23 Month Marker
Today marks 23 months that I quit cold turkey. The one regret I have is that I waited so long to quit in the first place. Better yet, I regret that I ever started at all! For me, I still find experiencing things that are stressful and that I haven't endured since quitting to be triggers that try to trick me into thinking that a cigarette would make things better. These triggers/cravings definitely come less frequently as the days/weeks/months/YEARS! go by. And they are no where near as intense as they were for the first 3 days/weeks/months. In the beginning, I was rewarding myself with smaller, more frequent rewards that I could look forward to on a weekly basis. Now that 23 months have gone by, I am rewarding myself with less frequent but more substantive rewards. Examples would be a weekend get-a-way and better quality (more expensive than normal) clothing and outerwear. The quit app indicates I have saved over $10,000 ! One tip I found to be especially helpful was to always have a reward to look forward to. I wish all the quitters the ability to see smoking for what it really is; the ability to overcome and finally the strength to fight the good fight. :)
Well said, Not This Time. I echo you words. Yes it is all about the strength to fight the good fight. Just wish anyone starting on this journey realises we all started on Day 1. I have said it before but those first few cold turkey seconds, minutes, half hours, hours, days etc are so incredibly painful and difficult. Whats more, everyone on this site has been there. Talk about sharing the pain!
I must say, having saved over $27 500 I never have hesitation spending any amount on anything I particularly like. I waited till I had reached 3 years before I squandered $4000 in one day. Bliss. Bought jewellery and that looks better than the ash it would have been in my ash tray. Why were we ever so silly???
Thanks Safe2017. I consider conquering quitting smoking as one of my best accomplishments.
Thank you Lia! I am happy you reminded me and others that everyone starts at day 1. For all those quitters that are on their first, second or third day, I can tell you that I never thought I would be so close to the 2 year marker. I love that you had NO problem spending $4,000 in one day! I should and am seriously considering (!) taking your lead and buy a luxury item that I can wear daily to remind myself of the accomplishment. It won't be a $4,000 item but I am thinking an Apple watch! I have been considering getting one to inspire another life style enhancement (running and working out).
Thanks Lia, Im off to "google" deals on an apple watch!
Hi Not this Time. I actually have all the money saved in the bank. It just grew and grew. I figured I could waste some of this as it would simply have been ash. I wouldn't squander it all but every time I look at my gold and diamonds I have absolutely no guilt. Just know I deserved this trinket...And the bank balance is just fine. Enjoy Googling your Apple watch. You too should have no problem parting with some of that extra cash. I know we don't give up smoking for the financial gain alone but what a bonus it is. May we be healthy and HAPPY.
You all deserve to spend a lot on yourselves . You are worth it! I have been frugal all my life, and how i justified spending a small fortune over years of stupidity just does not compute. I scratch my head in wonder. That is a habit i am however willing to keep and be proud of. I live simply and am happy in a simple existence. I don't go without, i buy what i need and what i desire, even if i am not impulsive. In return, i will be able to retire earlier than anticipated, Summers in a trailer by the lake , kayaking and fishing, socializing, cards, bbq's in our golden years will be like a dream come true. Now there is hope that i might live to enjoy that dream. I am even thinking of retiring now and enjoying life more. Money saved on cigarettes means i have that choice.
Better health is all the reward i need. If i can help anyone else in their quits, or encourage someone else to quit then i am again rewarded. If they in return do the same... it is indeed a gift that keeps on giving!