That's how I thought of my smokes. My BFF was always there for me keeping me company, soothing frayed nerves, rewarding any acheivement large or small, making sad times easier to manage. I could go on and on but you all know what I am describing.
Then there is the other side of that unhealthy relationship. My BFF is a thief and a liar. IT stole time away from real friends and family, forcing me to spend time with IT during Holidays and lifes celebrations. Made me stand out in all types of weather. IT made me spend money I couldn't afford. IT lied when it claimed to make everything better, my problems did not majically go away. IT was never a giving friend but a taker, taking my health slowly one puff at a time. Taking the very breath from me and making me cough. Causing chronic bronchitis for the past 4-5 years.
I do not miss my old BFF and rarely even think of it. I no longer miss out on time with friends and family. In fact we all got together recently and I was able to stay inside in the cool AC and visit while the few smokers had to stand out in the heat and battle mosquitos and wasps.
I used the money I saved to entertain and feed my family while they were here for a week as well as rent the cabin they stayed in.
I no longer wake up coughing my head off and trying to get a good deep breath of air. I have not had so much as a sniffle.
MY BFF was a drag, holding me back. Without IT I am no longer a slave to my addiction. I will always be an addict but as long as I practice N.O.P.E I will remain FREE.
One month, four weeks, one day, 6 hours, 25 minutes and 9 seconds. 1808 cigarettes not smoked, saving $361.60. Life saved: 6 days, 6 hours, 40 minutes.
