You'd have to be from outer space to not be aware that smoking is really bad for you. Most smokers know that it is slow suicide. I know this because I smoked for many years. It didn't matter how many times people nicely told me that they worried about me or how many times rude people frowned at me and said gruffly, "NO SMOKING!" I continued puffing away.

So what do you do if you want to stop smoking? Well, the first thing you need to do is sit down and have a serious chat with yourself. Ask yourself this question, "Do I really want to stop smoking?" If you say yes to yourself, you should probably say, "Are you really sure?" Actually you need to do this several times. Why? Because the secret is motivation. There is no question that you can stop. The only question is whether you really want to.

"But it isn't easy," you say. True. I agree. Here's a little something that might help you. If you have the urge for a smoke, try jogging for a minute or two. You don't have to do this outside. You can do it in your room. If it is absolutely impossible, try this: Blow really hard on your thumb for 10 seconds and then take some deep breaths.

Still having trouble? That's because smoking is not just about your mouth and breathing; it is also about your hands. You see, smokers not only like to suck on those deadly killers, they like to play with them too. Finger them. Turn them here and there. Flick the ashes off. Well, you get the idea. So, try this. Keep a pen or pencil in your hand and play around with it. You can even put it in your mouth occasionally if you want to.

Remember, wanting to quit is the key. Use the techniques I suggest to help you or develop your own. Regardless of how you do it, the rewards are tremendous. You will be proud of yourself but, more importantly, those that love you will be proud and thankful. People will admire you for your will power and, most important of all, you will live a longer healthier life.