my mom but she did and then greatly encouraged the few of her grandkids that do.
Congrats! A former smoker myself I know how hard the habit is to kick! 30 years!!! WOO HOO
Congratulations! I remember those days too when people could smoke in the breakroom or their office. Now even the bars are smoke free! ~Roberta
There is something kinda pathetic about smokers nowadays. Their addiction in there for all the world to see...and smell.
Congratulations Buttercup - way to go. sandie
Congratulations on quitting long ago and being so glad that you did!
I received the DVD last week and it looks super cute. I know my grandson will love it.
Thank you!!!
Hugs, Cindy
What a wonderful anniversary! Congratulations!
Congratulations! I'm sure your health is so much better than it would've been if you'd continued too :) I've never smoked, but my husband quit 10 years ago. I'm so glad he did!
Blessings,
Marcia
Buttercup, I quit smoking a long time ago...my grandson asked me if I smoked and I said no. Then I thought,omg, I just lied to my g.son....then I just quit, so it would not be a lie. But the really dumb part was I did not smoke till I was 32. Never in my home,car, or families homes. Only at work or if I went out with friends. I am happy for us who quit and happier for those who never start. Smiles, Susie
You should be very proud of yourself. It makes me sad when I find that a friend who quit suddenly decides to start again after many years. Keep up the good work.
Congratulations!! I had to comment as my smoking cessation is now 38 yrs old (April 15, 1974). I, too, had terrible bronchitis and I'd just ended another sleepless night of coughing, put my feet on the floor, went to the kitchen to grab a new pack of Virginia Slims Menthol and dropped the pack like a hot potato and said to myself that I would never touch another cigarette. It was the right time and I have never regretted one second. A new carton of the cigarette's sat in the cupboard above my kitchen sink for 3 years, untouched! Finally threw them away when we moved in 1978.
AWESOME!
I am a fan of just about anyone who quit smoking. I never started. But I have seen so many family members and friends who have suffered the consequences. I won't take your space to get on my soap box. Just know that I am happy for you and support your smoke free environment.
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