So, I believe yesterday I blogged a really great quote from one of my inspirations, Jason Blanchard.

He just moved out to LA a little over a month ago and he’s been keeping in touch with the Full Sail family about his journey to success. Earlier tonight (3/13/12) he posted on his networking page (which if you’ve had the privilege to meet him in person you’re able to join the group and network with other Filmmakers) about something he’s been struggling with lately. Pills.  

He broke his foot about a week ago and his doctor gave him some strong painkillers. In his message, he explains his struggle and challenge and even so, he still tries his best to inspire everyone looking at his every move out here on the East Coast.

I wanted to share this with you all because he is truly one of the most hard working people I have ever come across in my entire life and Jason Blanchard is definitely someone everyone should have a chance to hear.

JASON BLANCHARDS POST
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This is something I felt like I needed to talk about tonight.

I broke my foot a week ago and on Thursday I was prescribed a pain killer.

That’s not a big deal, if, you’ve never been addicted to pain killers before.

I’ve had my share of addictions during my life. I had a bad addiction to drugs in the late 90’s.

I’ve been a chronic drinker most of my life. I normally don’t drink until late at night.

I always wait for my work to be done before I drink.

So… I got prescribed a really powerful pain killer for my broken foot.

It took me a long time to decide if I should get the prescription filled or not.

I know me, and I know how easily I get addicted to things, and I was worried it might happen with this pain killer. The pain killer is close in strength to OXYCONTIN.

I finally decided to fill the prescription on Friday. I took it Friday night and I instantly knew this was bad news for me. I had a hard time functioning Saturday morning, but it did dull the pain.

I took some Saturday night before bed, after I had gotten work done, and I took a bigger dosage than Friday. Bad news… it made me itchy, and I couldn’t sleep well.

I woke up on Sunday all tore up. I slept in and missed some things I wanted to go to, but felt too weird to go.

I had everyone over on Sunday and I could feel myself feeling off, but I was hoping it’d go away.

Sunday night, I really didn’t need to take the pill, My foot almost felt normal again… but, I took half the dose anyways, and then took the other half, I didn’t need a little later.

This morning… I slept in.

I can’t do that! I need to get things accomplished, I need to make phone calls, I need to work.

Here’s the problem.

In 3 days, my body has built a physical and psychological dependence on the drug.

I feel like I need it. My head it killing me and I know it’s the lack of the pain killer causing it.

Tonight, I am pouring the bottle out. Or… am I. I am justifying to myself all the reasons I should keep it.

It cost me money.

What if I get surgery, I’m going to need it.

I’m strong enough to leave it in the house and not use it.

It’s not really a big deal to keep it in the closet.

I really don’t want to throw it out. But… I just dumped them in the toilet and flushed.

I took pictures too.

So, why am I spilling my guts about my addictions to you all.

I wanted the pills because LA has been a little overwhelming to me.

There’s so much I want to do, I have a lot of people watching me do this, I’m away from my wife and my daughter, and I wanted to escape a little.

I knew why I got the pills. It wasn’t for the pain of my foot. It was to escape my situation for a little bit.

So… here’s why I’m writing about this.

What are YOU addicted to?

What are you using to escape your situation instead of doing what you need to do?

What are you using to dull the pain of your situation?

Is it drugs?

Is it a bad relationship?

Is it video games?

Is it watching films instead of making them?

Is it sleeping when you could be creating?

Is it a job that you know is bad for you, but it is good enough and it keeps you from feeling the pain of being unemployed?

What are you addicted to?

I just dumped my pills in the toilet. I DID NOT WANT TO DO IT, but it’s what I NEEDED TO DO.

What do you need to flush?

What do you need to toss in the garbage?

What is keeping you from accomplishing what you want to do with your life?

It’s time to stop escaping from what is your life and it’s time to start putting in the work to change your life.

It’s going to be HARD to fall asleep tonight.

I’m going to keep thinking about those pills.

I’ll think about drinking, I’ll think about something I can use to escape, but instead I’ll think about the 1,000+ people who will read this, which means I’m now held accountable for my actions.

Is there something YOU need to give up?

Maybe it would be a good idea to post it as a REPLY so you know you’re being held accountable.

If not, think about flushing those things you know you need to get out of your life.

If it’s keeping you from becoming who you want to be, it’s time to get rid of it.

OK… that was hard. Thank you for reading. I’m going to go think for a little while. 

Model: Brian Mercan

Photo by: Me.