A quote to think about...

Magic pill?
Are there other ways of doing something? Maybe alternatives? Are there alternatives to drugs? Do you believe there is a magic pill and you have been brainwashed by the medical profession, media, and society that drugs are the answer?

Could it be like the English fairytale experience of Winnie-the-Pooh who kept bumping his head as Christopher Robin dragged him downstairs backwards by his heels? "It is, as far as he knows, the only way of coming downstairs, but sometimes he feels that there really is another way, if only he could stop bumping for a moment and think of it."

Don't be afraid of your own intuition. If you know deep down that your lifestyle is not the best, then change that and take control. Drugs will never change you, they will only mask the symptoms and you will have to face more serious symptoms as time goes on — unless you stop bumping down the stairs helplessly controlled by others.

Surprisingly simple happiness trick
Psychologists from a happiness website are trialing ways people can change from being worriers, apathetic, lacking in confidence and all the myriad feelings that hold us back... to becoming happier.

Last year, Caroline Miller, 44 was asked to try one exercise, and it took her by surprise.

Every night, she was to think of three good things that happened that day and analyze why they occurred. That was supposed to increase her overall happiness.

"I thought it was too simple to be effective," said Miller, "but now I never have trouble falling asleep and I do feel happier, not just for a day or two, but long-term." she said.

Miller said the exercise made her notice more good things in her day, and that now she routinely lists 10 or 20 of them rather than just three.

A second promising approach has people discover their personal strengths through a specialized questionnaire. They chose their five most prominent strengths, such as the ability to find humour or summon enthusiasm, appreciation of beauty, curiosity and love of learning Then, every day for a week, they are to apply one or more of their strengths in a new way.

You can read more at this Authentic Happiness website and even register for the surveys to have your happiness measured and improved.

Animals know better
Tobacco is a poison. Nicotine from the plant is commonly used as an insecticide. Small quantities ingested can kill, and there are many reports of infants being poisoned after eating it. Did you know that even the animals never ever enter a tobacco field for gazing, whereas humans have consumed uncounted tons of tobacco since generations.

See you with the next Hot Quit Newsletter.