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That is awesome Reynjoe! Reward yourself often and steadily keep travelling that journey. Know we are here to hold you up if you need help along the way.

Camping and riding my new e-bike. This is great. I can keep up with hubby and you should see the hills I climbed. Some pictures of where we are staying, Punderson State Park in Ohio.

How awesome is that! Congratulations on one year smoke free. I hope you are savoring your smoke free life!

Wow Diane. You are doing great. Many of us have gained weight when quitting. You will do fine when your off. Stay busy and reward yourself often.

@reciprocity cool pictures. I often see clouds like those over Lake Erie, which is a couple blocks away. Ours only happen when the whether is stormy. It is odd that yours occurred when the sun is shining.

I am from Ohio known for it's crappy weather and Rock Hall of Fame. I smoked for 42 years and finally was able to quit with the support of this forum. I wanted to quit for many years and was so ashamed of my smoking. I found myself so isolated because it was just easier to stay home and smoke. Though I knew it was robbing me of my life, I just did not seem to have the power to quit. I stumbled across this forum looking for some form of help. I will be three years quit in August. I love that I have met people around the world that have helped me and shared my journey.

It is hot here in Ohio too Linda. It has been so humid with storms for three days. I tried trimming bushes between raindrops but gave up. Bet your yard looks great.

I don't feel it is a ripple effect either. I do feel we have been all living a dreadful year. Being isolated and discouraged brings depression. When we are depressed, we look down on ourselves. When we are down our strength weakens. I do believe this community is essential but have also found myself distracted from the forum. I think continuing our friendships and helping others helps each of us stay vigilant. It took me too many years to find freedom and I know that I never want to be a smoker again. Many people here helped me through very dark days and helped me to believe in myself. All of us are valuable and stronger than we realize. Come here and reach out when you feel weak. We are here to hold each other up.

Happy Birthday. Have a wonderful day!

Awesome. Isn't it amazing how you feel. Getting control of your life can be so powerful. So glad you made it Nana20 and thanks for sharing your encouragement!

Steven, unfortunately it only takes one. You are an addict and until you acknowledge that and not allow it to consume your life, you will stay stuck in this vicious cycle. At some point you have to want to quit MORE than you want to smoke. Believe in yourself and know that you can do this. Start this quit knowing that you are going to leave smoking behind. Don't carry it with you on your journey. Keep directing your thoughts on the positives of a life without it. You can do this.

We just had our 45th Wedding Anniversary. Who would have thought we would have made it so far. I was very blessed.

Linda, life is not fair and it is hard to lose someone so unexpectedly. I know how you are feeling right now. I lost my dearest friend to breast cancer a few years ago. She was too young and too great of a person to be taken. When I went to see her in hospice, she looked at me and said everything would be alright. She always was that friend that always told me everything would be alright. That last vision of her always pops into my mind when I am struggling and, I realize she is there with me letting me know that everything is going to be alright. I know your friend has given you many things that you can hold onto. Try to draw strength in that. The temptation to smoke always tends to creep in when we are at our lowest. Keep reaching out and letting us know you are struggling so that we can let you know how awesome and strong your are. Linda, know that I am praying for you and your friend.

Bless you PeachFuzz. So greatful you were able to find help and have some guidance through this all. Sounds like you are really on the road to recovery. Know that you have dear friends here and never be afraid to reach out. You are one special, awesome lady and I am honored to be a part of your journey.

Great to see you back. I know you were essential with my quit. There are many newbies that will be thankful for your wisdom.

Katgirl, so sorry for your families loss. So thankful for your son-in-laws sacrifice.

Prayers for a healthy report Linda. Try not to worry before you have to and know that most issues that are detected early are treatable.

So sorry for your loss Acewhite.

Woo Hoo. Congratulations on five years jillar.

I am sure every smoker wonders if their years of smoking will catch up with them. Jillar, you have been a wonderful support to me and others. Thanks so much for sharing.

I hope you feel that awesomeness. Smoking sure kept us down and prevented us from being the best we could be. Enjoy the new you!

You have that right Linda. Never feel like you are alone in this fight. We are here for you!

@Kate18 just read the romance novels. The sex scenes are much better. Even at my age, I get really hot and turned on reading the author's description of the sex scene.

@Boo I am running around the store looking for our Boo and his precious Maddie and Sugarbritches. Here is a picture of the car and license plate parked next to us.

My daughter and granddaughter loved Judy Blume books. Great words for quitters!