While I believe that the ability to make changes in our lives so beautifully through hypnosis is amazing, I understand that it is not, in fact, a magic wand. If only it was, I would create world peace in the swish of my wand. There would be no hunger, grief or illness anywhere. Then again, it is probably best I am not in control of the world, because not everyone really wants a shoe shrine built or a wardrobe of mostly pinks and purples.

In the past few weeks, I have been blessed by a flurry of interest in hypnosis related to smoke cessation from the local media. It seems that with the rise in prices and taxes threatening to bring the costs up even higher, the quit lines around the country are seeing huge increases in the number of inquiries. So am I and I imagine every hypnotist in the country! Hypnosis is recognized by the I.R.S. as a tax credit, so even better for smokers who want to make a change.

The calls that make me sad, however, are the desperate calls from loved ones who want their smoker to quit. They want to purchase a gift certificate from me, to encourage their smoker to quit. That is a lovely intention. I understand, as my husband smoked for many years, while I helped others quit.

But, the bottom line is, the smoker has to want to quit, they have to be ready. So, I will not sell the gift certificate. I can’t in good conscience. When the smoker is ready, I tell the caller, have him/her call me and we can make arrangements. Perhaps I am making a mistake, but to me, it just doesn’t seem right to do otherwise.