Forums / My journey / 6 months into being a non-smoker

6 months into being a non-smoker

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  1. atp
    atp avatar
    501 posts
    Registered:
    31 Dec 2018
    01 Jul 2019
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    Today I celebrate Canada Day AND 6 months since I quit smoking and became a non-smoker. 

    After all the struggles of the first few weeks, and then the following months of learning how to be a non-smoker, it now feels really good. In the last month or so things have really changed for the better. I feel like a non-smoker. Life is just so much improved for me physically, mentally and financially. 

    It is hard to express the recent changes. I suppose others who have quit probably understand. When I quit I really didn't think about how my life will improve in 6 months time - it was a struggle just getting through the next craving, next few hours, etc. And as time went by it got better and better. Then somewhere along the line I stopped thinking about smoking and just going about my day. So if anything I can offer to those just starting on their quit - it gets better. So much better.

    SHL sent me a congratulatory email as a reminder (as if I would forget the day I quit!). It was a good reminder to be vigilant to keep our quit. One thing I I have kept in mind is that I am an addict to smoking, and that more than likely if I have a smoke then I stand a really good chance of going right back to pack a day. My quit is worth too much now to risk that. 

    Everyone says I should treat myself or celebrate. In trying to put my feeling into words here is my celebration at this milestone. SHL really helped me at the start of this quit, as did so many of the the community who posted positive words, suggestions, etc. 'Standing on the shoulders of giants', so to speak. 

    Happy Canada Day everyone! 

    And remember - Not One Puff Ever! 
  2. atp
    atp avatar
    501 posts
    Registered:
    31 Dec 2018
    01 Jul 2019 in reply to atp
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    Oh yeah, and my stats of which I am very proud of:

    Savings: $2,548.48
    Days Smoke-Free: 181
    Cigarettes Not Smoked: 3982
    Life saved: 30 days 10 hours 2 minutes

    The jaw dropping stat is the life saved. I never thought about it that way. 
  3. efreeman75
    efreeman75 avatar
    296 posts
    Registered:
    02 Apr 2018
    01 Jul 2019
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    Hi atp - congratulations.

    I could sense from the first time I read your posts back in early January that you were committed to making this quit 'the one!'

    I think you and I are cut from a very similar cloth, and it has been encouraging to myself to share in your journey. 

    Being nicotine free is so liberating, and it amazes me how it continues to get better every day. 

    Congratulations again atp - you did the work and you so deserve this.

    E
  4. kate r, quit coach
    kate r, quit coach avatar
    49 posts
    Registered:
    16 Jan 2019
    01 Jul 2019
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    What a great milestone to have achieved, atp! Congratulations and Happy Canada Day!

    It is great to see that you are starting to feel like a non-smoker, and still seeing changes for the benefit in so many different areas of your life.

    We would also say to treat yourself or celebrate your progress! Six months is a big achievement, and it may help you to keep going, along with your own reminders you are an "addict" to smoking. Glad to hear SHL has been helpful; I want to note you have been wonderfully supportive to others on the forum as they have started their quit journeys!

    Keep going, atp, and again, congratulations!

    Kate R
    Last modified on 01 Jul 2019 11:17 by kate r, quit coach
  5. treepeo
    treepeo avatar
    832 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    01 Jul 2019
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    Hi atp,

    Congratulations on being a non-smoker for 6 months!  How awesome that you can celebrate Canada Day without smoking!

    Your stats rock.  When you're young, you think you're going to live forever.  As you get older, life becomes more and more precious, so every day counts.  And look at you.  You have now regained over 30 days of life, with many more to come.  If that's not motivating, I don't know what is.

    I hope you continue to enjoy all the benefits of living life as a non-smoker.  You deserve this!
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