California Biker Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez at the Las Vegas Biker Rally

On December 7, 2007, I decided to quit smoking after 27 years of smoking multiple packs of cigarettes every day since age 17.

I was what you would call a militant smoker. I fought for the right to smoke, because I was gravely addicted to cigarettes.

You can read the first article I wrote after quitting smoking by clicking here. You can read the second article I wrote about quitting smoking on my one year anniversary by clicking here.

Looking back on my 27 year smoking career now, I wish I could take it back. I probably spent tens of thousands of dollars over the years smoking, and god only knows what damage I did to my body.

When I started smoking in 1981, you could literally smoke anywhere. I used to smoke in my office, airplanes, restaurants, bars, airports, literally everywhere.

Now that the ill effects of smoking and 2nd hand smoke are better known, smokers are basically a dying breed, no pun intended.

I am trying not to be a hypocrite, hell it has only been 3 years since I quit smoking, however, now, I cannot stand to be around someone who is smoking. I now do not allow smoking in my home, car, or anywhere near me if I can help it.

I recently stopped hanging with a group of motorcycle riders who literally chain smoked every time we had a meeting, or took a break from riding. I literally got buzzed hanging out with these guys. Now I do not have to be exposed to their horrendous second hand smoke, and chain smoking. Hell I will be the first to admit that I smoked just like these guys before 12/7/2007, however, that has all changed now. I am a non smoker. I prefer to hang with non smokers.

Over the years before I quit smoking, I was in several relationships where my significant other was a non smoker. As I think back on it now, I cannot believe that these gals put up with my smoking and my smokers breath. Yuk.

So how have I not smoked for 3 years? It is very simple; I just flat out do not smoke no matter what. I do not buy cigarettes, or bum a smoke, when I have an urge to smoke. I simply do not smoke. That is the secret to not smoking.

Yes I get cravings from time to time. When I see someone smoking, or I am watching a movie where a movie star makes the smoke they are toking on look very good, and I have an urge to smoke, I wait a bit and the urge goes away.

I have become used to chewing a lot sugarless gum, which has replaced the smoking; however, I am not addicted to it like I was smoking. I recently had some dental work done, and have not chewed gum in almost two weeks.

I am looking forward to a life without having to smoke cigarettes one day at a time.

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney, and Biker Lawyer, Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © December 12, 2010