I quit smoking

Snoop Dogg recently made a surprising announcement – he’s given up smoking weed. In a message to his family, he requested privacy during this time of personal change. I admire his decision, especially considering the influential role he has played in the lives of many, myself included.

Unlike Snoop, I never embraced smoking or weed due to its unpleasant aftertaste, likely influenced by my upbringing around my dad’s Marlboro Red habit. The pungent smell always drove me out of the room, even during our Sunday football bonding sessions. Despite my mom’s protests about smoking around the kids, my dad initially dismissed her concerns, asserting, “I’m smoking for me.“

My relief came when the awareness of secondhand smoke emerged. Eventually, my dad, recognizing the discomfort it caused the family, quit cold turkey – a moment of pride for me, witnessing him prioritize our well-being over personal habits.

On the other hand, every Monday, my caretaker Ruben typically helps me shower. Before doing so, he uses a wet wipe to clean me up. Despite my reminder that a shower eliminates the need for a wipe down, there are instances where he forgets to secure the bottle cap, causing it to fall into the sink. He also occasionally leaves the toilet running after flushing. Despite my mom’s constant reminders, he tends to take out the trash at night, and she doesn’t want to nag him weekly. I suggested withholding his weekly allowance until he takes out the trash, but now he reminds us to pay him for the weekly service. This is a new experience for me compared to my previous caretakers.

Unique to his tenure, contrast with the flawless care provided by previous caretakers. While his upbeat attitude is commendable, I stress the importance of redirecting his path, as consistent small actions can lead to significant consequences.

Drawing on these experiences, I often advise my caretaker, Ruben, to reconsider his weed habit. Beyond the skunky odor, his occasional lapses, like forgetting to secure the toothpaste cap, not using the wet wipe before showering, taking out the weekly trash cans, or leaving the toilet running after flushing, have become frustrating. 

I emphasize that these seemingly minor mistakes can compound over time, echoing Darren Hardy’s concept in “The Compound Effect.”

I draw a parallel between Ruben’s habits and the potential impact on his cognitive functions, urging him to quit weed. Unlike Snoop Dogg, Ruben lacks the inherent talent to navigate such substances without consequences. It’s a plea for him to safeguard his mental faculties and avoid detrimental trends.

In these moments of advice, I recall my dad’s transformation, his willingness to break free from a habit for the sake of his family. I hope Ruben can find inspiration in such stories of change and understand that personal growth often involves sacrifice.

As I navigate these conversations with Ruben, I reflect on the influence of role models like Snoop Dogg and my dad. Their decisions, whether to quit smoking or prioritize family, serve as reminders that change is possible, even for those deeply ingrained in their habits.