If your resolution to quit in the new year came and went without much success, consider the crocus. Be the crocus. Push through. It may be cold outside, you may have been dormant and waiting for the “right” time to quit. Push through – everyday and any day is a new possibility and an opportunity to grow.

I recently quit smoking, so this year when things start to reach their usual level of craziness during Thanksgiving dinner, I have a stress-buster plan in place that DOES NOT INCLUDE SMOKING. I will grab my sister-in-law and make a bee-line for the door. After a long, brisk walk and a couple of good belly laughs, I know I’ll feel much more relaxed and ready to take on whatever else the day has in store. For me, smoking will no longer be an option…no matter what!

People tell me the holidays are difficult to get through without smoking, and thinking about the family dynamics and the anticipation of what will happen around the dining room table gives them pause. It’s not always a Norman Rockwell painting. Not to mention the cleaning, shopping, cooking and then more cleaning – it’s no wonder we feel stress. But, consider that this year will be different. You decide how to make it different. The best recipe for the holiday is… sweet success.

The third Thursday of every November is the Great American Smoke Out. The fourth Thursday is Thanksgiving. I think that says it all.