I started smoking in my early teens. Big mistake on my part, as I was born with a hole in my heart as well as bronchial asthma. I wasn't a heavy smoker and probably in my late 20s and 30s, I tried to kick the habit a few times cold turkey, but would relapse. Then toward my late 30s, I noticed that climbing stairs were getting harder. I’d be out of breath and my heart would beat hard in my chest with palpitations. I said to myself, “John, it's time to stop before these damn things kill you!”
I quit cold turkey around 2005 and haven't looked back since. My wife is so pleased and proud that I quit…. And I’m really good now lung and heart-wise too!