This might be a touchy subject for you, especially if you think your life really does stink, but I'm going to go there anyway because I think it's important. If you think life sucks and it's one of the main reasons you smoke, read on. If you think your life is great but you smoke anyway, I guess you don't need to read this, but read it anyway. I'll do my best to keep it short and to the point.
Based on my experience, spending time with people from different walks of life, I've come to a general conclusion. Generally speaking, smokers tend to share one or more of the following characteristics:
I myself have smoked for several of these reasons, so believe me, I am talking from experience. I have worked in high income as well as low income jobs, and I can assure you most high income earners don't smoke, at least not where I worked. In contrast, I have worked in and visited many factories, and they are full of smokers.
My life has had its ups and downs and I will admit it's hardest to quit when you're in a rut. The cigarette becomes you buddy and gives you a shoulder to lean on. I'll admit it's comforting when it's a habit, but I can assure you, when you break the habit, you'll find comfort in other things. Again, us humans are very adaptable, and when cigarettes are no longer an option, we will find other ways to cope with life's stresses. I guarantee it.
My Life Isn't Perfect
As I type these words, I barely make enough money to survive and keep a roof over my head. However, I will admit I do enjoy my job in customer service. It's a thankless job but I get a lot of satisfaction from it.
I have experienced trauma in my life, and although I don't suffer because of it, it still affects my life in some ways.
I would like to retire by the time I hit 65, but the way things are going, I can see myself working well into my 70s. I have a mountain of debt, a mortgage, and life just keeps getting more expensive with each passing year.
Yet, I don't smoke. So there you have it. I have just given you proof that it is possible to be smoke-free when your life is far less than perfect.
Besides, I do know people who don't make much money, and probably seem unhappy, but they don't smoke either, nor have they ever smoked. So again, it is possible to have a sucky life and be smoke-free. It is within the realm of possibilites.
Count Your Blessings
As bad as your life may seem, there has to be something in your life that makes it worth living. Think about:
I could list so much more, but these are the things that are important to most people.
I'm a person that most people trust and confide in, and I've heard a few horror stories in my day. And even these people enjoy their lives despite their challenges. It's for this reason I am convinced everyone has at least one challenge to overcome in their lives.
I have my own and I really wouldn't have it any other way. I love my life, not only despite, but because of my challenges. I don't think life is worth living if everything is always perfect.
Bottom Line: Grow Up
So you really have a choice before you. You can claim you can't quit because the cigarettes help you cope with your crappy life, or you can quit smoking and use the extra money to:
Money aside, you'll live a longer, more energetic and satisfying life when you quit. Again, it takes time to really see and feel the difference, but it will happen. You just have to be patient and give it time.
Your only alternative is to admit you aren't adult enough to quit smoking and continue to use the cigarettes as a crutch to help you get through life. I make no apologies for saying this. If you really want to quit, but use your life as an excuse to continue smoking, you're a child.
If You Had Money
If you make as much money as I do, I'll bet you think you would quit if you were financially well off. Basically, that's another excuse. You might win the lottery and you'll find another reason to continue smoking. They're all excuses, and I know because I've been there.
Look, the lottery probably isn't going come through for you. If money is your issue, quit smoking, pay for training and get a better job. You will get better results that way. If you're looking for easy street, I sincerely hope you'll enjoy the rest of your life smoking and gambling your lousy income away. Sucker!