12.10.08

TFFL Episode 4

"Our dependency makes slaves out of us."
- Fritz Perls

"I'm using cigarettes to help get over my heroin addiction."

"We wanted him to be Smokified so that he will see what he will look like in 20 years. He had leukemia when he was 2 and it went into remission. His doctor said its now in danger of coming back if he doesn't stop smoking."

What do you say to the people in these situations? Sometimes, there's not much you can say. Sometimes, there are no words. You can only listen, take off your sunglasses (assuming you're wearing some), look them in the eye and let them know that someone cares.

I've never had a heroin addiction. I've never had leukemia. Its impossible for me to empathize with their situation.

The recovering heroin addict overcame it on her own - with her father's help, but without going to a methadone clinic as the fee was $12 a day. At $4 a day for a pack of cigarettes, maybe that is a cheaper interim therapy that she can then ultimately, hopefully, wean herself off of when she can find something else to fill the void.

The guy whose leukemia was in remission, was pulled to our photo booth by friends that genuinely care about him and want to see him remain healthy and vibrant. He's already overcome so much, it would be a shame to see him slip back into leukemia due to cigarettes weakening his immune system and such - cigarettes that he is using as an outlet for other stress in his life.

We have to find another way. We have to realize what makes us tick and tap into that. We need an outlet. We need a release that can allow the steam to escape from the pressure cooker of our lives. We all have rough patches and tough spots and issues that require an honest assessment of the problem without resorting to self-destruction.

Its a tough journey to look into our hurts, confidence issues, stresses and emotional wounds. Its tough to walk boldly into the things that terrify us the most. But its worth it. Its worth it because as we overcome each little thing, it gives us the strength to overcome larger and larger things that we have avoided or that crop up unexpected in the walk of life.

Its up to us to find our unique solution as there is power in being true to yourself.

Regarding our two new friends above:

When she's ready, she can walk away from cigarettes on the triumphant day of putting the nail in the coffin of her heroin addiction.

When he's ready, he can put down the cigarettes and find another way of dealing - hopefully before the Leukemia returns. He has a great group of friends that can provide support and accountability.

Lets lock arms and overcome obstacles.

We're all in this thing together.

Have a strong day.

Tobacco Free Florida out.