Well today is the day!!!  FIVE years ago, 3 of us, Denim, Mike and myself, said NOPE forever.  I still can't believe after over 35 years of smoking that I actually did it.  I have everyone on this forum and my quit buddies to thank.  That first 14 months was pretty rough, but after that, smoking is a fleeting thought.  Even though my husband still smokes (he's kind of trying to quit this year), I have held steady and not had even one puff since 3/9/2018 at 5:45am.  So many people on this forum to thank for their support and friendship that first year (and beyond) -- Denim (of course), Brian, Marilyn, modMarge, modSue, Gloria (my Warrior), Michele, JR, Lori, Molly and so many others that I'm sorry for not listing but you know who you are.  

If there's any advice I can give to those in that first day, week, month or year is just take it one day at a time and remember this is an addiction that you are overcoming.  Don't romance it... cigarettes are NOT your friends.  The people in this forum are your friends and here to help you along the way.  You can do this!

So, here's to us TRIPLETS on our 5 year anniversary and getting our WINGS.  Thank you so much Denim for creating my wings for me.  I love you Sister!

Hey Quit-Sister, 

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO US! We did it! Five years and counting. A long way from where we started and happily so. I love the picture of the little goats. Thank you so much for posting them this year. I can't wait for Mike to see them too.  Back at you Quit-Sister. I was happy to help. I think you made a great choice with the eagle. My little owl is spreading his wings today too. I'm looking forward to seeing some of our other 2018 quit-buddies with their wings this year too. 

I agree with you. The beginning was the hardest, that's why the first year is so important, but as you said it got so much better. Thanks to you and Mike for riding the roller coaster with me and continuing to share the journey and the celebrations. It's so great being one of the March quit-triplets and a part of our amazing 'March Warriors 2018' group. Love you all.  

Like you, I'm not sure I would have got as far as I have without the help, information, support, encouragement, and sometimes humor, of some amazing mods, quit-buddies and forum members here in 2018. There are SO MANY I want to thank but you know who you are and I know who you are. I'm so grateful to each and every one of you and to those who have stayed in touch either on or off the forum or both that have become such wonderful friends over the years, love to you all. You were SO APPRECIATED then and you continue to be SO APPRECIATED today my friends. Also, sadly, not everyone is with us anymore. Not forgotten, their wisdom, humor, and memory remain ever present, still appreciated, and kept fondly in both thought and heart. 

Cindi, I am so proud of us and so happy and excited to be celebrating 5 years today with you and Mike. 

To all forum members, thank you for being a part of our journey these 5+ years and thank you for letting us be a part of yours. 

Have a great day.  

Congrats Cindi, Denim, and Mike. And to all others who have quit.

Hey Paul, 

Thank you so much for the congrats and for your encouragement to others here. Fourteen months, you're doing pretty great yourself. So, congrats to you too! Your wishes and your efforts are appreciated and your quit is inspiring to those following along behind you and a testament to what you've achieved with your own quit. I agree with your congrats to all who have quit too. Each day smoke free is certainly something to be celebrated. Again, many thanks and cheers to you also. 

Have a great day.  

Thank you all so much for everything that you do!  And thanks for sharing the origin story of this wonderful forum.  Y'all are the best--courageous, inspiring, and generous!

Erika

Hi Denim and Cindi,

Huge congratulations to both of you!!! Wow! That five year mark seems so far away yet. But, thanks to both of you and this Forum, it honestly seems attainable! 
You both are wonderful women who have given so much support to folks here. I’m eternally grateful! 
Thank you both also for stepping up and carrying the torch that keeps the Forum going. I hope you both did something wonderful to celebrate!

Hi Denim and Cindi,

Not only did you quit butt you have helped so many others to do the same. I cannot thank you enough.

So congratulations for both achievements!