Clean Lungs For The Youth
Youth Projects
Submitted
Confessions
"Out of curiosity, I secretly smoked my first cigarette a few years ago, repulsed by the spicy and slightly bitter taste. However, unable to stand the pressure from my classmates, I smoked a few times more, and realized that I wanted to smoke every day, and I felt uncomfortable when I didn't. Within three years, I had gone from two cigarettes per day to seven or eight per day. Although I didn’t feel a significant impact on my health, my throat was in discomfort nearly almost every day, and I sometimes felt like vomiting when brushing my teeth. Most of all, I felt a strong discomfort in my mouth. A year ago, I started smoking e-cigarettes instead, and initially I felt very fashionable. Yet the throat discomfort did not ease at all. Quitting is something that I’m still working on, and despite how tough it is, the prospect of feeling better permanently helps to keep me going."
- Anonymous, Los Angeles
"I learned to smoke at a school party, and from then on smoked for a year. Since my mother wanted me to quit smoking, I switched to e-cigarettes last summer. In fact, I don't like smoking e-cigarettes. It has a mild taste, but I still can’t help but vape on a daily basis. I think the nicotine ingredient is at work. One day I ran out of e-cigarettes, and went back and tried to smoke a cigarette. Immediately I felt very uncomfortable by the bitter and disgusting taste in my mouth, so I threw it away. I felt that I no longer liked cigarettes. At that time, I was both happy and sad. I was happy that I successfully quit cigarettes. Sadly I still have to rely on nicotine because nicotine is still present in e-cigarettes. Fortunately, e-cigarettes do not create the taste in my mouth and the smell of smoke on my body. But I still advise those who don't smoke, don't try it lightly, because once addicted, it takes tremendous time and energy to quit smoking."
- Anonymous, New Jersey
私がやっと電子タバコをやめることができたのは、電子タバコを吸わないたくさんの友人たちと一緒に時間を過ごすからでした。当時、私は非常に強い禁断症状に苦しまれ、よく頭痛と苛立ちがありました。でも、友人たちのサポートでこれらを克服することに大変役にたちました。そして、ストレスを感じたときは、スケートや音楽鑑賞などの他の趣味を嗜むことにより、心身的に段々良くなったと思います。
Translation by Google Translate
I was able to finally quit using e-cigarettes by spending time with many friends who don't smoke. At the time, I was suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms, frequent headaches and irritability. However, the support of my friends helped me overcome these difficulties. And when I felt stressed, I think I gradually improved physically and mentally by enjoying other hobbies such as skating and listening to music.
- Anonymous, Japan
CLFY'S WRITING COMPETITION 2022!
$150 First Place Winner Prize!
Clean Lungs is hosting a writing competition!
Guidelines:
This is an open space to express yourself, to write about what matters most to you and what makes you who you are.
We encourage you to write about a challenge that you faced; any topic regarding your experience or overcoming smoking/vaping/substance use is particularly encouraged.
Because we aim to bring awareness to youth addiction, pieces under these topics will take precedence when being judged by our committee.
However, we are also open to stories about growing up, mental health, or any other topic of your choice.
You can submit more than one piece. However, please submit them in separate google forms.
Examples of what to submit:
-
Short stories
-
Poetry
-
Creative nonfiction
-
Flash fiction
Notes:
-
Previously published pieces are allowed.
-
Anyone from middle school to college age, from anywhere around the world, can submit.
-
Please limit your piece to 2,000 words.
Prizes:
$150 to First Prize Winner
$100 to Second Prize Winner
$50 to Third Prize Winner
Honorable mentions and commended pieces will also be announced.
Money will be sent through Paypal.
Submission Date:
The deadline is September 30, 2022. Winners will be selected by Clean Lungs For The Youth Staff and will be judged anonymously.
Pieces will be judged on creativity, voice, and authenticity.
Winners will be announced through email, on the website, and on Instagram a week after the deadline for submission.