For years I have been performing an illusion show for High School and Jr. High audiences all across America, called, "WHY Say No?". The basic premise is simply this: It isn't enough to "Just Say No" to drugs, premarital sex, or other outside negative influences.

I don't know about you, but I grew up in the REAL world, and when my friends came up and offered me drugs, or wanted me to be involved in things that I KNEW were wrong... they wouldn't just go away if uttered that "magic word" -- No.

I love to work in the high schools, because almost every time, the kids all think that my show is gonna be some cheesy magic show, designed to kill another hour of their school time. I love to see their faces at the very moment that a balloon I just blew up explodes in my hands, and there, in all it's glory is a snow white, live dove. And I thrive on the total silence that sweeps over the auditorium when right before their very eyes, a 32 oz. bottle of Coke is vanished into "thin" air.

But there's a reason I do what I do... and there's a puprose for my causing "impossible" things to happen. I want the audience's TOTAL attention, and when I have it - I deliver this seven point message on WHY it is so important to say "NO" to negative pressures:

1. YOU are SPECIAL. Far too valuable to allow negative things ruin your life.

2. You don't LOSE when you REFUSE. Quite the opposite is true - you WIN BIG!

3. Users are LOSERS. Hey, let's call a spade a spade, folks...

4. Drugs Kill. This is so simple, it's profound. BTW -- SIN - in any form, KILLS.

Practical Application

1. Establish PRIORITIES. This means line up what's most important to you

2. Have a PLAN. Do what I do... plan for the worst, hope for the best!

3. Be a DOER. You know, my parents were right - Actions DO speak louder!

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Hey... this is one area I really know quite a bit about. For 3 years, when I was 14 through 16, I was a full-blown drug addict, among other things. And I know the struggles people face, especially teens, when confronted with the negative pressures of today.

This particular "program" was designed to speak to the issue of substance abuse, but with very little modification, it could easily be adapted to any of the social pressures teens face today. I used to be the Program Director of a Teen Challenge center, which is a residential program that helps youth with "life-controlling" problems. It was my advice back then, and continues to be my advice now, to make that plan, based upon your priorities, and then go out and DO IT!

You ARE valuable! You CAN overcome the struggles of everyday life. This I know, and can say with absolute confidence, because if I could do it - anyone can! Email me at: Eric@IllustratedIllusions.com and let's discuss YOUR LIFE! I am here for YOU!

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