Hi Mark

I realized I was somehow fooling myself; I sensed there is an underlying psychology at hand and that I can't reach; that THIS is the part of me that needs to heal. When I read your page on Guilt I literally wept. It struck a deep cord in me and I felt like FINALLY someone is reaching inside of me and untangling the web of addiction. I'm (reading) your book and finding the tools I need to set myself free. I will keep you posted! God Bless you.

Cynthia C. Craton, Harbor Springs, MI

(A FEW WEEKS LATER, SHE WROTE AGAIN.)

Hi Mark,

It was a long process but I'm happy to announce that I walked away from 24 years of smoking on March 10th, 2001 after just a couple months of incorporating your book into my life!

I'm 38 years old and I was averaging 38 cigarettes a day. I tried patches, gum, hypnosis, herbal pills, computer withdrawal program (Life Sign) and cold turkey, but none of these worked because none of them addressed the deeply embedded habit of my smoking -- I still had the DESIRE to smoke and I knew I needed to find a way to transform my desire to smoke into a stronger desire NOT to. Your book truly showed me the root of my addiction and habit! It was painless, effortless and fascinating.

As I realized I was going hours without thinking about or wanting a cigarette, I became increasingly motivated and hopeful. I then went to my doctor and asked for a prescription of Zyban, bought a box of Step 2 patches and, two weeks later, took the leap! I know in my heart that I didn't need these things but also had become remarkably aware of my mental addiction and how merely thoughts could sabotage my efforts; I didn't want to take any chances. I put the patches aside after just 9 days.

I must admit there have been a couple tests where I really thought I wanted a cigarette -- so, I would get in my car, drive to the store, buy a pack, take it home and smoke one outside (because I discovered during the process outlined in your book that I honestly HATE smelling of smoke!) only to find that it wasn't at all what my mind made it out to be! It didn't taste good, didn't bring that euphoric rush and did not calm me. It gave me a headache, a sore throat, a nauseous stomach and a wave of dissatisfaction. I've learned this twice but I realize now that a thought doesn't have to be a command. I'm telling you, this in itself is incredible progress!

You are absolutely right that the addiction to cigarettes is mostly mental. There are moments when the thought of a cigarette comes (out of habit) and then I can actually feel my mind CREATING the craving! But when I tell myself what you told yourself, I can smoke whenever I REALLY want to, that craving dissolves. I'm recognizing my thoughts are just old programs that are actually creating my cravings -- I can therefore create different thoughts -- Woah!!! It really is a mind trip.

Sometimes I think I miss being a smoker, but even this thought is just another aspect of the mental addiction, NOT the physical addiction to nicotine. Sometimes I find myself grieving who I once perceived myself to be: the addict, the smoker, the person who didn't care what anyone thought, the rebel, AND the person consumed with guilt, fear, denial, grief, isolation, etc. Odd huh? Who would want to go back to THAT? Nevertheless, it's like a person in an abusive relationship: even the pain felt secure simply because it was familiar and predictable. We gravitate toward the familiar, even if it kills us. Do you know what I mean? But, with each new day that I am NOT smoking, I'm more determined to make LIVING a way of life, not KILLING MYSELF a way of living.

Your book charts a process of unraveling what's underneath the guise of smoker and addict. You said it takes as long as it takes and this is truly the most honest, forgiving and encouraging approach to absolutely EVERYTHING in life, especially the process of quitting smoking. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for offering us something more than exercise, deep breaths and gallons of water to overcome this complex addiction, but mostly, for providing a kinder approach toward healing.

Through your quit and your book, you've transformed a burden into a blessing not only for yourself and your daughter, but for ME! (In MY book, that makes you a miracle worker!) I will refer anyone who asks how I managed to FINALLY quit smoking to your book and your web site.

Thanks a bunch, Mark! Please keep up your incredible efforts!

Cynthia C. Craton., Harbor Springs, MI