Cigarette Smoking and Coyotes

April 1 has come and gone, and many of us were on one side or another of an April Fools' joke. Now, as income tax filing deadlines approach, it's a great time to consider just how gullible we can all be--espcially folks who smoke.
Cigarette smokers are like coyotes. You know about the coyote. Hes the one that looks like a speedy little fox. Like the cartoon character, Wile E. Coyote, todays smoker is constantly fooling himself.
As an ex-smoker and as one who has dedicated his professional life to helping others stop smoking, allow me to share with you some insights into how we all think---and especially about how you think if you are a smoker.
In the lore of the Native American peoples, the coyote teaches us about deception and self-deception. This agile creature can often fool itself with unrealistic, wishful thinking. Like the cartoon character chasing the Road Runner, the coyote frustrates itself by thinking in self-defeating ways.
Are any of these thoughts familiar to you if youre a smoker?---
Im going to quit after I get that promotion. Or after I get that raise. Im going to quit when my spouse is more calm and trusting. Quitting will be easy after I hit the big numbers in the lottery. Once I get my taxes out of the way, thatll be the time. (Then, once the kids are back in school.....)
Smokers minds are exceptionally creative at finding reasons to keep on smoking.
Studies have shown that 70 to 80 percent of Americas smokers would like to quit. They usually wont admit that to anyone else. I enjoy smoking."---what a self-con that is. Sure, its relaxing to light up, especially if youre an addict needing a fix. Thats really what its all about for smokers.
Its also easy for smokers to fool themselves about the methods and products theyll use when they do decide to make an effort to stop. Because somebody down the block says they used the patch or gum to quit, the quitting smoker will think: If they quit that way, I can do it, too." Yet the cold, hard reality is that 75 to 85% of those who try the patch or gum are smoking a year later. Thats a fact that most smokers ignore.
If you smoke, maybe its time to wake up to whats really happening when you smoke. Youre hurting yourself, shortening your life and filling it up with something that robs you of your energy and self-esteem. Yes, its pretty tough to have a high opinion of yourself when youre puffing away so constantly on something that you know is hurting you.