Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons. ~Ruth Ann Schabacker~

Most of us take stock of the blessings in our lives every so often, and for those who quit smoking, that awareness is often profound. Breaking the cycle of addiction brings a heightened appreciation of all that we hold dear and adds depth and meaning to our lives.

Every year at Thanksgiving, members of the About.com Smoking Cessation forum share those things they are grateful for with regards to quitting tobacco.

What are you thankful for?

Giving Thanks 2006

"I am grateful for the ability to wake up each and every morning and see my son's beautiful face and knowing that he has a smokefree mother."Kat

"I am grateful for being able to get through a cold without getting bronchitis."Shaughnna

"I thank God I will be one month smober on Thanksgiving 2006."Paige (howardsglen)

"I'm thankful for having the courage to finally quit smoking." Tammy(tammyjlake)

"I am so very thankful that I am not coughing my lungs out anymore when I laugh."Sandra (Nanamoore)

"I am grateful for every smoke-free day in my life and the forumily that has helped me find my way."Macaroon

"I am grateful each and every day that I am now smoke free."Lynn (BandLsMom)

"I am grateful because life has greatly improved since I quit smoking, and has given me a new chance to live again."Luisa (Luisa1958)

"I'm grateful that my quit inspired my Mom to quit too, and am grateful for her 6 months of smobriety."Holly (hhall1964)

"I am thankful to be alive and feel young at heart if not in body!"LiAudra

"May I not take for granted that I have my mind and my mobility ... and all my senses are functioning ..."Jennifer (bun8)

"I am grateful to be alive, in one peace, not insane and smoke free after this last year."Kelly (Ellemphriam)

"I am grateful for finding the will to quit smoking."Rhonda (Sue8411)

"I am grateful that, during the years of my "smobriety", my body was able to recover and enable me to undergo many surgeries and physical problems and I am still around at 80."SmokerDave

"I am grateful for being free...from smoking, from fear, from the smell..."Amy (amy06/20/06)

"I am grateful to be able to run around and play with my beautiful children without having to stop because I am coughing so much."Lynne (kisses4sam)

"I am grateful that I have two wonderful children, a husband, a home, and a job. I'm grateful that I'm able to live each day smokefree."Christine (cathomas86)

" I am grateful for this forum and all the people here that understand and support each other."Carolyn (firespirit13)

"I am grateful for:

• Breath
  
  
• Life
• Family
• Friends
• Grandchildren
• Second chances
The abliity to see all of the above."Karen (Rosietheriveter)

"I am grateful for coming across this forum and for the first time in my life being free from smoke for so many months."Julie (JulieMMc)

"I'm grateful for the experiences i've had that have taught me so much."Heather (tweetybard)

"I am grateful to have ENOUGH as gratitute DOES turn what we have into enough."Linda (Freefromitatlast)

"I am grateful to be able to post that i am 2 months smober, 7 years clean and healthy today! i just had a complete checkup and i was afraid i would get SOME bad news regarding the damage done to my body but all tests came back negative and normal. What a miracle."Heidi

"Finally getting myself healthy and able to breathe again."Deb (kaaatkaaat)

"I am greatful for my sister (died young in 2001-never smoked) who always wanted me to have this wonderful life as a non smoker. She was ever so patient with each little nudge."Syd (Sydaussie)

"I m profoundly grateful for the 2nd chance I have been given... to love & raise my children with my lifelove -> May." Paul (Ashkilla)

"I am grateful for my husband, he has been great at supporting me in my quit."Dee (mrsgrandmabe)

"I'm grateful for listening to my sixth sence.....that silently guides me to a better tomorrow. It lead me here and I am ever so grateful for everyone here."Debbi (Debbica)

"I am grateful every day of my life that I no longer smoke."Lesly (Leslyr)

"I am grateful for the decision to quit smoking and sticking with it."Stacie (Stacie77)

"I am greatful that somehow I came to the realization that I really should quit smoking."Shari (zzm5)

"I am grateful to god for the realization that it was time to quit, the courage to try to quit and the strength to stay quit one more day."Jane (Luscie)

"I am SO very grateful that I here to enjoy the blessed births of No. 4 and No. 5 grandchild in 2006! A smokefree Grandma...doesn't get much better than that."Norma (choklitluvr)

"I am grateful for all of the support I am getting from friends and family during the toughest time of my quit."Mamalew

"I am grateful to be given the courage to quit smoking."Sasijbrk

"Breathing...hearing...tasting...smelling...walking...talking...fingers that work....legs that work...smiling...seeing...loving..."BuckeyeGin

"I am thankful for the inner-strength I knew I had, but never tapped into..."Chris (lengeca)

"I am grateful for my good health, and for the awareness of how precious that really is."Terry (AbQuitsmking)

Have a great, smoke free Thanksgiving!