Name: Gary Mann

Straight Edge for 14 years!!!

Of all the dumb things I’ve gotten myself into and mistakes I’ve made, I did them with clarity of mind. I can never blame any of my actions on a smoke, a liquid or any other force. I’m accountable for every word I say and every step I take…and that to me is the most important thing a person can do for themselves. With all of my faults and mis-steps I can never say that I have regret…just lessons learned. I’ve seen a lot of things that being under the influence has done to people I love and have loved. There are constant reminders of why I should hold the amount of pride I do for the most important label you can have for yourself. I have tons of friends who are and aren’t straight edge, and I love them all the same. I’m not sure the ones who are edge make me stronger in my conviction because I’ve never been tempted by substances in any way but I feel as much pride in them as I do for myself for making that decision. I feel like life does enough horrible shit to you without you asking for it, so why dive into a situation that puts you in a compromising mindset right off the bat?

For the people I love and the goals I’ve made for myself…I have no choice but to be straight edge.