~~Decisions. We can think about things, turn them over in our minds a million times, play out possible scenarios, but really when it comes down to it, you have to go with your heart and move forward. Maybe things will turn out well. Maybe they will turn out poorly. Every decision brings with it some good, some bad, some lessons, and some luck. The only thing that's for sure is that indecision steals many years from many people who wind up wishing they'd just had the courage to leap.~~ Unknown
If you have ever been swimming at a lake, you know the best way to swim is to dive right in. Some people take an hour moving into the water little bit by little bit because it's cold. Both ways work, of course, but if you dive right in, you warm up quickly and can play sooner.
Same way with a quit. Sure you can think about it. Toss ideas around. Decide you need to research it more, plan more, study it more. Or you can gather the tools you need and simply do it. Both ways can work, of course, but by fathering your tools and doing it, you get the hard part over with quickly and can play more.
Do not be one of those "many people who wind up wishing they'd just had the courage to leap". Do not wait until you develop COPD or lung cancer or gum disease or any of the other conditions that rob you of life. Do not be the shadow in the corner, furiously puffing away while your heart continues to tell you it's time to quit.
Yes, it may be hard for a few days...a few weeks...a few months. It really depends on your attitude, your willingness, and your commitment to your quit. But even a few bad months is so much better than being given only a few months left to live.
Addiction is an ugly thing but it is entirely up to you whether you continue it or break it. It is not an excuse to continue to smoke. Again it comes down to decisions. And if you think about it too much, it gets bigger and bigger in your mind until you feel like you are moving a mountain instead of creating a life.
The addict in you may be saying things like "Too hard!" "You'll fail again!" "You can't possibly do this!", but addiction lies. In your heart you know the truth. You not only can do it, you need to do it. For you.
So have the courage to leap. Don't hesitate, don't look back, and don't romance the addiction. Do listen to your heart. Do ask for support. Do learn to love yourself enough to never look back.
Sheri
