Smoking harms us spiritually too. You may not be religious or even consider yourself spiritual, but there’s no denying the fact that by smoking we are doing something that is anti-life. The conflict that this creates in us chips away at our feelings of self-worth, diminishing our self-respect. It may even perpetuate our self-destructiveness: “I smoke, therefore I am bad. I am bad, therefore I smoke.”

Do you see cigarettes as your friend, helpful through thick and thin? Would you stay friends with someone who was trying to kill you? Perhaps now is the time to say goodbye to this particular friend - for good. You can do it - and what will emerge is a new you full of confidence and health.  Your body will start healing almost immediately and your self-image will heal as well. And soon you will find that you can be an inspiration to others. And that might be the best feeling of all.

To help you get on the path to a smoke-free life, see Preparing to Quit Smoking.

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Excerpts from Give It Up! Stop Smoking for Life provided with permission from author and publisher.