PeoplesPost

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a habit is something that a person does often, and an addiction is the fact or condition of being addicted.

One could argue that there is not much difference between the two as both indicate a need to continue down one specific road, but after a recent blinding realisation, I would have to say that I disagree and that they are, in fact, worlds apart.

You see, today marks the third week in my new life as a non-smoker, and what I believed has been an addiction for the past ten years has, in actual fact, proved to be nothing more than a habit.

I kid you not: Cigarettes are not addictive ? not in my opinion, at least. I say this because the only time in the last three weeks that I have even thought about smoking a cigarette was at times when I habitually would have had one, such as come coffee time when I roll out of bed, or better yet, after meal time.

I have to admit, though, that I have on several occasions dreamt I puffed on a cancer lolly. (What? Old habits die hard.) That said, yes I have thought about it, but no I haven?t craved it.

So why is it I am telling you all this?

Well, it is simple, because I firmly believe that if I of all people can kick the habit, then so can you. That is if you want to, of course.

Let's be honest, though, how often in the past have you said to yourself that as of such and such a date I am going to quit? Or better yet, made it your New Year's resolution? If your habitual affairs were anything like mine, then the answer to this would be countless times. But the truth is if you really want to quit, if you really have that desire to say no more ? and there are many reasons why one would/should ? there is no time like the present.

Don't fool yourself and say "I will do it tomorrow or next week or come 1 January", if you want to do it, then do it today.

Take that first, and hardest, step and say to yourself: "I can do this, and I can do it today". Once you've made that decision, you are already halfway there. If you can't do it, it is as an anonymous source on the internet says: "The deed develops into habit, and habit hardens into character". Now, I am not saying that the habit of smoking can define one's character, but it certainly can define one?s destiny ? smoking does kill.

Until next week, I leave you with a wise warning by Frank Outlaw: "Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny."

Here?s wishing you a long and healthy destiny!