How to be a good quitter

Last Saturday was my 35th birthday.
It was the beginning and end of some things in my life.
I usually give myself some reflection time on my birthdays.
Mostly, it's a post mortem of what I've done over the past 365 days.
Who I've helped, how I've improved etc.
I didn't get the time to do it because I worked half day. (Why take leave when it's only half day?)
Then went off for golf in the afternoon.
Harry, Dunstan etc threw me a dinner, then we adjourned to my place for a few rounds of 5-card stud poker. Which was good since they helped to finish the 2 cartons of beer that's been lying beside my fridge since Chinese New Year.
I've given up golf on weekends, unless it's a tournament thingy or function.
I've quit smoking. Which was something I did for 15 years. (Sorry, Daddy, I had to hide this habit from you because I know how much you detest smokers)
The first is because Elaine has asked me to stay home to take care of the boys.
The 2nd initiative is on my own. I've decided I really don't want to smoke anymore.
It's not helping my health nor my wallet.
I was astounded when my insurance agent told me that the loading premium for smoking is an additional 50% of my insurance policy. Imagine that!
What have I begun?
I have started to see the light. I never thought my mind could be that clear, but it now feels like every single thought of mine has a piercing clarity.
I know what I'm doing.
I know where I'm heading.
Life / God may throw some obstacles my way, but how I overcome them eventually will be the stories that make life interesting.
A toast to myself then, and to all friends and family.
I'll leave today with a quote from one of my favourite movies, "Hitch".

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink.
But if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love.
If you must steal, steal away from bad company.
If you must cheat, cheat death.
And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.
- Alex Hitchens (Will Smith)