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Live Your Passion (Viva Sua Paixao)!!

Dr_Hays
Mayo Clinic
4 4 124

The pinnacle of sports performance in the USA and in many other countries around the world is here, the 2016 summer Olympic Games.  Competing at the Olympics is a lifelong goal for many athletes in hundreds of different sporting events.    It is fascinating to see these athletes in action knowing all of the discipline and commitment that they have put into becoming the best athletes in the world.  What makes these events even more interesting is hearing athlete stories – how they persevered and overcame numerous challenges to make it to the top of their game.

 

The slogan for the games in Rio is “Live your Passion," and we are seeing each athlete living out their passions during the games.  Although most  of us will never participate in the Olympic Games, you may have at one time or another felt passionate about something – whether it be a passion to excel in your career, create beautiful art, or raise healthy, passionate children. Unfortunately, tobacco dependence can interfere with our passions.  Without realizing it, our zest for life and the things we enjoy most become second fiddle to addiction.

 

Many Olympic athletes share they were able to overcome their challenges because they never lost sight of their passion and goals.  There is no doubt that stopping smoking is tough, so what is it that drives you to keep going when the going gets tough?  If you were to imagine yourself tobacco-free, what would your life look like? How would you be living out your passions?  Sometimes, having a clear vision of our destination can help us plot the course that will guide us there. 

 

No one makes it to the Olympic Games without the devotion, hard work, and passion to excel in their sport.  Additionally, no athlete makes it there without the help and support of others.  Remember, there are more EX-smokers today than current smokers.  You can achieve your goal and live your passion.  The community and tools at BecomeAnEx are here for you so choose life and viva sua paixao!

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About the Author
An expert in tobacco use and dependence, Dr. Hays has authored and co-authored over 70 peer-reviewed scholarly articles and book chapters on various aspects tobacco dependence and its treatment. Since joining the Nicotine Dependence Center in 1992, he and its staff have treated more than 50,000 patients for tobacco dependence.