Smoking in Moscow

My dear friend Irina in Moscow is still struggling to quit. She wrote me saying she was ashamed that she is still smoking but that she is cutting down. Her boss Ilia quit in September and now they have a no smoking office .Here is my answer to her:

Dear Irina,

I am really happy to know that Ilia is still off the cigarettes, what a wonderful Christmas present for him and his family. Please let him know I send him my warm congratulations!

Your struggle to quit smoking is nothing to be ashamed about. It is normal.

You have made a lot of progress since we spoke about this in September.

1. You are beginning to think about the benefits and reasons you want to quit (for you and those you love)

2. You have taken the first steps to cut down on your smoking and become aware of your habit.

3. Trust me when I tell you that when you quit, the cravings and need for that smoke do subside. It takes some time and is most difficult part is the first month.

4. It is normal for the nicotine devil to be whispering in your ear and telling you all the reasons why you enjoy smoking and why you cannot quit… He is afraid you are thinking of banishing him from your life and he is a dark and difficult parasite to get rid of.

There are lots of things you can do over the holidays to prepare yourself for making a quit date.

visit

http://quitsmoking.about.com/

I know sooner or later you will make up your mind, and when you do you can beat this addiction.

You are not alone in liking the effect of smoking (and hating it at the same time) Nicotine is a strong drug and all us smokers fell under the trance of its effect and all the rituals around our beloved smokes.

Believe me when I tell you that I understand what you are going through.

Take this one step at a time. Enjoy your Christmas and New Years Holiday.

All the best

Daniel