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Unbroken

Discussion in 'Significant Other Journals' started by B3unbroken, Jan 22, 2019.

  1. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    Becoming UnBroken:

    I’ve been up since 1:30a and it’s now 6. Note to self: don’t eat at night it keeps you up. So since I’m up...

    The point of coming back here with this new journey is because I am learning and working on becoming “Unbroken”. When I found out about my hubs secret Porn addiction I was devastated & very broken. Not just about the P but the lying, gaslighting, distance, neglect. What it did to my self worth. It just broken me and made me feel like I wasn’t enough. I wasn’t loved. I didn’t measure up. And I began to feed into those lies because it’s what I told myself for years. My biggest insecurities and fear.

    That was the broken me. I refuse to live in that self imposed prison any longer. I will overcome, I will heal, I will become unbroken. I will start by loving myself enough to work these step of recovery.

    I just started going through the Co-dependent No More Workbook. Doing it with another person, sort of a co-sponsorship thing. I read the book about 10y ago and did a lot of self growth but didn’t realize I would need to work at this for the rest of my life.

    Key take away from reading today:

    - The behaviors that accompany co-dependency are survival behaviors- behaviors people do to adapt to crazy people and difficult situations. The problem is these behaviors become habitual. We might have started out as legitimate victims of others, but then we become victims of ourselves.

    - Codependency is called a disease because it is progressive. As people around us get sicker, we may begin to react more intensely.

    - In order to heal we need to find a way to be at peace with ourselves, the other person, and life, regardless of what the other person did.

    - when a problem arises, try to remember that life is a classroom and any person you’re having difficulty with is a teacher. Then keep an open mind. Let yourself go through the experience and learn the lesson.

    - You will get out of recovery what you put into it. Work it like your life depends on it because it does.

    - Working the steps isn’t a one and done thing. They may have to be worked on daily, weekly, etc. Going through whichever step is needed at that particular time.

    - We don’t need to stop unhealthy behaviors, we need to replace them with healthy ones.
     
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2019
  2. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    Passion

    I become so easily distracted & busy. Life can just be so chaotic that recover gets pushed aside for a period. Work, kids, house, toddler, husband, friends, gym, recovery, God.

    The weekend was busy with kids activities, work, parties, church, training, etc. I woke up to a pretty Subconjunctival Hemorrhage in my eye Saturday. Now I look like a demon and I’ve felt out of sorts for the past few days, tired and down. I’m still in a positive mindset but don’t want to get out of bed in the morning no matter what time I get to bed.

    I went off my depression meds a couple weeks ago and wondering if maybe I shouldn’t have. My main reason was because it made O almost impossible. And that is frustrating and depressing itself! It didn’t necessarily take my desire away but it numbed me I guess. That’s a side affect I would rather not have, although may help with practicing Karezza...hmm. I’ll have to think about that one.

    I really haven’t been much in the mood lately anyway. Not like I was. I think all of this PA stuff and the realities surrounding it have tanked my libido. I just don’t feel the emotional connection I desire and it sort of makes me not in the mood. I can be easily persuaded but I feel my hubs is too lazy and self focused to do that. We’re still at the point where I feel like he wants me to do all the warm up and expects me to be ready to go by rubbing on him and having my shoulder rubbed. I have to find a way of having that conversation with him. Expressing my needs and wants.

    He is very attentive in other ways. He makes me breakfast, he helps or just cooks dinner, he tag teams with running the kids around, he cuddles on the couch and watches shows or movies, he’ll make popcorn, he spoils me w the things I want, he does things with me and for me. He is great and I appreciate him. I like to encourage him and show my appreciation. But it’s always been about intimacy. We lack so much in that department.

    Maybe I’m being selfish too. Maybe I’m just focusing on me and my pleasure. But I don’t think that’s entirely true because I’ll do things just for him without anything in return. I want him to be able to just focus and feel pleasured. But I also want a sex life where we are focusing on pleasuring the other person and allowing that to bring us pleasure. Then it seems complete to me. Full circle, if that makes sense. Like I’m turned on by turning him on and vice versa. That seems like real passion to me.

    We lack passion.
     
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2019
  3. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    Hit the Nail
    *possible triggers*

    Speaking of passion earlier...or lack of...

    This is “his” week to initiate sex/intimacy (since we just started this sex schedule a wk & a half ago). He says I wasted mine which..whatever..:rolleyes: I think he sabotaged most of it with his attitude. Anyway, we haven’t had sex since Saturday morning.

    Last night he was super tired, so was I and it was fine, but he almost tried to lazily initiate anyway by having me rub him, which was his idea of initiating bc he’d be able to tell if I was interested or not. I wasn’t interested and we have a non verbal way of communicating that.

