No PMO Journal: For real this time...

[Rich212]

Hi everyone, basically I have joined this forum and am starting this journal because I am fed up of relapsing in my battle against PMO. My latest relapse being today. I first read about stopping masturbation to internet porn on Bold & Determined (great website btw) about 15 months ago (when I turned 20). I thought, what have I achieved outside of education so far in my life that I can really be proud of? The answer was, not much. What really resonated with me reading about no PMO was the idea of redirecting my physical and mental energy toward more rewarding things in life: working out, self-improvement, getting a steady girlfriend in a relationship (that lasts longer than a month ), socialising etc.

Since discovering no PMO I have PMO'ed on and off, usually a week or two before I relapse, my record being just over two months. It has been hard for me, I know the benefits of no PMO. I have experienced them, but I always get caught up during periods of low motivation. The process almost always goes: sleep in longer than I should; watch some Youtube videos on my laptop in bed; transition to risque Youtube videos; move to porn website; PMO. Basically my ID convinces my ego and super ego that no harm will come from 'one look', but we all know how that ends up...

So yeah, I am here to rectify my mistakes, progress in my life and hopefully help you guys with your journeys too. I know this post somewhat rambles on, but I feel great for writing it down and sharing it. Any tips/comments will be greatly appreciated!

Until next time,
Rich

 

[daedalus]

Hey Rich,

Thanks for telling your story.  I didn't hear any rambling in what you said--only clarity!  Focusing on the rewarding things in life is a great way to both stopping the PMO cycle and make yourself feel good in general.  The good thing is that you already know 3 things: 1) What it's like to benefit from no PMO; 2) What patterns you tend to follow that bring you back to it; and 3) What critical periods to pay most attention to (particularly the 1 week, 2 week, and 1-2 month milestones).  I'll bet if you set up some extra precaution/accountability at these points, you will ensure success through the next stage of recovery!

I'm just beginning my journey with no PMO, at least in a post YBOB/Reboot Nation sense, and reading your story has already helped me.  So for that, I want to say thank you so much for sharing =)

-Daedalus