Happy New Year!

     Every year at this time we all celebrate the New Year. Some of us make resolutions that we wish to achieve in the upcoming year. I don't normally do the resolution thing, but this year I decided that there is one  that I need to take care of, for more than reason too. I have to quit smoking. I know you think you have been duped by me with all the healthy stuff. Well I do have to admit that I am human and not perfect. My most unhealthy thing that I do is smoke. I have been smoking for about 25 years. I have tried many, many, times to quit. Sometimes I did great for months, sometimes I couldn't go a few hours. This time I have to make it work. There are so many reason besides it's just not good for you!

     My biggest reason is my health of course. I have changed so many things regarding my health in the past few years and this has been my biggest obstacle. It is really a hard habit to break. Now I have cut back greatly compared to what I used to smoke. I was a pack a day smoker then I cut back to a 1/2 a pack a day. Some days I went without any at all. So it's obvious, why not quit!  

     Second reason, my family, my kids. I don't want my kids to have to see me suffer with the illnesses that come with being a smoker. In the past few years I have watched a few friends and family members suffer and even die from Cancer. It is a horrible disease and the effects of it are unbearable. I know Cancer can hit at any age, it does no discriminate. Right now is the time for my to quit. I will be turning the big 4-0 this year. That is just another year closer to a chance of my health deteriorating from smoking. I always tell my kids not to smoke and so far they are still against it. My daughter who is 16, says she has never tried it and never will. I am glad. Let's just hope that my boys follow suit and stay away from this nasty drug.
     Last is the cost. Stopping smoking will save me an average of $1300 a year. Now that is huge considering I don't save anything. That is like a vacation for us. I would so much rather spend time with my family then smoke. I want to live a long healthy life so that I can someday enjoy my grandchildren. I would love to get back to exercising. There are many things that I would love to do but as a smoker it's hard because half the time I can't breathe. Stopping is not an option, I have to do this. From this point forward I will be considering myself a non-smoker. Wish me luck. Have a healthy day!