Each January, during National Non-Smoking Week, BC Public Service employees share inspiring quit stories and tips through our annual contest. The stories celebrate the courage, determination, and resilience it takes to go nicotine-free—proof that quitting is possible!
Explore the stories
You are learning new things
"After my dad quit smoking he started play diabolo (a juggling or circus prop). He even started teaching other diabolo lovers. I'm very happy for him!"
"I decided to learn a new language! Instead of spending my time smoking, I practice my new vocabulary in Italian! I am already at an intermediate level :)"
"After several tries, my Dad quit a 3 pack a day habit and discovered beekeeping. At 50 he managed 80 hives as a 'hobby' beekeeper!"
You are moving your bodies more
"My father quit smoking 15 years ago and now he spends his time hiking, nordic and downhill skiing, learning to golf, learning to swim. He completed the 7 days West Coast Trail this past summer."
"I have joined a pickleball league so I get out more and exercise and enjoy life. Not to mention the money that I have saved since quitting!"
"I am a smoker but if I quit, I would get back to dancing again. I haven't danced in a while and I can see how it's affecting my mindset and my body."
You are letting your creativity flow
"A wonderfully amazing and creative friend of mine is cutting down on smoking with the goal of quitting entirely. Instead of smoking, she writes a haiku - she's up to 87 haikus now!"
"When I quit smoking I started learning how to build things out of reclaimed wood! Dismantling pallets was a great stress reliever and the physical process distracted me from cravings."
"At about the same time as he stopped vaping, my son set up a small studio in his house, and picked up his guitars again. I love it when he sends me little clips of his recordings!"
You are nesting and improving your spaces
"I have more time to sleep in, enjoy longer showers, exercise, and cook healthy meals since quitting smoking. Basically, I have gained at least an hour each day to do more things I enjoy!"
"My neighbour and good friend Chris just quit, and now he's got more time for his projects around the house. He's already redesigned his office, built a new desk and shelving, built a new PC, and painted the room!"
"Three years had passed since my chosen quit day and I celebrated by buying myself a new TV with the money I had saved. It was the first TV I had ever purchased for myself."
You are connecting with others
"In my smoking days, I did not have the great privilege I now enjoy of devoting myself to earning the love and devotion of a dog!"
"The best part of not smoking is the fact that I don't smell like an ashtray and my daughter loves to be held tightly when hugging her again."
"While out for the evening with friends, instead of going outside every hour or so for a smoke and standing out in the cold, I get to stay inside and spend the whole evening with my friends."
