Expressing your Why

PIC 0: The titlecard with the words “Expressing your Why” is displayed. The screen fades again to Ruby.

RUBY: So, I’ve thought through why I don’t want to use substances… but, I realized I was having a hard time getting excited about things because I had nothing specific I was working toward.

Talking to friends was helpful, and I realized I also needed to set a goal. It’s this idea that if you’re working towards something that’s important to you, you're more likely to stick to what you say you’re gonna do.

Part of goal setting is staying motivated. But motivation isn’t just a straight line to your goal. It has its ups and downs, y’know?

PIC 1: The screen first fades to an image of a flag pole with the word “Motivation” underneath. Then the “motivation” word moves to the side and a smooth arrow is traced from it to the flag pole. Finally, an arrow with many ups and downs is shown connecting the “motivation” word to the flag pole.

I decided to try making the track team. Once I had my goal, I was able to think about the things I'd need to do to achieve it.

Eat well, run 5 times a week, get good sleep.

I knew substances would get in the way of doing those things.

PIC 2: A chart appears with the word “Goal” appearing in a banner. A subheader reads “Make the track team”, with the following appearing with a check mark:

Eat well

Run five times a week

Sleep well

And the word “substances” appearing crossed out with an “X”.

PIC 3: Screen fades back to Ruby.

RUBY: I also realized that I might still encounter situations that involve alcohol, vaping or drugs. Like, I could be offered substances from friends or maybe when I’m hanging out with some new people, wanting to fit in.

But what I figured out is: It helps to think through how you might handle those kinds of situations. So you don't feel stressed about making the decision, like in the moment.

Giving a reason why helps! This is where your goals come in, using your goals is a great way to keep people from pressuring you or asking you over and over again to try substances. Some good questions to ask yourself are:

PIC 4: A banner appears next to Ruby with the words “Use your Goals”.

PIC 5: Screen fades to the following prompts and descriptions appearing one at a time.

What’s important to me?

This doesn’t have to be about making a sports team. It could be something extra curricular, academic, personal, a new hobby, something friend oriented, family oriented, or just about a lifestyle choice.

What are my goals?

This could be as simple as: be healthier, focus on yourself, or spend more time outside. This could be as specific as: make the track team, get into advanced English, or join a new club.

How could substances affect my goals?

This could be something like: Smoking and aerosols that vape pens give off affect my breathing and overall health, which means I wouldn’t be able to reach my goal.

PIC 6: Screen returns to Ruby.

RUBY: We all have different reasons for why we choose not to use substances. Whatever your reasons might be, you can always be direct and refuse the substance.

Or, if you're not comfortable being direct, you can give a reason.

Here’s a text I got from a friend. Can you help me choose a response?

PIC 7: Screen fades to an image of a phone with text messages. The following message appears:

Hey!

My brother’s friend is coming over.

He’s got new vape pen flavors.

Do you want to come check it out?

Then a prompt appears: “How would you respond? Choose one to send:”

I have practice tomorrow and those pens make me feel so slow.
Friend’s response: Oh right! I forgot.

Sorry. My mom would get so mad if she found out.
Friend’s response: Haha I know what you mean.

I‘ll come by for a bit but I’ll probably dip before he gets there.
Friend’s response: Yeah sounds good to me.

PIC 8: Screen fades back to Ruby.

RUBY: Thanks for helping me out! You were able to refuse, and give a reason. Because of this, my friend respected what we said.

Let’s try out a few more situations.

PIC 9: Screen fades again to an image of a phone with text messages. The following message appears:

My buddy got some of those alcoholic seltzers.

Do you want to come over and try with us?

Then a prompt appears: “How would you respond?”

I’ve got practice in the morning. Coach would definitely know if I’d been drinking. Sorry!
Feedback: Great choice! This response helps your friend understand why you’re saying no.

Thanks for asking but nah. I’m not into drinking.
Feedback: This is a good response if you are comfortable being direct when refusing substances.

No, thanks. I need to study for that English final.
Feedback: Nice work! This response gives your friend a reason why you’re saying no.

PIC 8: Screen fades back to Ruby.

RUBY: Nice work! It’s sometimes hard to choose the best answer. It’s always a good idea to explain your reasoning. That way your friend gets why you’re saying no.

Let’s try one more text. This time, choose a response that you feel fits the best.

PIC 10: Screen fades again to an image of a phone with text messages. The following message appears:

Hey!

We got some weed.

We want to see if we can still do ollies when we’re high, lol

Then a prompt appears: “How would you respond? Choose one to send:”

That sounds dangerous. I’m really worried about you guys getting hurt.
Feedback: This shows that you’re a supportive friend. You could also give a reason if you’re not comfortable being direct.

Let’s just get smoothies instead. It would be more fun anyway.
Feedback: This is a good example of redirecting the conversation. You could also give a reason if you’re not comfortable being direct.

Nah.Gottakeep my lungs in top shape for practice.
Feedback: This response gives a reason why you don’t want to smoke weed. Nice work!

PIC 8: Screen fades back to Ruby.

RUBY: So that's a way to consider your own goals, values, and how to navigate your way through these decisions.

But what about our friends who are facing similar situations? Next up, we'll talk about how to support our friends, and you'll roleplay a conversation, too!