The New Year is around the corner and many of us will be making resolutions. Every year, the top three New Years resolutions are to quit smoking, lose weight and handle finances better. I fell into the "quit smoking" category. Most smokers will not keep their New Years Resolutions for 2008 to quit smoking. How many times have you put give up smoking on your New Year resolutions list?

I put quit smoking on my New Years Resolution list every year for 10 years. My husband and I had a ritual every New Years Eve. I would smoke my last cigarette just before the clock struck midnight and on the stroke of midnight he would crush any left over cigarettes that I had. However, when I woke up in the morning I had this incredible longing for a cigarette. As the day progressed I got more and more bad tempered because I could not light up one of those little white sticks that had taken over my life. After a few days I gave in to temptation and bought some more cigarettes. And boy, did it feel good. Does it sound familiar?

But then, I caught my little boy with one of my cigarettes. It then dawned on me that this little angel that I brought into this world may never see his Mom grow old. I was slowly killing myself and it had to stop. I did not want to miss out on his first day at school, his first school plays and his graduation. So, right then and there, I was determined to quit.

Believe me, it was not easy. The withdrawal symptoms were bad, but worth it in the end. I had a dry mouth and sore throat for days. But, I kept remembering my goal to see my little boy grow up. I was not going to fail this time, there was too much at stake. I was successful and have been smoke free for 3 years now. You can too!

The reasons behind why you want to quit smoking will determine how successful you are in quitting.

• Make a list of WHY you want to quit smoking, read it every day. The secret to success is that your "Whys" must be monumentally important to you, not your husband, parents, or anyone else.
• Find people who support your decision and understand your pain.
• Break the habit.
• Be determined.

You may gain weight when you quit smoking, but who cares? Keep in mind that the health risks of smoking are far greater than a few pounds. Once you clear the smoking addiction, you'll have the energy to tackle that issue.

Make 2008 the year you make good on your resolution for the New Year! You deserve it.