Today I checked my email and saw a notice to register for the LA Times Festival of Books. My heart jumped—this is the big one, the holy grail of book events for an author like me. Then I saw the price tag: $1,300. Reality hit hard. I asked my family for help, but it was understandably too much to ask.
At first, I felt defeated. Then I remembered something important: I already have $400 in savings. If I stop spending on things that don’t serve me—DoorDash, impulsive social media ads, and the big one—cigarettes—I could save the rest in just a month.
Right now, smoking costs me about $300 a month. Three hundred dollars! That’s the difference between saying I wish I could and I did it. I’ve been reading up on the Alan Carr method, which emphasizes focusing on what you gain by quitting instead of what you’re giving up. And today, that message finally landed.
Here’s what I gain by not smoking:
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The chance to show my books at the LA Times Festival of Books, Comic Con and the local street market
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Better health and more energy
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A growing savings account
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A sense of purpose and control over my future
For the first time in a long time, I feel healed—not by some miracle, but by a simple decision to use my money and willpower for something that gives back. I’m living with a family member who doesn’t smoke, which helps me stay strong. Instead of those group homes which were just smoker's dens.
Yes, I can do this. In fact, I got this. I am a nonsmoker now, and every dollar I save goes toward my dream—standing proudly at that book fair with my work on display.
Hope is returning, and with it, life itself.
💭 Every cigarette not smoked is a step toward success.
by Dan and Bonkers
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