Quitting Smoking Isn't Tough...

...But dying from smoking sure is.

You want to talk tough? There's tough. And writing this to you is tough, because I'm crying my eyes out thinking about my father - a true everyday hero - and missing him more than I can convey. I miss his wisdom, his friendship, his proud smile when I get something right, really get it. I can't see the keyboard or the screen because I'm bawling like a baby at the ripe old age of 48. Watching my mom slowly fade away in quiet desperation and misery because the anchor of her life is gone, that's tough. I know there's nothing I can do to help her, and because of that, I feel like I've broken a promise to a dying man - that's tough. Happy Freaking Birthday to me. I'm 48 and DDOF. Yippee.

So, go ahead. Tell me how you're having problems with certain parts of your quit. I'll be there to help you. Ask for advice and I'll give it. Ask for tips to trick the Nico-Demon. I've got a bunch to share and am happy to do so.

But don't you dare tell me it's too tough for you to quit. Because I know what tough is. And quitting doesn't even come close.

If I can quit after more than 30 years of smoking at least two packs a day, you can quit, too. If you put your heart into it. If you have just a little bit of courage. If you commit yourself to it. If you remember that there are other things in life that are far tougher than this.

Yes, you can quit, too. And it isn't all that tough when you compare it to other things that could come your way as easy as falling off a log.

Yeah...I know tough. I pray that you never have to meet it. Not like I have.

No, Quitting Smoking Isn't Tough. But dying from smoking sure is.

Now, I've got to call My Sweet Baby and finish this cry. Then I'm going to eat a pound of chocolate and anydamnthing else I feel like. I'm going to have myself a nice, slow celebration dance with the most important woman in my world.

Don't worry about me; I'll be fine tomorrow. And I definitely won't smoke. You better not either...

Lane Baldwin is a musician and writer who focuses on spirituality and positive living. He has placed this essay here in the hopes that it will help you quit smoking and lead a happier, healthier life. To learn more about: Lane's Quit, visit Diary of a Quitter; his music: Lane on Bass; his writing: A Life with Spirit