Chapter 1: A New Perspective on Change

I recently enjoyed a half of a joint, which I consider a step forward. In the past, I could smoke without it affecting my mental state, body, or emotions. However, as I've matured and sought new experiences, I’ve come to realize that marijuana, along with many other things, isn't my ally anymore. That’s perfectly fine; I still appreciate it, but I've learned that change is inherently paradoxical. The key lies not in increasing our efforts but in reducing them.

When we face habits like binge eating, we often think that the solution is to immediately embark on a fast, just as we assume that quitting marijuana requires a sudden, complete cessation. However, that approach is rarely effective. Instead, embracing the idea of doing less can lead to greater success.

We often convince ourselves that to transform our lives, we must take on more responsibilities, yet true progress can come from simplifying our approach. The notion that we can eliminate bad habits overnight and see instant results leads to overwhelming expectations. This can result in feelings of guilt and defeat, particularly for those with past experiences of trauma or negative conditioning.

This mindset extends to our careers as well. Many of us believe that achieving our professional goals necessitates applying for more jobs, working longer hours, and accumulating more tasks. Regardless of our employment status, we tend to think that doing more will yield better results.

But the reality is that success often comes from doing less.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve scoured job listings on platforms like Indeed or Monster.com, convinced that cleaning my room, exercising, and relentlessly searching for work would somehow lead to success. The number far exceeds what I can remember.

Change doesn’t stem from a rigid checklist of demands we impose on ourselves, nor does it begin with the declaration, "This is the last time." In truth, there is no "last time." It’s time to reframe our thinking: "This is the first time I start doing less." This shift can apply to anything we wish to change, whether it's reducing our marijuana use, saying no more often, or simply choosing to live with less pressure.

Instead of pushing ourselves to our limits, we should slow down, take inspired actions, and protect our energy and integrity. Desperation rarely leads to positive outcomes.

If you're striving to change or quit a habit, I encourage you to ease the pressure you place on yourself and abandon those unrealistic demands. You'll find that transformation becomes much more attainable when you stop confining yourself.

Chapter 2: The First Step Towards Transformation

In the video "Ashland Craft - I Smoke Weed (Live)", the artist explores the nuances of marijuana use and its impact on personal experiences. This performance encapsulates the journey of self-discovery and the relationship with substances.

"Sublime - Smoke Two Joints (Official Music Video)" reflects the cultural context of cannabis and its role in various lifestyles. This iconic track captures the essence of enjoying life while navigating personal choices.