What a wonderful Friday!

Today I had the pleasure of driving my long commute with the convertible top down.

Blue skies with thin whispy clouds in front of the sun, easy traffic, Friday.

Nice.

One of the many reasons I was able to enjoy this ride today is because I have been smoke- and nicotine-free for more than 5 years now.

No looking back. No worries about smoking or pangs of addiction or habit. They're gone. The nicotine monster is not in our home.

Now, if the tobacco industry would stop wrapping cigars up in pretty fruity colorful packaging and selling them as "alternatives", the world would have less nicotine monsters.

Weight? Hovering around the US-recommended BMI... just off by about three pounds.

Cool.

Went on a trip across the pond. Pub food?

I'm happy to say that I'm still healthy - I've been smoke-free for more than 5 years now.

Years ago, I would have never thought it felt this good (and is so easy) to not smoke. Wow. What a wonder.

We went across the pond this past June 2012. We spend 8 glorious days driving around the south end of the UK, from Wales to The North of England, to the Channel shores.

Didn't ever even think about smoking. Awesome!

The one thing? my weight inflated about 8 pounds during that vacation though. The restaurants weren't generally open after we went on our roundabout drives - so we generally resorted to eating at pubs. Pub food, while home-style and very filling, isn't really the best stuff in the world for weight control.

Since back in the States? I've almost lost half the gain.

Smoke free and glad to be free!

Not smoking isn't so bad. Eating better isn't either...

I'm still smober (smoke-free) after all this time. I don't miss it any more.

In fact, I feel sad when I walk by the outside of a building and smell and see smokers congregated. I wish they could feel how good it is not to smoke...

These days, my weight is in control. I am still under the US standard BMI and weight.

You know what, though? Chocolate turnovers from Arby's are going to be the hardest thing to fight for long-term weight control. Sigh.

Still going strong. Life is good and kind

I'm still smoke free after all this time. I really don't want to smoke or use nicotine in any way.

It helps that I live in an environment that is smoke-free. I have so many reasons for which to live longer. I have a wonderful family... all of them are awesome.

My weight is still under control, although I've gone upwards from my 203 figure to about 208 these days. Dessert is not my friend.

Weight and nicotine: same H*ll, different devil.

At the moment, and for the forseeable future, neither of them owns any piece of me!

Still kickin'!

It's been more than five years since I quit smoking and more than two years since I started getting serious about my diet...

I'm the healthiest and happiest I've been in decades. My heart works great, my weight is below the "requirement" set forth by the US government standards, my sleep is great.

I get more than 6 hours of sleep every day, more often I get 7 or eight. This is incredibly unusual for me: I haven't slept this well for 30 years.

My pain level is managed consistently. I have better strength in my spine because I handle my pain and I sleep better. The walking I do helps a lot, too.

Here I am at 206 lbs, completely nicotine-free, and I'm glad to get up every day.

Life is good.

Listen to a real MD. Think for yourself

Of late, I've seen and heard people actually say/write that nicotine is not addictive and that it is only a matter of "no willpower" that anyone smokes or over-eats.

There are tens of millions who live a life that indicates that the "no willpower" attitude is wrong.

Think for yourself. Find a good and kind medical doctor or professional practitioner and listen. Think for yourself.

Remember that people are human, and they're sometimes wrong. But, in general, your doctor is a good adviser and does care about your long-term prospects.

Be well. Be real. Be kind. Be kind to yourself.

Still nicotine-free, heart lightening, decent weight control

I'm doing OK these days. Today had some sad emotional thoughts for my bro and kids... for me, too.

No nicotine. Period.

Funny... I've had thoughts of leaving work for a few minutes to buy junk food. I don't ever think of sneaking away from work to get cigarettes. I just don't have the desire.

My current life has no room for tobacco. My current life has no room for another addiction. My current life is full - my cup runneth over in so many good ways.

I'm still hovering around 207 pounds (in the "healthy" BMI, according to the US gov't). I wish that the belly jigglies weren't there, but I'm in great shape and don't get winded unless I'm really very physical.

Roll with me. Stay free of nicotine. Listen to your MD. Eat well and make sure you have the right mix of supplements, sunshine, and fresh air.

Move more. Eat less. Don't use nicotine.

Pax everyone.

Almost like it never happened: Nicotine is not your friend

Interestingly enough, Nicotine is not your friend. Capische? It's a seriously-addicting drug that trains the brain to love it.

Today, it's almost like I never smoked. I've been nicotine-free for more than 5 years now. No looking back. The nicotine monster doesn't live here any more.

Talk to a competent medical professional and find a way to understand what your quitting options are and how to find support.

Last summer was the beginning

Last summer I was holding hands with my own mortality. Last summer, I couldn't do anything to help my family. Last summer, my life was extraordinarily difficult again.

But I made it through it without nicotine. My family and real friends were awesome. Life goes on, the Garden grows with the sunshine of kindness and healing. The Most Beautiful Flower tends her Garden with soul and with heart.

I'm so very grateful.

Life is good today

Living in this moment, life is good. Even when the world around me writhes with its daily grind, I can find peace in this moment, at least. It takes time to bring myself to peace sometimes - it takes time to re-focus on the moment sometimes.

It can even be difficult to get my brain to let go of control enough to allow myself to find comfort in the moment, but I CAN do it. I only have to try and keep at it.

Today, I am more than 5 years without nicotine. Today, my weight is reasonable. These days, I get 6 or more hours of sleep each day. Today I live fully, love fully, and breathe fully.

#lifeisgood
@vividpeace