Quitting smoking...the ripple effects

Remember what’s called the “ripple effect?”  I was thinking about this as I read an interesting article today about “change.”  The point of the article was about how to facilitate change within organizations and with groups of people.  The article suggested that when individuals are given all the facts and relevant data about what will happen if they don’t make changes, such as becoming ill or dying, that these data points were not enough to initiate a commitment to embark on a different journey. So then, what facilitates change? … addressing the emotional and psychological reasons for change.   

So here it is…….when you imagine a life without tobacco, WHO ARE YOU in that moment? What are you feeling?  Euphoria, joy, a sense of accomplishment, physically fit, free? … now imagine the tobacco free YOU walking around with those positive feelings about yourself and your future … imagine the power you are creating in your life and the people who will be influenced by your story.  The ripple effect that you will be creating in your life and for others is limitless.  YOU are the emotional and psychological motivator for change … joy, happiness, health, and self-esteem are  part of the ripple effect that you create when you tap into the psychological, emotional, and spiritual reasons for change. 

Chantel Cohen, MSW, is a certified coach and therapist who believes in adapting the therapeutic relationship to the needs and priorities of the client. She obtained her Masters Degree from Columbia University and her BA from UCLA. Chantal is on staff at the Care and Counseling Center of Georgia and can be reached at ccohen@cccgeorgia.org.

Learn more about Care and Counseling Center of Georgia at cccgeorgia.org and specifically about their addiction and recovery services at http://cccgeorgia.org/counseling-services/addiction-and-recovery-services/.