A few additional thoughts, now that I have your attention:
I have ruminated on this and have asked the Muse, what might have happened had I tried to quit smoking earlier. I asked as a life-long smoker. This was Her reply:
"You began in the 1960s. NOT smoking would have made you seem odd. Everybody smoked...including the doctor who delivered you. He even smoked when he examined your mother. Ashtrays were everywhere.
In the 1970s, there were barely anything such as "support groups " for many afflictions and certainly none for those interested in quitting cigarettes. The Marlboro Man was all the rage. As was Disco. No one was ready to quit anytime soon.
In the 1980s people became aware, somehow, that everything was toxic. "Secondhand-smoke" was so dangerous one could not get within a quarter mile of a public park with a cigarette and not offend someone who thought cigarette smoke was going to send him to the hospital and then to hospice. Centuries of ignorance became, almost overnight, a sudden torrent of hysterical concern. Predictably, 12-step Smokers Anonymous programs emerged.
The 1990s, gave your kind sensitivity. Actually, it gave you an over-abundance of sensitivity. Your sensitivity needed sensitivity-training to sensitize you to how de-sensitized you were to others's "needs". Your PR departments worldwide even stopped saying "contact" and started using the phrase, "reaching out." ( a throw-back to an ATT jingle -- how idiotic is that?) just to show how sensitive they were. Meanwhile, states sued to reclaimed monies lost on helping smokers. (That is to say, treating diseases caused by, ug, smoking,) A lost cause apparently. No one seemed too concerned with how many lives were being lost -- at the same time -- to gun violence. But, as an issue, it wasn't as sexy, politically. Go figure.
The 2000s gave you the Internet in ways the late 1990s could only imagine. Now everyone is connected. Everything is virtual including mail, friendships, and support, for every thing imaginable. And all only a mouse click away. So, yes, the 2000s, is a great time to quit smoking and make virtual friends. Not like the old days of the 70s and 80s when you had to actually meet folks face-to-face and work at getting support. Enjoy. Have to go. There's a gun violence victim who wants to know why gun violence is so much worse. (It was worse decades ago.) This should be fun. Take care."
That's all She had to say.
Peace and gratitude,
AC
