We had another Quit thread on BYC back at New Year and I finally succeeded then. It was not easy believe me but here in the UK we are also facing new Tax rises, and the whole economic situation here is so bad I am really glad I have stuck with it.
I started smoking when I got a divorce. Then it became a real crutch. A cigarette was the only thing that did not let me down in some way. I spent 30 years bringing up my boys alone and cigarettes were my only support.
What a fool I feel I was now. I have spent so much money that could have made a difference in my life, and technically it was just killing myself for the taxes and for the tabacco companies.
I understand all of your reasons, and how you are all feeling right now. I can also tell you that is posible.
I have put the money aside each day, and some days even that is not easy to do. but I have watched it grow and I have pasted a little sign on my glass jar saying " I refuse to allow this litle white stick of poison to control my life any longer, and I will not die for the sake of government and big business" (I put one roll up cigarette in there and swamped it with coins) It was good to see it disappear.
It has been an inspiration for me when it has been tough.
I wish you all the very best. Support each other and come to any of us that made it last time and we will help you through. Your life is worth saving, your life is for you to make choices about, not to be controlled by an addiction.
No matter how you get there, by cutting down or just quitting either with a patch or cold turkey, just go for it and if you fall off the wagon just climb back on, you will get there.
If you want to help children less fortunate then make a donation out of the money you save. I have, and I have also started growing my own food, which also stops me reaching for a cigarette. I am enjoying my garden and enjoying my life more since I stopped.
Best Wishes to you all. Go for it.
Jena.