A. Effects of Smoking on “Skin” and “Hair and Teeth”

Smoking is believed to damage the skin in several ways. The heat of the tobacco smoke that surrounds a smoker’s face has a dehydrating effect. Long-term squinting and puckering of the mouth may form premature wrinkles. Smoking destroys Vitamin A and C, antioxidants that protect the skin against damage from pollution and free radicals that can lead to illness. In women, smoking interferes with estrogen production, leaving skin drier than it should be. Research also indicates that smoking damages collagen and elastin, two substances that give your skin firmness and elasticity.

Adding insult to injury, smoking may also affect your crowning glory. There is some evidence that nicotine and cotinine can alter the DNA of hair follicle cells. Also, small blood vessels supplying hair follicles are constricted. The American Academy of Dentistry reports that male smokers can lose 2.9 teeth for every 10 years of smoking while the female smokers can lose 1.5 teeth. This is probably due to plaque buildup, which leads to periodontal or gum disease. Other unpleasant side effects of smoking are yellowish stained teeth; darkened gums and obnoxious breath.

B. “Initiative” and “Passion”

Passion is a faultless predictor of success. How many high achievers lack enthusiasm? How many great leaders do you admire who are indifferent? A dispassionate person will not go far before he gives up hope of achieving big dreams. On the other hand, a person of passion will move mountains to see his dream come to fruition. When it comes to passion, there are two kinds of people: firelighters and firefighters. Firefighters focus on what’s wrong with an idea rather than what’s right. Firelighters, on the other hand, are encouragers who lift and sustain others through tough times.
Initiative is the inner drive that propels leaders to achieve great dreams. American founding father, Benjamin Franklin, held to the following maxim about initiative: “To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.” Leaders with initiative have an eagerness to make things happen. They have a positive restlessness that prevents them from being content with average. A person with initiative accepts responsibility for his or her own life. Such a person authors his or her own history. As Elbert Hubbard says, “The world bestows its prizes, both its money and honors, on one thing and that’s initiative. Therefore, initiative is doing the right thing without being told, inclining him/herself toward action. C. Eliminate unnecessary sentences 1. The desire to listen, learn and apply is not innate, but when cultivated it aids the growth and development of a leader. In the words of Henry Adams, “They know who know how to learn.” Look for and plan your teachable moments. Intentionally ask questions to draw out the depth of experience and knowledge in those around you. My best friends are my best teachers. I love to learn, and I am fascinated by individuals who have a wealth of wisdom to share. As Beltasar Gracian said, “Make your friends your teachers, and mingle the pleasure of conversation with the advantages of instruction. 2. We are like jewels, shaped with the hammer and chisel of adversity. If a jeweler’s hammer isn’t strong enough to chip off our rough edges, God will use a sledgehammer. If we’re really stubborn, he uses a jackhammer. He will use whatever it takes. Every problem is a character building opportunity, and the more difficult it is, the greater the potential for building spiritual muscle and moral fiber. Paul said, “We know that these troubles produce patience. And patience is character.” What happens outwardly in your life is not as important, but your character will last forever.