Wow... Well, you're right. I don't see myself that way. And I'm very humbled that you would see me that way. It's funny... actually, what I see everyday helps me in my quit. As hard as withdrawal from cigarettes is... the worst of it doesn't last for more than a few weeks, and that's usually followed, in fairly short order, by a life that feels pretty good. I mean... it may take a year or two before the adjustment is complete, depending on the variables, but as a rule... things get much better before long. And usually there's a very large pay-off that justifies the effort. What I see in a lot of young lives is a daily struggle that goes on for many years, and too often never gets better... even into adulthood. I could go down the list of injustices and abuses that many of these kids have to live with... but you probably have a pretty good idea. Anyway, the stuff I see way too much of, everyday, helps to put my current battle with addiction to cigarettes, in perspective. When I come out the other side of this (and I will), my life is going to look and feel very good. I have much to be grateful for now, and once I'm free of this addiction, my life will be even better. And the thing is... it's all in my control. A challenge? You bet! But I can do it. But many of the kids I work with have almost no say over where they find themselves or the challenges they're faced with. But they're resilient. They may have almost nothing, not even the basics... but they can still laugh, they can still create, they can still hope... they can still find meaning in their lives. Yeah, they make it easier for me. If you think I'm inspirational, you should meet them. :) Hey, Jaz? We're doing this. It's been a long 7 days...for both of us, but we've made it this far... and we're not looking back, right? There's just the road ahead, and a new life. I'm glad you're here. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/6/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 7 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 196 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $64.75 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 1 [B]Hrs:[/B] 6 [B]Mins:[/B] 39 [B]Seconds:[/B] 37

Jaz, I'm definately seeing some things differently... or more completely. I teach at an inner-city school, dirt poor kids of drug-addicted/alcoholic parents. Probably 80% of them anyway. So...no, this is the work I've always wanted to do. There's not many jobs out there I'd rather do. I'm dad to three amazing human-beings, who live with me about 60% of the time. (With their mom the rest of the time) And that IS... the best gig I'll EVER have! Being my children's father is the most incredible, most fulfilling thing I've ever done or will ever do! But what I do see differently is how I want to function in the midst of all that. How I want to feel about my life and the way I'm involved with it. The smoking left me feeling defeated. It had robbed me of my vitality, my enthusiasm and my vision for the future. It was not only poisoning my body, but my life as well. That's what I want to change. I want to experience life as fully as I can. I want escape the prison of my addiction. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/6/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 6 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 172 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $55.5 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 1 [B]Hrs:[/B] 2 [B]Mins:[/B] 54 [B]Seconds:[/B] 25

I had a tough day, and I by the time I walked in the door tonight... I really wanted a smoke. I came in here, and after reading your posts... I feel much better. You've all helped me find some badly needed perspective. Some days it's just a real challenge to make what I know in my head mesh with what I experience in my gut. Today has been one of those days. So thanks. This evening will be better for me because you all took the time to express your thoughts and feelings. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/6/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 8 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 220 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $74 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 1 [B]Hrs:[/B] 10 [B]Mins:[/B] 32 [B]Seconds:[/B] 16

Okay, so have any of you experienced the need for a Life Overhaul? Example: Right now, many things I once found important enough to get stressed out about mean absolutely nothing to me. My full time job as a working photographer with a high level event company is SO unfulfilling...I feel like I just want to quit and go work for myself. I am finding I benefit NO ONE but really rich and wealthy people who, on average, do not appreciate anything but themselves. I am feeling as if I need to make a greater contribution to humanity. Unfortunately, I ain't got no suga' daddy...so I need to stay put and make money. Those really rich, unappreciative people are paying my salary. It's like a catch 22....GRRRRRR... Anyone else ever feel like by quiting smoking, that they are seeing EVERYTHING in their life differently? Has anyone else quit caused a life overhaul? [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/6/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 6 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 128 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $30 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 10 [B]Mins:[/B] 53 [B]Seconds:[/B] 37

Lookingglass...you are an incredible human being. Anyone who dedicates themselves to giving something to kids who have nothing, is a hero in my book. I know you don't consider yourself that way probably, but there really need to be more people like you in the world. Education for the underprivledged is a major cause I want to delve into. My friend was a teacher at a school...she worked in the trailer out back with holes in the ceiling and floors and a homeless man sleeping underneath...this is located in one of the wealthiest counties in this area...yet no one does anything to change it. I donated money so they could go on field trips and bought her class cameras and taught them photography. They were so captivated and it made me realise just how smart these kids are and how far they could go given the right tools. It's amazing that you can go there, teach, see what you see and still stay strong in your quit. Not just for your quit, but for what you do, you are beyond inspirational....thank you. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/6/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 7 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 148 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $35 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 12 [B]Mins:[/B] 41 [B]Seconds:[/B] 6

