Think You Not Smoking
Dear Maribeth,
I am trying to quit smoking and finding it ridiculously difficult because I hate it and still do it anyway. If I keep smoking, I will either die of one of the harmful effects or look ugly with lines around my lips, yellow teeth and dry skin. Can you offer any guidance to where I can find the strength to overcome this awful habit?
Cough Cough
Dear CC,
Back in the day, smoking was regarded as sexy and glamorous. Due to the number of deaths directly attributable to smoking, it seems to have lost its appeal for a lot of folks while others still puff away. Perhaps your fear of looking prematurely aged due to smoking will help curb your habit. If that doesn’t work, maybe the threat of an incurable disease will. Living to grow old and wrinkly is better than the alternative! Let’s see what guidance we can get for you from the tarot cards.
The cards that appeared to answer your question are The Emperor, the Four of Cups and the Queen of Swords.
The Emperor symbolizes a very strong and determined person, one who is set in their ways. You must realize that this is a habit, a bad habit, and you are strong enough to overcome it once you set your mind to it. Both of his hands are occupied with objects as a smoker is often inclined to have a cigarette in hand. Replacing the cigarette with something else for a while may be a way to help you break the habit. Perhaps you could take up embroidery or another activity that will keep your hands busy. Replacing the cigarette with a lollipop or toothpick has also been known to fill the need while you break the habit of hand to mouth action.
Once you make up your mind to not smoke as The Emperor would do, you will be able to resist the smoking offering being given in the Four of Cups. Just say no to cigarettes, one at a time, as the opportunity presents itself. If you have to cross your arms to resist, do so. It is a choice you make, one day at a time, one cigarette at a time. Your determination will make or break your ability to refuse. Think of this addiction as an opportunity to grow and make the choice to be presiding over a healthy body.
Making the break from this nasty habit will allow you freedom from the addiction. The Queen of Swords has broken the tie to use her hands as she so desires. She has made the cut. The smoke is all behind her, but no longer around her. Considering yourself a former smoker will enable you to achieve new heights. The feeling of not needing to participate in something, especially something you really don’t want to need anyway, is a remarkably liberating feeling. One you deserve to have, and one I foresee you cultivating with pride. You can do it once you make up your mind to be successful. Good luck!
