Happiness is ... seeing beyond the smoke haze

We are reaching a milestone in our household and I'm so proud of hubby for his commitment to giving up a long term habit.  It will be 12 months since he decided to put his health first.
As his family, we are forever grateful for his decision.

There are so many bonuses that we are all feeling from him kicking the habit. The obvious medical bonus, short and long term, the financial bonus, and even the social bonus - you heard right! People often refer to it as the social habit, but smoking is anti-social for the non-smoker who is left inside alone, or feels the need to walk away from the smoke haze and stench.

Don't get me wrong. I have been in the same position. I too kicked the habit.
I hope you're sitting down Mum 'cause it's confession time. My first introduction to smoking was in Grade 5, I would have been 11 years old. It started with joining in to something because everyone else was doing it and formed a habit that was turned on and off for the next 15 years, where I finally made the decision to give up cold turkey. It was one of those moments where I wondered what the attraction had been for me. It certainly was JUST a habit, not something I did because I enjoyed it. It always weighed on my mind how the habit might affect my health (and those around me), and the decision to lead a healthier life, narrowing the risks of cancer, stroke and heart attack was not a hard one.

All of my family members have been smokers at one time or another. Even my Mum in her earlier years. My Dad has also given the habit the flick and is doing really well after it being part of his life for about 40 years. His was definitely a health decision after the doctor told him of his high chances of stroke and heart attack if he continued. It was hard for him after so many years but he was strong and committed. My brother was quite a heavy smoker as well. It took several attempts over the years and different methods, but the end result is the same if you want it for the right reasons. In the end, the cons certainly out weight the pros.

Our family are all reaping the benefits of the haze clearing and we are supporting hubby all the way.
Not that we don't still have people around us that smoke, and that is purely their decision. I understand that people have their own reasons for starting and continuing to smoke. If and when they decide to give up, I will be encouraging them all the way. Until then, I will just stay clear of their haze (no offense), as that is my decision to avoid the health risks and the distinct smell.

Have you kicked the habit (if you started it at all)? What were your reasons for starting, or not starting or giving up?

It is my pleasure to be linking up with rub some dirt for