Lookingglass, I can only imagine how incredible those kids are. You have a really great perspective on this...and I like that the kids are actually helping you stay quit...that really does make a whole lot of sense. Maybe if more of us would switch our thinking to that mentality, it could help this be that much easier. Actually, next week I am going to an exhibit to benefit CRITICAL EXPOSURE. It started in Baltimore, MD and Washington, D.C. and they have since done it in Albaquerque, N.M. and Austin, TX. It's a non-profit and they have given these high schoolers cameras to document the conditions at their schools. This organization helps to raise money to repair the schools and they have even gone and done showings for the law makers in Maryland, to show them the poor conditions they have to learn in. I think my studio is actually going to do some photo classes with them soon...which I am BEYOND excited about! Maybe you can look into this and get it over to your school. I am glad you are here too...we are TOTALLY doing this! Gonnadoit...you too are setting a good example for others and helping them as well. Looking at your stats definitely helped me today!!!! Serenity2....I am feeling you. When I have kids, I will be working from home so I can be the one to raise them and not the nanny or t.v. I am blessed with a job that gives me tons of flexibility...I am a photographer. RIght now though, I need the money, but I am coming up with a 2 year plan at the moment. My husband and I would like to have one child of our own and either adopt or be foster parents....there as so many beautiful children in need. Today, so far, has been easy....coming here and reading such lovely words really takes me to another level...a plane above basic human emotion...if that makes sense..... You guys are so beautiful..... [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/6/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 8 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 168 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $40 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 14 [B]Mins:[/B] 24 [B]Seconds:[/B] 55

Hey Lookingglass, It's days like that where this forum and everyone here really helps. I know many people who are recovering addicts and refuse to go to therapy or AA meetings. After being here, I don't understand how they don't (mind you they are sober, but not dealing with any of their issues). To know that you are not alone, to know that people actually care and want to help is so powerful. I truely hope your evening was better last night...hopefully you got to sit and clear your mind a bit. I'm waiting for the day when I wake up and I forgot I ever smoked!!!! It will come for us...and we are going to be so much stronger than we already are... Mercy: Another photographer....yah!!!! I would love to see some of your work if you have anything online!!! You can and will follow your hearts dream. I feel that some people are meant to be healers in this life, yet they have to go through a bunch of their own "stuff" to get "it" before helping others. Follow your heart, and follow your dreams, for what they tell you, is what you should do...I follow little "god winks" constantly, and they never let me down. I am a true believer in synchronicity. Oh yeah, and don't worry about losing yourself in your writing...I do that constantly...I think it's good to do that every once in a while! I hope you all are having a wonderful day/evening wherever in this world you may be! Love and Light, JAZ [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/6/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 9 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 188 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $45 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 16 [B]Mins:[/B] 4 [B]Seconds:[/B] 42

Lookingglass, Your doing great. I saw your stats. The first week is the hardest. Next week will be easier.. with a few bad days. The third week is great...till the end of the week. I think they call that the three week wall (something like that). By week 4 you can ride through it...but will feel like you are in a little bit of a limbo. After that...it just keeps getting better. Keep going. Mercy [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/21/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 52 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,058 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $232.44 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 6 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 38 [B]Seconds:[/B] 59

Hi Jazz..Lookingglass..and gonnadoit..Serenity!! You guys took the words out of my mouth and said them BEAUTIFULLY. Easch one said something that is a little bit of me. jAZZ.. I am a photographer too. I run photolabs and shoot professionally also. This past summer... I said enough at shooting weddings. For a very long time now I feel like what I do has no meaning. Like gonnadoit...I am very involved in the spiritual side of my life. I had been raised in a cult like religion. I was shunned by all family and friends (to this very day)for leaving in the early 80's. My mother nor brother still talk to me. I admire you too looking glass!!! I had so much wanted to be a gradschool teacher. But this religion did not allow it. I kindof wandered in limbo for 16 years. I raised three beautiful children and had a good life. I took my job of raising my children to heart like you Serenity. I agree with you. There is no greater calling then to raise a human being!! As years went on I knew somekind of purpose was missing. Long story short I spent from 1996 to the year 1999 searching for the real truth about God and became "born again" (in otherwards found Christ) in 1999. I do find some meaning in helping others who have left Cult like religions and are lost and alone find meaning in thier lives... through God.. not religion. My hearts dream...... well... would be to do somekind of missionary work. I love reading the Gospel for Asia litterature and go to thier website often. I look at the schools where they teach children how to read...ect. Well... what is the meaning to what I am writing? I even lost myself here!!! LOL My brain cells are dying at a very fast rate! I guess what I am saying is... by elimating the smokey cloud I have lived under (smoking cigarettes) I see that If I can do this..... I can be impowered to other things with my life. We all know that smoking is a huge addiction. In overcoming that... there is little that can't be overcome. Great post!! Mercy [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/21/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 52 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,055 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $232.44 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 6 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 12 [B]Seconds:[/B] 12

I've felt like this for a while now - pre quitting. In my case, I think it's an age thing. Time is a lot more precious to me now and I think the idea of working (paid employment) every day is a complete waste of life if there are ANY ways around it. I work part time so that I can be there much more for my children. I can think of NOTHING in life that I will achieve that is better than raising good human beings and being there for my kids when I can be. I also do voluntary work. Currently that's teaching disabled young people and adults covering basic IT/PC type skills. When my kids are grown and gone to their own lives, I want to go some place where I can roll my sleeves up and actually DO concrete things to make a difference - that's the long term aim. The work ambitions that I had when I was younger are meaningless to me now. I don't know who that person was. Jaz - do you HAVE to do your current job full time? Would it be financially viable for you to reduce your hours (and it is amazing how much less money we can get by on when we have to!). If you could free up some hours, the world is then your oyster for using the freed time to pursue whatever it is that you feel would be more rewarding for you. S [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/10/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 94 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 3,302 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �564 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 9 [B]Hrs:[/B] 16 [B]Mins:[/B] 52 [B]Seconds:[/B] 31