Hey! It's April 6th again! ONE YEAR WITHOUT A CIGARETTE

[Moostache]

48. Congrats! I'm happy for you!

As we near the end of the pandemic (hopefully), I would advise on finding new habits and associations to avoid the familiar rhythms that causes so many of us to light up subconsciously before we actually fire one up.

Its been 14 years now for me, and I had to give up my entire social life to break the habit. I was a competitive pool player on a travelling team...THAT was the hardest thing to give up for me. I could not stand the pool rooms and bars without smoking...of course, within a couple years of me quitting they began banning smoking in many indoor places, but for me the association was too strong. It was the same with drinking. I was a hard core drinker in college and the first few years out of school, but that was another unconscious thing....beer + cigarette... shot + cigarette... Margarita + cigarette... etc. etc. etc.

I found that those temptations far exceeded the physical nicotine addiction. I gave those things up rather than tempt fate and my (non-existent) will power. You made one of the most important psychological milestones! Congratulations and continued good fortune on your journey!