Quit smoking in 60 minutes or less

Ricardo's love affair is no secret. For more than 20 years his cigarette has been his constant and loyal companion. But for 2013, he has decided to make a change and he's ready to kick the smoky habit once and for all. He has called upon psychologist Dr Rose Johnson to help him make this happen. Johnson is trained and certified in the 'Quit Smoking in 60 Minutes or Less' process and will also be using neuro-linguistic programming, and hypnosis to help Ricardoachieve his goal. Follow Ricardo's extraordinary journey in Outlook over the next few weeks as he takes on the fight of his life.

Goodbye old friend  After more than 20 years of being a best friend and the love of my life, it pains me to tell you goodbye. But leave I must.  You are going to be the death of me and you are just too expensive to maintain.

I see your smirk because I have said goodbye so many times in the past and I have never left you for more than 24 hours. But this time I mean it, so stop your smirking.

You are going to kill me and I'm going to die a pauper. That is no mere smirk, you are laughing outright because you know that my philosophy is to live life to its fullest because something will kill you anyway.

Yes, I also know that you know that I don't mind spending money on you. You have seen me with my last $1,000 to buy gas for the car and I buy only $800 so that I can have $200 to spend on you. That's was how much I loved you and needed you.

You were the last person to kiss my lips before I went to sleep at nights and the first person to kiss me as I woke up every day. Even if I did not brush my teeth you did not mind. How could you, when you affected my breath more than anything else?

Well, there comes a day when love is not enough. I have decided to wise up and give you up, and yes, I'm going to do it this time. Now your laughter is starting to sound vulgar.

Well, let me tell you this, I have found a friend, Dr Rose Johnson who is going to help me end this love affair.

Dr Johnson has a technique with a 97 per cent success rate and uses hypnosis and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) which is the most effective method to help smokers quit and stay non-smokers.

So my lovely cigarette, you will soon be a thing of the past. Save your tears because I'm giving you up for good! Soon I'll be among the sensible people who no longer damage their health and their wallets by smoking every day.

So goodbye cigarettes your days are numbered in my mouth.

Your long-time friend and lover, Ricardo.

Name changed to protect identity.