This has been a great start to the new year. Feeling refreshed and busy! Although the wife and I have some "physical ailments" which is effecting us both I know that GOD has a plan for us in 2022. I haven't had any P subs or edging in well over 1 week and using the IMPACT plan from Phineas! I will continue to come here a few times a week for my own encouragement and updates. I know the P Demon is always waiting to attack and my strength and perseverance are renewed! Thankful as always for this site and praying for RN!
This has to stop. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
- Thread starter JerryTX
- Start date
Been struggling again with some edging and Psubs this last week or so. Read this today in my devotional and it hit the spot.
GOD I have a weakness with P and I need to apply more consistency here. I know my own strength will be tested and run out but can you GOD give me your grace and your strength? And please help me with this struggle/temptation? When you tap into the strength of GOD on a daily basis and move forward with consistency, GOD will write a beautiful story about the power and strength HE displayed in your life this year.
Small things done consistently over time, lead to big things.
My main struggle right now is wanting the "release" from PMO or MO. So many physical ailments between the wife and I makes me feel sorry for myself. Truth is even if I look at a Psub it doesn't even arouse me. I believe this is a win but just need to be more aware of it each day.
Praying for RN daily!
GOD I have a weakness with P and I need to apply more consistency here. I know my own strength will be tested and run out but can you GOD give me your grace and your strength? And please help me with this struggle/temptation? When you tap into the strength of GOD on a daily basis and move forward with consistency, GOD will write a beautiful story about the power and strength HE displayed in your life this year.
Small things done consistently over time, lead to big things.
My main struggle right now is wanting the "release" from PMO or MO. So many physical ailments between the wife and I makes me feel sorry for myself. Truth is even if I look at a Psub it doesn't even arouse me. I believe this is a win but just need to be more aware of it each day.
Praying for RN daily!
I know the feeling, Jerry!
That's so important as believers to be able to 'stand strong' in the context of our weakness, in the context of His strength. This may be a contradictory sounding paradox, but only in surrender to Him are we able to stand strong anyway. To attempt to be strong in our own strength (and under law) is a sure recipe for failure.
The dopamine hit promised us in p-subs, edging, or P/MO is something that we can attempt to replace with something else. It's normal to want to feel normal, just that how we're going about to get the dopamine is where the problem is. If we can find replacement activities, human connection, or hobbies, or exercise (going for a walk), whatever, to offset the pains in life with healthier dopamine is the way to go.
That's so important as believers to be able to 'stand strong' in the context of our weakness, in the context of His strength. This may be a contradictory sounding paradox, but only in surrender to Him are we able to stand strong anyway. To attempt to be strong in our own strength (and under law) is a sure recipe for failure.
The dopamine hit promised us in p-subs, edging, or P/MO is something that we can attempt to replace with something else. It's normal to want to feel normal, just that how we're going about to get the dopamine is where the problem is. If we can find replacement activities, human connection, or hobbies, or exercise (going for a walk), whatever, to offset the pains in life with healthier dopamine is the way to go.
Checking in w RN today. Traveling this week and started a 21 Day Fast. The fast is from several items that aren't really considered fasting: PMO, MO, alcohol. These just need to cease as I focus in on GOD. The fast for me is truly social media, food (breakfast/lunch). I have started the year like I mentioned above with to many close calls and more MO than in previous months. Some of this from the chaser effect from sex with the wife and my PMO session I had after the holidays. Anyway just writing this in my journal as accountability as I start this journey. Also will leave another piece from my devotional that spoke to me and thought I would share:
What is the thing (PMO) that you're holding onto offered you? NOTHING!!
You/we are the ones paying the price.
Why do you honor and empower that thing??
Why are you allowing something that's hurting you to be your master?
Anything that gets in the way of GOD's love for you needs to be moved out of the way! (reason for my fast)
Stop holding on to what's holding you back! GOD loves you and he's inviting you to a way of life where you set down every encumbrance so you can be fully his. Set down what is hindering you and take hold of Jesus. Let him be the Master that truly makes your life better.
Sorry, not sorry for the sharing my beliefs in my journey. Whoever finds GOD finds Life! Hope everyone finds peace in this process.
What is the thing (PMO) that you're holding onto offered you? NOTHING!!
You/we are the ones paying the price.
Why do you honor and empower that thing??
