Gratitude Heals

Of all human emotions, gratitude is one of the most beneficial for our bodies and minds. A grateful heart knows no bounds, and for people who are recovering from nicotine addiction, gratitude plays an important role in the health of their quit programs.

With Thanksgiving just about upon us here in the U.S., it seems like a good time to take stock of the blessings in our lives. Members of the About.com Smoking Cessation support forum are quick to share those things they're most grateful for since quitting tobacco, and I've included a sampling of their thoughts below:

"I'm thankful for the chance to slow my COPD. If I were still smoking, I might be on O2 continually. The pride and thankfulness I feel by taking control are tremendous." ~Gaylene~

"I am so thankful to be free of cigarettes and to be a non-smoker. My life is so simple now compared to the way it was, always trying to find a place to smoke and hiding behind the smoke." ~AnotherLinda~

"I'm thankful to be able to laugh again without worrying if it will bring on my asthma symptoms; I am thankful that when I wake up in the morning, my chest doesn't hurt; I am thankful that within just a couple days of my quit, I have not had to use an inhaler or any asthma medication." ~Cap'n~

"I'm thankful for the feeling of freedom, peace and empowerment quitting tobacco has given me, and I know it is going to get better with time. I can breathe and have more energy, plus much more." ~Dar~

"I am thankful to be smoke-free today and to have the confidence to tackle my holiday jitters without depending on nicotine to be my substitute backbone. I have restored my dignity and boosted my self-esteem 1000% percent." ~Trish~

"I am thankful for today! I am here, healthy, alive and feeling strong. I am thankful for my family who have stood by me and encouraged me to quit smoking. I didn't think I had the courage to do it!" ~Sheba~

"I really like who I have become since I quit smoking. There's no more shame! I'm proud to be a healthy woman, wife and mother!" ~Carol~

"I am grateful for the inner strength that I have found to battle this addiction, which gives me power to battle so much more." ~Sue~

"I am grateful to my son who loved me enough to ask me to quit. I took a long hard look at that request and said to myself..."I can and I will do this for Daxie." ~Daxie~

"I am grateful for my good health, and for the awareness of how precious that really is." ~Terry~

If you've quit smoking, breathe deep and be grateful. If you want to quit but haven't done it yet, there is no time like the present to get started. Grab hold of our hands here at About.com Smoking Cessation -- we've got the tools and the support to help you put tobacco behind you...permanently.

Have a grateful, smoke-free Thanksgiving!

_{Image © Stockxpert}

With nearly 800 topics covered on About.com these days, there is certainly no shortage of good reading material available at your fingertips. This week I've selected several articles from around About.com to inspire you as you move through recovery from nicotine addiction and beyond.

• Top 10 Myths About Lung Cancer -- About.com Lung Cancer

The icky threes refer to particular phases of a person's quit program that can be bumpy and uncomfortable. Learn what to expect ahead of time as you move through the first few months of smoking cessation, and you'll be better prepared to succeed

Related:

• Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms

• Deciphering the Urge to Smoke

• There is No Substitute for Time

You can abstain from smoking for years, but if you don't change the relationship you have with cigarettes, the chains of nicotine addiction will continue to hold you tight. Change the way you think and you can free yourself in an instant. You'll still have to do the work to undo the years of habit of course, but once you free your mind, you're on your way.

Related:

• Patience with the Process

• Will I Miss Smoking Forever?!

• Nicotine Addiction: Myths vs. Facts

_{Image: Stockxpert}