I’m having a hard time quitting smoking. I’ll be honest about it. I’ve been bothering the other guys in the house for cigarettes, and I just spent my last $10 on another pack. But this time, I want to say thank you to the people who didn’t give in — who didn’t buy me a pack, even when I begged. That’s not enabling — that’s love with boundaries. And it’s appropriate.
But let’s make an important distinction.
When I hear back from Disney, I’ll need to put together a physical portfolio. I can’t afford it right now, but I might have something tucked away in storage that’ll help. Still, I may need support — not for cigarettes, but for printing, presentation, and maybe even bus fare to Burbank. That’s not enabling either. That’s investing in someone’s future. That’s hope.
See, this is where we need a mindset shift.
Tough love doesn’t work for everyone. These so-called “recovery homes” often end up as trap houses with nothing else to do but chain smoke, stew in regret, and count the hours. There’s no structure, no opportunity, no dignity — just judgment and ashtrays.
But harm reduction? That’s another story.
Harm reduction says: Help someone get a job. Help them find a decent place to live. Give them a reason to believe in a future. When you do that, the harmful habits often fade on their own. I truly believe if I were working and in a better environment, I wouldn’t feel so compelled to smoke just to pass the time.
This dream job at Disney is more than a job. It’s a lifeline. It’s motivation. It’s the spark I need to turn things around — and stay around. Getting clean isn’t just about saying “no” to a cigarette; it’s about saying “yes” to something better.
And this dream, though bold, is something we can do.
Together.
— Dan and Bonkers
Future Disney Legend in Training 🏰
www.danjoyceart.com
SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TODAY!!!
