I never did an introduction and then as days passed, it seemed like maybe it was too late. On day 41, I just posted this to May 16 and it seemed like a good place to start my belated introduction.
I've mentioned once or twice that I work in the substance abuse prevention field. We go to local schools and talk with kids about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. A lot of what we do focuses more on building up the positive protective factors (coping skills, self-esteem, decision making, etc.) that help to decrease the likelihood of future use. All that being said, today we are doing a tobacco presentation for the first time since I quit.
One of the many reasons behind my quit (I am reason #1) was the internal conflict I felt after doing these presentations. I never lied to kids, I was certainly honest about the horrible consequences of tobacco use. But after the presentations I would rush to my car as quickly as possible to throw in a lipful of cancer. I hated it. I had to worry about kids or teachers seeing me in the community with a mouthful of poison. I hated that too. I would go to my kids' school (where we're going today) but beforehand had to remind my kids that "what Dad does at home doesn't need to be talked about at school" because I didn't want one of them to share with all of their classmates that I was addicted to tobacco. I really hated that.
I am looking forward to making the presentation today knowing that I am 100% nicotine free. It feels good.
The presentation,
Tar Wars, is actually intended to be given by anyone. No special training is needed. If any of you want to take your quit and use it to prevent a bunch of children from ever making the same mistake that we did (trying tobacco that first time), this is a great and easy way to do it.
Proud to quit with you all today. Thank you for supporting my quit as I support yours, and thanks for always keeping me accountable.
