DarrenW,
Discovered this thread this morning and read the entire thing. I could tell from the start you were going to make it. I'm going to make it too! I'm around 5 months - quit in June. Congratulations to you and your family:)

It was tough doing it all at once, but to me they both went together. If I was drinking, I was smoking- and vice versa most of the time. It really feels good now that smoking has been banned at public bars, etc where i live. I see people outside smoking (in the cold) and just reinforces my decision.

Good luck!

I have now gone 18 months without a drink and without a tobacco. Feels very good, and I find that I am not really tempted that much. I played golf with a friend today with whom I have shared many drinks- trips to a casino, etc. I was comfortable in my sobriety to play with him, and I never even thought about a beer. He didnt drink either, but it would not have mattered. He did smoke, but I didnt care. The smell is nasty.

The last time we played golf we ended up at a casino. I probably saved $1000 today lol.

I try to be on the lookout for times when I am Selfish, Dishonest, Resentful, or Fearful. If I am dishonest, I'll admit it right away and make amends- thankfully this doesnt really happen. Selfish, Resentful, and Fearful on the other hand are constant companions!

I must remember to put other people's wants and needs above my own. Be a servent to loved ones and friends. Anger is the result of something that happened in the past, and Fear is the result of something that might happen in the future. Neither are that important if you just focus on the here and now. Fear is the result of unknown consequences- something you cannot control. Who knows what the future holds- but I try to take things one day at a time.

I cannot be resentful of others either. We all have a right to be on this Earth, and there is a little bit of good in all of us....and a little bit of bad as well. Everyone deserves forgiveness.

Take life as it comes, one day at a time, and becomes simplier. Slow down, and try to enjoy it :) Good luck!

809 days without alcohol and tobacco. Save a minimum of $7,500. I attend AA several times a week and work the steps daily. AA has changed my life and I encourage anyone struggling with sobriety to give the program a chance.

One day at a time,
Darren