At one time I smoked, but in 1959 I couldn't think of anything else to give up for Lent so I stopped - and I haven't had a cigarette since.

The quote by Ethel Merman, "At one time I smoked, but in 1959 I couldn't think of anything else to give up for Lent so I stopped - and I haven't had a cigarette since," highlights the role of discipline, tradition, and unexpected life changes. It shows how a religious observance like Lent—a time when Christians give up something as a form of sacrifice—can lead to long-term personal transformation. What began as a seasonal act of devotion or discipline became a permanent lifestyle change.

The meaning of the quote lies in how small, perhaps even unintentional, decisions can have a lasting impact. Merman did not necessarily set out to quit smoking forever; instead, she used Lent as a reason to stop temporarily. However, that short-term sacrifice turned into a permanent act of self-improvement. It demonstrates the power of commitment and how structured traditions can create opportunities for breaking habits that seem difficult to overcome.

The origin of this statement comes from Ethel Merman’s reflections on her life and career. Known as one of Broadway’s greatest stars with a powerful voice and presence, she often spoke candidly about her personal habits. In this case, her story of giving up smoking connects to her straightforward personality, as well as the cultural and religious practice of Lenten sacrifice, which was widely observed at the time.

In essence, the quote captures both humor and wisdom. It shows Merman’s practicality—choosing smoking simply because she had nothing else to give up—and at the same time illustrates how faith traditions can intersect with personal health. Her experience serves as an example of how a seemingly temporary choice, rooted in discipline and habit-breaking, can lead to lifelong positive change.