25 year addict first time poster

[Firedawg]

I have struggled with pornography for roughly 25 years. I started with looking at the undergarments sections in news paper department store ads. Seems so innocent but I can now clearly see it as the initial seed that began to put down roots. I then quickly turned to drawing my own graphic pictures and it progressed from there. Without being crude I can honestly say that I started fapping before I was capable of shooting anything. I have tried more times than I can count to quit and each time I fail. I know I am not able to do it alone so I am appealing to those much wiser than I am.

I have decided that I am going to try something that I have never considered but read on a related site. Porn does not exist for me anymore. Masterbation doesn't exist for me either. They are not options I can consider or turn to because they do not exist to me anymore. That part of the Internet does not exist and never did as far as I am concerned. That part of my life has been mentally deleted. Every inappropriate image that pops in to my head I envision it being instantly dropped in to a shredder and it comes out dust thats blown away.

I am augmenting that mindset with daily scripture reading and prayer. What do you, the community, think? Am I in the right frame of mind? Any advice? Comments and encouragement is expected and welcome.

 

[challenged]

Firedawg, I think you have the right approach.  I have found that this battle is much easier when you don't let the wrong type of thoughts enter your head, when you don't let the wrong type of images be viewed, and if you quickly turn your eyes and your thoughts away from anything that you stumble across.  So I like the idea of acting like porn, etc. does not exist anymore.  I try to have this same mindset, and I think it is definitely helpful.

I also think that daily reading of Scripture and prayer would certainly help as well.  You know that God wants you to succeed in this endeavor, and you have to remember that he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear.  (1 Cor. 10:13)

All blessings to you in this effort.  Stay strong brother, and take it one day at a time.

 

[Jason]

Hello firedawg,

Congratulations on joining the reboot nation.  Scripture is an excellent choice for rebooting that is if you are a religious person.  I want to make that clarification because some men on this site are not religious and I want to respect their viewpoints!!!!!  However, if your are interested check out Professor Grant Horner's Bible reading program it is awesome just Google it and you will find it.  In addition as you reboot remember that God loves you even in the midst of your failures.  So take it easy on yourself as you reboot.  I admit that I am a religious person however as a Christian I have seen it where pastors condemn men because of their addiction to porn.  Condemnation and shame do not help men out of pornography it only deepens the cycle of addiction.  Another great website that is if you are religious is Pure Life ministries website they have great resources to help in your reboot.  So keep going my friend.  Jason 

 

[benhj]

Welcome to the site man Good to be around others in recovery. We can spur each other on, one day at a time. Since you mentioned prayer, I personally like the "serenity prayer" and the "step 3 prayer".

I completely related to your early "roots" btw. For me, it was cutting images out of lingerie catalogues and building up a 'secret' collection..

Anyway, remember: keep it in the present.

 

[Firedawg]

Still going strong. it's has only been a few days but it feels different this time for some reason. I am doing well and only time will tell.

 

[Firedawg]

Seven days down. I am feeling moody and quick tempered. I know that is part of quitting P and M. I am amazed at the round about ways that my brain has been trying to get me to give in. I am doing well though. still fighting the good fight.