Celebrations

April 3 has always been a day of many milestones.  I was married on this date and it's also the birthday of my former sister-in-law.  So it shouldn't have come as a surprise when, twelve years ago today, my agent called to tell me that Silhouette Romance was interested in acquiring what became my very first published book.  After all, my good buddy Kathie DeNosky sold her first book on my birthday the year before. :)  There's more about my first sale and how it all came about over at Diary of a Mad Romance Writer.

I'm also quietly celebrating the 2nd anniversary of the day I stopped smoking.  Yes, I've been smoke-free for two years!  This is the second time I quit, but this time it's definitely going to last.

Both of my parents smoked, and although they both quit long before their lifetime ended, I grew up with it, as many in my generation did.  In the 1940s, doctors suggested that women take up cigarette smoking for weight loss.  My addiction didn't begin until some time after the Surgeon General warnings started showing up on cigarette packages.

It was easy to start, but neither time I quit was it anything close to easy.  The first time was aided by group hypnosis and lasted a year and a half.  There's a long and involved story about that, which includes carpal tunnel syndrome and pregnancy, but doesn't have much to do with now.  This time I was helped along by a popular stop-smoking aid for a few weeks.  And to be honest, it isn't too often now that I'm bothered by cravings.

My ex-husband was a smoker, so it wasn't a surprise that all four of our daughters eventually took up the habit, too.  As I type this, two of them have quit for more than 6 months each and a third is nearing the end of her first week. We only have to find a way to convince the youngest that it's time to give it up.

This time when I made the decision to break my addiction--because that's what it is--I was more than ready.  And that's the key to stopping the smoking habit.  You have to WANT to quit.  Without that intense need to break free, it's too easy to fall back into old patterns.

Anybody can quit.  Or in some circles the word "stop" is encouraged, since "quit" carries negative connotations for many people. Whatever word is used, it can be done.  It might not work the first time, or the third time or the eighth time, but each time builds a little more determination.  Eventually, the quitter will succeed.  And, oh, what a lovely feeling that is!

If you're one of the thousands who have given some thought to leaving your smoking behind, check with your doctor and work out the best plan for you.  Just remember the key is had badly you want to do this.  Hey, if I can do it, anybody can. :)  So what are you waiting for?

Bad habits are easier to abandon today than tomorrow. ~ Yiddish Proverb