Why are you allowing something that's hurting you to be your master?
Anything that gets in the way of GOD's love for you needs to be moved out of the way! (reason for my fast)
Stop holding on to what's holding you back! GOD loves you and he's inviting you to a way of life where you set down every encumbrance so you can be fully his. Set down what is hindering you and take hold of Jesus. Let him be the Master that truly makes your life better.
Sorry, not sorry for the sharing my beliefs in my journey. Whoever finds GOD finds Life! Hope everyone finds peace in this process.
guitar1968
Well-Known Member
Good luck with your Fast Jerry! I'm back and looking to start a Fast as well! Stay strong!
Good for you, Jerry! I'm standing with you, and wishing you the best with this fast!
If I can say a little something, (if you already know this, than please forgive me): Fasting is always for us, on our side. It reminds our bodies who is boss, our spirit or reason, and not our appetites. Your (and my) P, PMO, MO issues are 'not' in the way of God's love- as He loves us in and through our most darkest mess. But fasting removes any distraction we may have to this love. But fast or no fast, failure or success, God's love for you, Jerry, is ever the same and constant!
Be well, and wishing you strength!
If I can say a little something, (if you already know this, than please forgive me): Fasting is always for us, on our side. It reminds our bodies who is boss, our spirit or reason, and not our appetites. Your (and my) P, PMO, MO issues are 'not' in the way of God's love- as He loves us in and through our most darkest mess. But fasting removes any distraction we may have to this love. But fast or no fast, failure or success, God's love for you, Jerry, is ever the same and constant!
Be well, and wishing you strength!
@Phineas 808 Thanks for your words as usual! I am doing well and plugging away this week. A bit anxious to see what the weekend brings but I know I got this! GOD Bless you brother!
Well it's been awhile since I have checked in at RN. I have had a really stressful and busy time at work which has kept me from journaling. With that said I did lapse recently on a weeklong work trip and just like in the past (which I know better) alcohol was involved. That's been well over a week and I have moved on from it. It left me feeling pretty defeated for about 48 hours and then my P brain was telling me to just binge away since I was in a hotel all week. I did not!! So I am back here and recently started a new streak. I recently started a new bible plan on Freedom from Porn. Basically states a lot of the resources from this site and talks about the binge-purge cycle that I know I have been living for decades. While I have improved I am an addict and have not fully conquered the PMO demon!
Today was a good day in the study as it made me list the lies or rationalizations I tell myself that keeps me stuck in this PMO addiction.
I believe I have posted these or similar before but mine are:
I am thankful for RN and place to journal my thoughts and the support many of you have provided.
Today was a good day in the study as it made me list the lies or rationalizations I tell myself that keeps me stuck in this PMO addiction.
I believe I have posted these or similar before but mine are:
- I / my body needs this release
- I am stressed/lonely and PMO will help relieve this
- I've done good for so long once isn't an issue (THIS ONE HURTS TO WRITE)
- I deserve this cause I am not being satisfied sexually in my marriage enough
- I don't need the Dopamine release and PMO makes me feel worse and doesn't relieve stress or loneliness. It causes me to stray from GOD
- I need to realize that one time has lead to this long term addiction and behavior. Continuing this binge purge cycle is not the answer
- I deserve to love my wife and be more engaging and understanding with her and also both of our aging health issues.
I am thankful for RN and place to journal my thoughts and the support many of you have provided.
Been a busy and productive week. Very little urges or temptations. I am being mindful of any temptation for edging or Psubs. Since I started this journey I have never gone full Hard Mode with no MO. That is the goal and current focus the next 30 days during this bible study. The study and challenge come from the website below if your interested. Praying for all on RN. Have a great weekend!
https://thefreedomfight.org/
https://thefreedomfight.org/
Happy Saturday RN. Just checking in and thought I would share from the above bible study today.
To paraphrase what stuck out the most:
For about 95% of people, it takes 6 months to 2 years to experience freedom from a porn or sex addiction. Someone can stop their unwanted sexual behavior before then, but establishing a lifestyle of freedom takes time. Relapses in the process will occur. It's important to use a relapse as an opportunity to grow and evaluate what happened. A person doesn't quit PMO and build healthy habits by magically gaining willpower. They must grow in a number of areas, and one of those is self awareness: understanding your triggers and what it is that leads them to act out. GOD does not condemn, so don't condemn yourself with negative self-talk (MAN I am guilty here)!
