BKP

I see your list of reasons not to quit. Where are the reasons why you should?

nope

Congrats! 6 months is a really big deal!

Good job! Keep it going Sneaky.

I'm tired of the dogma that government is intrusive, self-serving, and just needs to keep out of our lives. (Not to say they're perfect by any means). Let's point out a few areas where governments have actually saved lives and served the public welfare. Ban on thalidomide in the 1960's. In 1957 thalidomide was first released as an over the counter sleep aid in Germany. By 1960, thalidomide was marketed in 46 countries, with sales nearly matching those of aspirin. Around this time it began being prescribed off label as an effective treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women. It wasn't long before hundreds of babies were being born with phocomelia (malformed limbs). In 1962, the FDA banned thalidomide before it was ever officially approved for use in the US (although clinical trials resulted in hundreds of babies born with birth defects). Most countries followed suit in subsequent years, but not before over 10,000 children were born with severe birth defects (half of whom died in infancy). Mandatory seat belt laws. In 1975 it became law in the US that drivers and passengers were required to wear seat belts. The CDC has estimated that in the US alone, this regulation has saved approximately 645,000 lives since it's inception. Lead paint ban. In 1978 the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the sale of lead paint in the US. Unfortunately, nearly all houses built prior to 1960 have lead. There is NO safe level of lead for children. According to a recent Lancet Public Health study, over 400,000 deaths per year are caused by past lead exposure in the US. Without this ban, untold millions more deaths would happen over the coming decades. So, if governments want to slap on new anti-smoking regulations, taxes, restrictions, etc. I'm all for it. Without the public health and safety agencies protecting our food, air, drugs, and environment, I shudder to think what the unfettered corporations would be doing right now in pursuit of the almighty buck.

nope

I am a planner extraordinaire. Spreadsheets, calendars, reminders, graphs. I planned at least 50 quits over the decades. That being said, I actually quit on a whim. I was so tired of going to bed wheezing every night and feeling shortness of breath. One night, after my final evening cigarette, I said, "That's my last one. I'm done." In the back of my mind I thought I'd last a maximum of 3 days. That seemed to be my normal "quit" time limit. I still, to this day, can't say exactly why this time I didn't start up again after day 3, or 10 or 100. I just know that the longer I went, the more valuable my quit became to me. I didn't want to throw it away, even when the cravings seemed unbearable. Now I feel completely free. So, I'd encourage anyone who decides to spontaneously quit to go for it. You never know if some unknown factor will kick in and make it your forever quit. ****** Of course planning, education, and support greatly improves one's chance of success.******

nope

You do care about your quit ren. That's why you posted an SOS. The first few months of a quit can be like navigating through a minefield. One wrong step and BAM. Best to follow in the footsteps of someone who has safely made it to the other side. Those are the people who preach NOPE and tell you it does get better with time. Believe them and follow them.

Congratulations Jo. 6 months is a big event. I brought along Australian comic book hero Brick Bradford to celebrate. In any other country one would assume that's a porn star's name. Enjoy your special day!

Congratulations lml. Keep this great thing going!

Congratulations Fab ?

Congratulations Wayne. Just think, that car is the second best gift you’ve given yourself.

Congratulations Catlover ? Well done!

Late to the party, but a hearty congratulations on your big two year anniversary Jill =?

Congratulations Jack

Congratulations Wee. You’re reaching lofty heights ?

Don't wish it was easier, wish you were better. Don't wish for less problems, wish for more skills. Don't wish for less challenges, wish for more wisdom. -- Jim Rohn

Congrats!

Great achievement....congrats!

Congrats GITW.....well done

Thumbing through the 1st anni photo album. I'm sure this one will be much merrier. No kiddies on Lido Deck level 2.