My Quit Update: Two Months Later

To be precise, it's been 2 months, 14 days, 22 hours and 25 minutes since my last cigarette at the writing of this post.

My smoke free lifestyle has saved me almost $400 since I quit, and the amount of cigarettes I haven't smoked total an astounding 1,477. That's pretty impressive if I do say so myself.

I'm loving my smoke-free lifestyle and every time I pass by a convenience store and don't have to stop, I'm overcome with the desire to roll down my window and yell, 'NOT TODAY, SUCKAS!' at the Philip Morris company as I pass by.

The positive physical effects of being smoke free are beginning to emerge. My muscles don't burn in protest when I walk up hills. I feel stronger in my workouts but the best benefit is my risk of developing heart disease has decreased significantly.

People addicted to smoking are all fighting the same demon. If you're a smoker who wants to quit, you can and you will...when you're ready. If your mind's not right, your quit probably won't be successful. You have to want it.

If your the loved one of a smoker, stop beating them up about their addiction or pressuring them to quit. It's easy for someone who doesn't smoke to think quitting is simply just not smoking. No one wants to be a slave to nicotine and most smokers would quit in an instant if it were that easy.

Even though you're motivated by love and concern, your efforts to pressure them into quitting is probably counter-productive. Be ready to offer support when they announce their decision to quit and encourage them to get back up and try again if they slip up.

If you're trying to quit, just remember that every minute you don't smoke is a success. If you want to quit, but find yourself making excuses of why you can't quit yet, remind yourself that's your junkie talking. There's never a good reason to delay quitting.

Lastly, remember to follow the NOPE policy...Not One Puff Ever.