Do you remember the last time you tried to quit? Was it a few days ago? A month? Maybe it's been years?
Whenever you find yourself longing for a cigarette, think about what your life would be like if you maintained your previous quit. Think about how much more money you'd have, how much healthier you would feel, how much more distant a memory smoking would be. Think about how good all of that would feel.
Then remember all of the time you spent smoking. Are you glad you smoked those cigarettes? Can you even remember any of them? Did they really make your life any better? Help you cope? Think about how negative the impact of smoking has been - all the money wasted, all the extra risks to your health - and remind yourself it had no positive impact. In many ways, you're still in exactly the same place you were on your previous quit attempt, despite whatever time has passed. Smoking didn't do you any good.
When you're craving that cigarette, think about how you're going to feel a year from now if you decide to have it. You'd probably still be smoking then if you gave in.
Then think about how good it would feel in a year to look back, remember that craving, and know you didn't give in. Think about how thankful and proud that happier, healthier, wealthier you is going to feel. Give that to yourself.
Maya Angelou once said she didn't quit smoking to protect the person she was, she quit to protect the person she would become. Give your future self that same gift.
My Mileage:My Quit Date: 6/3/2011
Smoke-Free Days: 20
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 500
Amount Saved: $300.00
Life Gained:Days: 2
Hrs: 9
Mins: 52
Seconds: 15
