SMOKIN'

I will admit I am proud to be a reformed smoker! I have been smoke free for 15 years now and feel great about it. Although, I agree there is no worse than a anti smoker that is reformed. We tend to hate smoking worse than those who have never smoked! I am a pain to be with, especially if we are in a crowed area and I have to breathe the smell of smoke. It must be a guard against liking it to pick up the habit again. I try to forget the day I was so addicted to this habit that it controlled my life. Nicotine was the hardest thing I ever had to quit.

Although I do have a husband and son who continue to smoke, I prefer they do not pollute my air with the nasty smoke. I argue and complain to them all the time and it becomes an on going joke to them.

I am not a hypocrite as some may call me. I just choose not to be polluted any longer as I have chosen to free myself from this addiction. It was hard and I don’t want to slip again.
Many people smoke because they like the taste and it calms them. That was my big excuse. A lot of smokers smoke simply because they really do enjoy it despite the consequences. Then the anti-smoking crew should keep quiet! Right?? Doubtful…
Those who once smoked are the ones who are the ones making derogatory remarks each and every time they see anyone else smoking. I do not do this. I am not one is who is rude to others in regards to smoking. I just wish my family would be more respectful of my choice to quit and stop smoking in my space.
Many of us reformed smokers think we have to educate the world on the dangers of smoking. I have tried to talk my husband into longer living, better health and endangering the kid’s lungs, so he should quit! My dad died as a life long smoker and had complications is his older years with breathing. It was sad and I don’t want my husband and kids to go through this. Because this does not just affect the person it also hurts the rest of us family members to have to watch them suffer.
For us reformed smokes out there, here's a Newsflash: Smoking is still legal. As much as we wish it was not option to our loved ones, we will continue to bitch, moan and carry on until we get you to stop. Why? Because I love you!

LIFE IS GOOD

WHAT are you doing?
What ARE you doing?
What are YOU doing?
What are you DOING?

You know if you place the emphasis on a different word in the same sentence it alters the meaning of that question. Kind of like life~ If we are to switch up any day, it changes the entire structure. Just by changing the arrangement~ For instance: a conversation at the post office, a visit to the mall, a day at work, erase a trip to town, pencil in a 10 minutes extra to the YMCA, and it’s amazing how different the outcome could be. The routine you make, the places you go the people you see and talk to all matter on how your day begins and ends. This also affects every single person you touch during that day. So if you skip the talk at the post office; you could have missed encouraging that person. If you erase the trip to town; you could have missed the moment awaiting you there. It is kind of like the movie “A Wonderful Life.” How does your life and agenda affect others?
This is a powerful thought. I can think back to many times and places where I have made a difference some ones life and outcome could have been life altering. It brings me to the current thought~ how much do parents effect the growth and future of our children? The every night tedious routines we complain about all day, really matters~ Assisting with home work, attending sports and functions, bed kisses, little hugs, words of encouragement, compliments and even discipline… All of this which seems like small insignificant gestures does add up to who our kids will be! Kids need structure and need consistency of love and support. For those kids who never are nurtured, encouraged or loved, how will they become loving parents to your next generation? Raising kids is more than paying for food, clothes and a place to live. You can be the poorest and still be a great parent.
Some nights I am so tired and don’t want to help with homework or listen the small arguments of 6th grade life~ But if I don’t listen and take the time, who will? I am fortunate to have the patients and love in me to want to be a parent. I feel blessed to have these qualities. I know many kids don’t have this and then we wonder how the world is filled with such evil. It all starts within our selves…One gesture does make a huge difference in a person’s life.

So make today count. As it might affect a ton of people you touch today.

"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world."