I was forced to quit five years ago. I too have COPD, discovered in 1999. I loved smoking, loved surrounding myself with fellow "outsiders" and hated bossy people who preached at me.
I liken this experience to being a 12 yr old who has free reign in Disneyland. As kids do, we run and play with wild abandon. There's no thought to "payment" for all that fun UNTIL the day one hits a brick wall. Someone gets in your face and says, "Ok. Party's over. PAY UP!"
If you have a death wish, if you think you'll continue to be bullet proof, ignore the warning. It's as simple as that.
And to all smokers who may read this: It's your call and I'll fight for your right to make your own decisions. It's tough, I know. Probably the toughest challenge you'll ever have to overcome. But it's the only way to live long enough to see your kids and grandkids mature.
Thanks for the posts on quitting smoking. That is my husband's New Year's resolution. I'm saving this thread for him to read the success stories.
Congratulations to all of you who have kicked the habit. Prayers for all of you who are trying.
I had the good fortune of being able to quit cold-turkey years ago when I got pregnant with my first child. My daddy was able to quit almost as easily as I did...not so for my mother and sister. They went through a lot of chewing gum and tears, but finally did it after several tries. I don't think my sis would have ever quit if she hadn't become afraid for her own health after she watched a good friend die from lung cancer, and he still was not able to stop smoking even when breathing became so difficult.
So did I!! And I will miss it until the day I die. You know, I think I will always consider myself a "smoker"......I just don't smoke anymore. Only someone who has been a lifelong smoker and who has quit would understand that. I've heard that mentality holds true with other addictions as well.
I have never jumped on the anti-smoker bandwagon, for exactly the reasons you stated. I hated those who were constantly preaching at me, and I won't do it to anyone else. There are people near and dear to me who still smoke. I have never said one admonishing word to them. They know what they are doing. If my example doesn't impress them, nothing I can say will. But the fact is, if you're gonna dance, eventually you're gonna have to pay the piper.
Happy New Year, Humidston!