Since the new year is fast approaching, I figured I would ask about your plans for it. Do you make resolutions? What kind are they? Do you have any idea what you want for the new year, or will you just take it day by day?

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"Philosophy is a walk on a slippery rock
Religion is a smile on a dog."

Happy New Year! I never make resolutions and live day to day. I plan ahead somewhat, but this is and everyday thing, not New Years resolutions.

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InterfaithForums.com-Where your ideas and beliefs count.

Yes, I have a New Years resolutions:

This year I will not try to change LOL

The greatest challendge I see is to just accept myself as I am and be not just content with that...but happy.

Happy New Year everyone! I love you all!

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May your awareness be perfection

To qoute Rufus Jones from: "Rufus Jones: Essential Writings"

"I believe more and more that the greatest single help to a spiritual life is a deep human love for another……
I have solemnly resolved to love more deeply and more truly and to be a sweeter man."

Praying everyone have a more prosperous New Year.

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Only Love Prevails,
Don

OK, so out of three of you one doesn't make resolutions, one has but not to change, and one has made one to be more loving.

Interesting mix

I have made one. This is my year to quit smoking. I started taking Chantix last week, and have really cut down. As long as I am not around others who are smoking, I don't want to, but once I am around them, well...I want one. I hope that with time that will go away.

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"Philosophy is a walk on a slippery rock
Religion is a smile on a dog."

The very, very, very best of luck to you! It can work, and once you get going, it's easier than you think.

Five years ago exactly, I made the same resolution. Five years later, I am still not smoking, and feeling great about it! I hope in five years, you'll tell me the same!

Allen

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evangelicalhumanist: Greek "eu"=good and "angelos"=messenger. Spreading the good news of Humanism.

Thanks Allen. I have tried herbal supplements, the gums, the patches, the lozenges, I think pretty much everything else. I even tried cold turkey. I just didn't make it with those. I have to say that this time, with the help that I have, I feel that I can do it. I don't have the same overwhelming cravings.

Having the support of others helps too. Just knowing that you've done it lets me know that it is not impossible.

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"Philosophy is a walk on a slippery rock
Religion is a smile on a dog."

I quit smoking 10 1/2 years ago, cold turkey. It's one of the best things I've ever done. You still have urges, but they last only seconds.

One thing I learned is that cigarettes don't calm you. I am much calmer since I quit smoking. They only satisfiy the nicotine addiction and nicotine is out of your system in about three days. It is fantastic to be a nonsmoker.

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InterfaithForums.com-Where your ideas and beliefs count.

Happy New Year and much love to all of you! You have all been a gift to me and I appreciate your being here!

I'm still struggling with smoking, Rev Kelly, so I can identify totally with your challenge. I quit October 6th, but still miss it from time to time and have to confess I haven't done it perfectly - I've had a few cigarettes at parties this month. Overall, though, it's actually been a little easier than I thought it would be. I like being free from craving and having a house that smells clean. I like getting up in the morning and being able to breath deeply. I like not thinking about lung cancer. I like setting an example for my kids. The rewards are worth it for sure.

On the other hand, it's a coping skill/ritual that I've participated in for more than 30 years. It will take some time to learn new ways of doing things and find new rewards to replace what I've grown accustom to. It's funny because I never thought I could do it. I just kept praying that I'd at least want to want to, if you know what I mean.

Best of luck to you, Rev, and remember you're finding a new way of expressing love for yourself. And I'm here if you ever need me! Happiest of NEW years!

One little suggestion that really helped my partner and I quit (yes, we did it at the same time, which really made it easier) is to carry toothpicks around with you everywhere. My partner actually bought a beautiful little turned-maple holder for them. It gives you something to replace that hand-to-mouth movement that is so much a part of smoking.

Oh, and of course, quitting with somebody else can work, too. Both of you would rather eat your own tongues than give in before the other...

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evangelicalhumanist: Greek "eu"=good and "angelos"=messenger. Spreading the good news of Humanism.