In 2012 Time magazine posted the results of a survey of the top ten most-broken new year's resolutions:
1. Lose Weight and Get Fit
2. Quit Smoking
3. Learn Something New
4. Eat Healthier and Diet
5. Get Out of Debt and Save Money
6. Spend More Time with Family
7. Travel to New Places
8. Be Less Stressed
9. Volunteer
10. Drink Less
But what if we just keep our resolution to quit smoking in 2016?
We all agree that exercise is a great distraction for nicotine craves and that exercise actually releases positive dopamine ... so adding an exercise regiment to our quits helps us lose weight and get fit.
We all agree that, as we progress in our quits, we come to a new self-realization, discovering life anew without the burden of addiction. We learn something new about ourselves that is empowering in all aspects of our lives.
We all agree that food is a normal substitute for smoking. Adding a healthy diet as a sensible part of our quits, we find ourselves eating and feeling healthier.
We ALL agree that the amount of money we save NOT smoking is phenomenal. It adds up quickly. Track it! We are always pleasantly surprised. I've already saved $549.00! Whoo Hoo!
We all agree that the stigmas, shame, unpleasentries, and obligations associated with smoking detract from our relationships with family and friends. Quitting smoking frees us from the obligations and unpleasantries of smoking, which allows us to truly enjoy our social lives.
With all that money we save, we are able to afford to travel to new places, like New Zealand or Iowa.
We all agree that smoking does NOT relieve stress. That is simply a lie we addicts tell ourselves to justify a quick, but fleeting, fix. In fact, smoking increases stress ... it is one more thing with which to contend in life.
We all agree that blogging and commenting is helpful in staying mindful of our quits, and it's a great way to help others making the same journey we are traveling. Being active here, we help others at the same time we help ourselves. What better way to volunteer?
We all agree that alcohol is a tripper for many a quit. Protecting our quits is great justification to drink less.
Newbies ... commit to quit smoking in 2016 and, very likely, you will ultimately get fit, learn something new, eat healthier, save money, spend more time with family, travel to new places, be less stressed, volunteer more, and drink less too. It's a ten-for-the-price-of one bargain!
I look forward to a caravan of New Year quitters!!!
Be willing, be RESOLUTE, be well, and BE FREE!
