Reciprocity

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^^^ I had you at 1 month smoke free today (Nov. 22nd). I see you are on the 25th though so, we'll celebrate again in a few days !!

Where I live (Canada), the federal government is looking to possibly jump the taxation rate on smoking materials considerably because they claim it is the #1 motivation to quitting. Current taxation rate is 68% of the cost of a pack of smokes and they want it to be 80% which would represent probably a $2.00 per pack jump in cost. That's a lot more than the normal $0.25 - $0.50 per pack jump they have levied from time to time in the past. I'm not sure if they are serious or if it's just a tax grab? I can remember several cost barriers I said I would never stand for yet, each one came and went and I was still puffing away. The Government's claimed goal is to reduce the smoking population from the current 14.5 % to 5% by 2035. I wonder what such a dramatic jump in cost would do for the black market cigarette trade which is already a thriving business. My own feeling is further restrictions on where people can smoke might have more impact. It not only makes it more difficult to smoke but also ramps up the social stigma now attached to smokers huddling outside in whatever space is allotted to them. Aside from negative health concerns, that to me was one of the most irritating part of smoking by the time I quit.

I hadn't honestly really thought seriously about quitting until I had been sick for a month with horrible bronchitis, went to the grocery store to do some shopping then was coughing my ass off as I returned to my car in the parking lot but still I immediately lit up a smoke upon reaching my car. I guess that was maybe just my "I get it now moment"? I decided right then to quit the next morning and I did at 8:00 AM Sunday Jan. 29, 2017. By the way, the bronchitis cleared up pretty soon after that, although I think I didn't really notice it because I was pretty out of it with my early quit symptoms.

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That's why I quit in January. Was just tired of being so sick for the entire month so in retrospect, that one was a blessing I've had a cold once since then and it didn't last as long as they usually do. Hope you feel better soon

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There have been a lot of good contributions to this thread. That's a good thing in my mind. We are all learning about this quitting thing and each other too. Sometimes under trying emotional circumstances that we all go through in the early part of our quits. We all have the same goal in the end.

Kind of pissed that it's snowing but thankful I don't have to go out in it just to smoke

Good for you Pumpkin! A nice reminder of just how far you've come when you can pick up a cigarette look at it then just chuck it out with the trash

You're still hanging in there I see Albert. That's great It takes some time but is so worthwhile in the end. You will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Keep pushing forward with your quit!

To all our American friends, a wish for a very Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow! Gathering with family and friends, lots of great food and a chance to give thanks for the many bounties in life, not the least of which is the great decision we all made to quit smoking! Hope you all enjoy the day

Congratulations Tracey. 4 Years quit is fabulous!! Hope you celebrate today.

Way to go BKP!! 2 Years is awesome and something to be very proud of accomplishing. I know your life has changed dramatically for the better because of your decision to quit. Thanks for sharing your continued journey with us and giving back to the newbie quitters (like me)! It means a lot There's many ways to celebrate. Give them all a try!

Wow JKPK! 1st month is absolutely the hardest part of this quitting thing and now that is behind you Only better days ahead so celebrate your hard work and reward yourself for a job well done!

Congratulations on reaching the 4 month mark of your quit Jayhawk! Celebrate your hard work today

Hey KT! 2 months is a great start to being smoke free for life! Take that fabulous start and build on it by doing exactly what you are doing now. Celebrate this milestone then .... back to work

NOPE!

Nope

^^^ Amen!

^^^ I tend to agree! Absolute resolve to quit is the key. You are either committed to it or you aren't! It is nice to be able to communicate with a bunch of other people going through the same experience though Kind of keeps you pointed in the right direction. Another quit tool?

4 years is a great achievement. Congrats Joe