Hello Everybody

My name is Chris and i'm new to this forum.
This is my first post on here.
I've recently learned about Lucid dreaming and realized that it is something that I have experienced before.
I did not have control over it or anything but I've been in such dreams where I realize that I'm dreaming.
There was a 6 month period where I had Sleep Paralysis every now and then (I think that's what it was)
Where very scary things would happen to me and it would seem very real until I realise that I am in a dream and
I would push my nails into my fingers to create some pain that I can wake up. This did not always work, I actually
don't know if it ever worked but my girlfriend picked up on this after a while and would wake me up when ever I start
getting these dreams I would make sounds and start breathing fast and so on and she would wake me.

I've done some research into Lucid dreaming and it seems like the coolest thing ever.
I've downloaded some guides on how to do it and stuff to inspire me to do it but I have not had a Lucid Dream since i've been trying.
I only started with it two days ago so I've had two nights that i've been trying to have lucid dreams but I haven't even been able
to remember the dreams I did have. I'm starting a dream journal but it is still empty...
I've heard that smoking marijuana can influence your dreaming and you would actually have more trouble
remembering your dreams, I don't know if this is fact but would be great if someone on here knows.

Anyway I watch things on my laptop or spend time writing on my laptop before I go to sleep for about 2 hours
and i've also heard that, that is not a good idea. I'm really just trying to find out if there is anything I should stop doing
to maybe help this process towards Lucid Dreaming.
I do meditation aswell, but also just recently started and had some cool experiences with that.
If anyone has any tips for me on how to achieve Lucid dreaming I would really appreciate it, i'll keep trying
anyway every night and hope for the best.

Thank you
Chris