The following article first appeared in the July 1921 issue of NAUTILUS Magazine of NEW THOUGHT. The author, with all the personality in the world, addresses the subject of quitting smoking. However, the advice could be just as useful with other habits.
A Divorce From Tobacco
by Jean Dare Roberts
My husband had been trying for years to break away from the tobacco habit, but seemed to find it too strong fro him, and gave up.
His younger brother, who has been a still worse slave, surprised me, on a recent visit, by refusing a cigar.
The last time I saw him before he was using six or eight cigars a day and eating at least a cut of chewing tobacco between smokes. Eating is the right word. He swallowed both juice and cud.
I was anxious to know how he had conquered a habit of half a lifetime. He had picked it up when only seven years old.
It seems that his heart got to cutting some queer capers, and frightened him into consulting a doctor. After giving him the “once over” and back again, the M.D. told him to cut out the tobacco, and to be in a hurry about it, if he wished to escape the undertaker.
He certainly was frightened. He just thought that was his death warrant. He had tried so many times and so many different remedies, and everything had failed.
He tried for days to find some help and, finally, as a last resort, he decided to look into his sister’s New Thought literature that he had been ridiculing.
Quite naturally, he didn’t want her to know that he was interested, so he sneaked some out and took it to the office to study.
It appealed to him as being rather sensible, after all, and as he knew of nothing better to do, he decided to try it.
After a few day’s study, he decided on the plan which he followed to success.
On March twentieth he said to himself, “After April twentieth I shall not use any more tobacco. I shall not care for it, and I shall not be uncomfortable from stopping its use.”
He continued to use it, but every time he prepared a smoke or took a chew, he repeated his formula. Also the last thing before going to sleep.
On the morning of the appointed day he laid what remained of his supply on the bathroom shelf, and has never used any since that time.
He says that he suffered no inconvenience, ans has had no craving for it.
His health is restored, and his temper and mind are much improved. They seem to be getting better every day.
– Page 32, A Divorce From Tobacco by Jean Dare Roberts In NAUTILUS Magazine of NEW THOUGHT, July 1921
“…his heart got to cutting some queer capers…” – my favorite phrase of the month. Hands down.