By Fran Spelgatti

Most people who are addicted to cigarettes are waiting for a magical day, a day on the calendar when they will somehow stop smoking. They are waiting for that perfect moment, the perfect time when there is no stress in their lives.

Unfortunately, there is no such day or time. There is no such place. Life is exactly what we make it. So, you have to make the date to create the change. If you answer yes to any the following seven questions, that should be all the evidence you need that it's time to change. It's time to stop smoking.

1. Are cigarettes your first thought in the morning?
   If you find yourself stumbling around the bedroom looking for your cigarettes before you even turn on a light switch, it's time to stop smoking.
2. After meals, are you not able to leave the table without a smoke?
   If it feels like the meal hasn’t ended if you didn't have your cigarette, it's time to stop smoking.
3. Do you find you can't concentrate while driving without a cigarette?
   If you find yourself confused or nervous while driving when you don't have a cigarette in your hand, it's time to stop smoking.
4. Do you reach for a smoke first thing when walking out of a building?
   If the first thing you do when leaving a building is reach for your shirt pocket or purse to find your good friend, the cigarette, it's time to stop smoking.
5. Do you feel deprived when others are smoking?
   If, when another person lights up a cigarette, you feel somehow deprived or as if they are better than you because they’re smoking, it's time to stop smoking.
6. Does smoking become your first choice before making a major decision?
   If your first thought when making a major life decision is toward having a smoke, it’s time to find a new way to solve problems. It's time to stop smoking.
7. Are you are waiting for the "best time" to quit?
   If you continue to tell your family, friends or coworkers you’re just waiting for the perfect time to quit, stop fooling yourself. It's time to stop smoking.

If you would like to stop smoking and live a life free from addiction to cigarettes, contact your local Positive Changes center at 1-877-POSITIVE. Start creating your healthy new life today.