Ask Dr. Reece - Is quitting smoking THAT important?

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Dear Dr. Reece:


Is quitting smoking the end all, be all of all things?  I mean, I do a lot of good things, can't I have one vice?


Kyle P.


Dear Kyle:


Quitting smoking, like any other behavior change, is only as important as you make it.  Is quitting smoking important?  Yes.  Is it the "end all be all", no.  At least not for me.  And, it doesn't seem to be the most important thing to you right now.  


Our behaviors have to be weighed in two ways.  How do they effect others?  And, how do they effect us?  We all have rights.  And with smoking you have to be very aware of the other guy's rights.  After all, second hand smoke is real and it is damaging.  Of course, you know all of this.


If your only "sin" is smoking, you are a much better man than I am!  I suggest you write out pros and cons, including the cons of hurting others, and make a decision.  Then either quit or get on with life until you want to quit.  Don't just sit there and waste away in guilt, that's just self-defeating and a bad waste of energy.


If and when you decide to stop, talk to your doctor and make a good plan with an excellent gift to yourself as you achieve the goal.  Would yous stop smoking for a new blender? Probably not.  How about a new car?  Yes, you would.


Good luck and God Bless,
Reece

Ask Dr. Reece is the advice column of Dr. Reece W. Manley, DD, M.Ed., MPM, a progressive Christian writer, speaker and GLBT advocate.  He can be reached at reece@manley.net or www.gaylifecoach.info.