Proverbs 28:13
1 John 1:9
Romans 8:1
Proverbs 24:16
To paraphrase what stuck out the most:
For about 95% of people, it takes 6 months to 2 years to experience freedom from a porn or sex addiction. Someone can stop their unwanted sexual behavior before then, but establishing a lifestyle of freedom takes time. Relapses in the process will occur. It's important to use a relapse as an opportunity to grow and evaluate what happened. A person doesn't quit PMO and build healthy habits by magically gaining willpower. They must grow in a number of areas, and one of those is self awareness: understanding your triggers and what it is that leads them to act out. GOD does not condemn, so don't condemn yourself with negative self-talk (MAN I am guilty here)!
Proverbs 28:13
1 John 1:9
Romans 8:1
Proverbs 24:16
That's so important, avoiding toxic shame. Shame was a major driver of my addiction. For me 'radical grace', that God forgave us of ALL of our sins at the cross, past-present-and future, is what flipped shame on its head for me.
Good words, references above, Jerry! And thanks for the link, it was a helpful website.
Good words, references above, Jerry! And thanks for the link, it was a helpful website.
Checking in with RN and sad to see it's been 11 days. I have a lot going on with work and both my wife and I's health conditions. Sheesh it seems we are constantly at the Dr and both of us with MRIs this year so far. That and the stress of work haven't been good. My 2022 YTD stats for my own accountability:
- PMO 2 X
- MO 11X (includes the 2 above)
Not weird at all, Jerry! I do the same, revisit my journal and posts often. Since November of 2020 when I rejoined RN, I intended to and have successfully, turned my journal into a veritable goldmine of resources to help me focus and refocus in my struggles to finally and lastingly change these habits.
Hoping you and your wife's health issues clear up and improve. Also, wishing you success in dealing with chaser effects after you and your wife connect.
Blessings!
Just taking some time to journal today. The week has been good and I travel next week and have had some anxious thoughts around the travel and hotel time. I am really being more self aware of my triggers and have been able to overcome them.
Breathe Deeply
Remember the Truth -- Truth of GODs word -- consequences of acting out
Accountability - Journal on RN, Discuss with my close friend
Call -- Call our journal when tempted. Call upon GODs word
Escape -- Flee the situation -- go for a walk, 100 push ups, 100 situps
I am looking forward to the weekend and praying for RN.
Breathe Deeply
Remember the Truth -- Truth of GODs word -- consequences of acting out
Accountability - Journal on RN, Discuss with my close friend
Call -- Call our journal when tempted. Call upon GODs word
Escape -- Flee the situation -- go for a walk, 100 push ups, 100 situps
I am looking forward to the weekend and praying for RN.
Checking in today after a few travel days to start the week. I had some really close calls while traveling with Psubs, and edging. I utilized the BRACE method from above and it got me through those nights. As the start of Advent I want to take these next 47 days in stride to come closer to GOD and continue my current streak which I believe as about 16 days.
John 3:30
John 3:30
It's been almost a week since I have posted. I have been reviewing my thread as well as others. Last week and weekend were good. Had some temptations and edging on late Sunday but I practiced BRACE method and turned off my Iphone. This week at work is highly stressful and that can also cause a "release". So far not happening and coming into 30 days I believe. Hope everyone is well and praying for the site and our journey to beat this P Demon. I will leave this quote from the https://thefreedomfight.org and todays study:
"less than 5% of people experience the miracle of instant deliverance. The rest have a miracle every day for months and years to gain freedom"
"The last stronghold to be broken of sexual addiction/PMO for most men is fantasy and masturbation"
My real journey is coming up on 1 year. I have come a long way and looking forward to all my miracles/victories each day as I progress towards freedom! I have an opportunity to die to myself and lean into GOD like never before. FREEDOM is coming.
"less than 5% of people experience the miracle of instant deliverance. The rest have a miracle every day for months and years to gain freedom"
"The last stronghold to be broken of sexual addiction/PMO for most men is fantasy and masturbation"
My real journey is coming up on 1 year. I have come a long way and looking forward to all my miracles/victories each day as I progress towards freedom! I have an opportunity to die to myself and lean into GOD like never before. FREEDOM is coming.