    So tonight he decided he would initiate. Ok well, same old..laying in bed and starts touching me. After a while I start getting turned off because a few minutes into it I realize he hasn’t even tried to kiss me at all. Seriously, have you ever seen a good sex scene that didn’t start by kissing!?! So I resist his attempts at completely starting (which he went for...twice) until he got the hint and started kissing me. I could tell from beginning to end this whole act was completely not about me at all. He didn’t try to please me, he didn’t try to hold himself off at all. And probably not even 5 minutes into it, he was done. Then I got the “couldn’t stop myself” & “next time I’ll be able to hold out longer” speech. So I couldn’t help myself and said “yeah and maybe kiss me more”. He didn’t like that I had a comment but I am not happy. Of course it’s going to appear that I’m not happy bc he finished to fast, and trust me that isn’t it at all. I honestly don’t mind that. I even find it a turn on sometimes if it’s for the right reason. But this was not the reason. This was not about me at all.

    I’m starting to understand why people refrain from having sex at all. Why bother. It shouldn’t be this difficult, or empty. He’s taking something that I always enjoyed and making it empty and it’s frustrating. Again another I.A. way of sabotaging so that he can keep me at an emotional distance.

    We will be having a nice long discussion about this tomorrow. Actually not unless he asks.

    But I am setting a new boundary because I refuse to feel like this again. Used, empty. It’s a pretty gross feeling.

    So if at any point going forward I feel disconnected in anyway I am going to cease activity immediately. I don’t care how frustrating that will be If that means we stop having sex all together so be it. I want someone who wants me back. Not someone who is keeping me at a distance or using me. That’s not love. That’s not fulfilling.

    That’s what this journey is. Loving myself. Healing. Refusing to settle for less.

    I will see myself through God’s eyes.

    “You have made them a little lower than angels, and crowned them with glory and honor” -psalm 8:5
     
  4. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    Haha that was great! Thanks for the laugh!

    Yeah definitely making a point for this boundary. It’s impor and I don’t want to waste my time.
     
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  5. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    Thankfully he has never played the I’m the man and make more money card. Actually we joked that I was his sugar Mama because for a few short months I was making more than him. I have a job and handle all the finances so we’re usually on the same there.

    His biggest downfall is hands down with the I.A. intimacy because if he didn’t have that component we’d prob have only minor if not zero issues.

    He’s pretty receptive when it comes down to talking and working it all this out. It’s getting to that point that is difficult and him being mindful to avoid them from happening in the first place.

    He is a good guy. He does actually desire intimacy, it’s just so foreign to him that he naturally uses his unhealthy habits.

    I have to make a boundary around that so I can preserve myself. If I don’t feel like he’s connecting I have to shut it down. I don’t normally do that. I don’t know why I don’t but I need to and will going forward. I need to make my voice heard.
     
    Last edited: Jan 30, 2019
    mcgrim and Deleted Account like this.
  6. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    Awe tell Rock Star stop being a baby and I hope he feels better ;).

    *hugs* back atcha. Thank you for always being in my corner I appreciate it :)
     
  7. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    Aftermath...
    (Again possible triggers)

    To sum it up. I told him how I felt in the morning. He sat me down to talk about it. He apologized for making me feel that way. Said he didn’t think about it that way that night but can see it from my perspective after reflecting on it.

    I also told him I’d be shutting it down from now on if I ever felt like that again. If I felt it was even going in that direction. In fact if he tries touching me sexually at all without kissing me first, I think I’ll find it an insult. I want eye contact, kissing, caressing. I told him I wanted the full circle.

    Last night he wasn’t going to attempt. So I decided to initiate with myself. Needless to say that kicked him into gear. When I was finished I stopped him and said he didn’t initiate. I laid on his chest for a while and could tell he was obviously frustrated. I found it a bit funny since that’s how I feel when it’s all about him.. I sort of got a little satisfaction from that but but then I took a step back to evaluate my motives. I didn’t want to be spiteful. That’s counter productive. So I allowed him to initiate properly..with a lot of kissing and eye contact.

    I think I’ve made a lot of progress in regard to letting him know how I feel about things and how they affect me. And to his credit he’s been much more receptive to my feelings and perspective then he used to be. Not just when I frustrate him in bed and he’s willing do anything I want. ;)
     
    Last edited: Jan 31, 2019
  8. Just an observation and question.

    Does it seem like you are a different person today, with program than in your past incarnation here?

    Seems so from the words.
    But maybe it’s just
    a side you always had?

    Ps command strips don’t hurt the paint
    and are great ways to hang patterns
    of Christmas type lights inside.
    Beautiful room of light you made!
     
  9. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    Tbh since I’ve been saved (jan09) I’ve had this side. It weaves and wanes but the closer I stay to truth & light the more I can emanate it. When my relation vertically is healthy it makes the difficulties horizontally slightly easier to navigate. I make a lot of effort not to stay in the negative for long bc it likes to trap you there.

    I hope I am a different person. I plan to continue becoming a different person, the best version of myself I can be. Working a program helps become it is a constant reminder of progress not perfection and how to get back to a healthier mind when you stray. It’s a structure to follow for those like me who have a million things going on at once and gets easily distracted and forgetful. Plus it’s helpful to be around like minded people and those who can relate.

    Thank you! I actually did use command hooks or the dollar store version at least. Hopefully they are gentle on the paint too. :emoji_grimacing:
     
  10. Such a nice answer!

    Appreciate much the need for like minded around for support in recovery.

    “Vertical and horizontal” relationships;
    Interesting as a fellow in my program noted the term ‘decentralized’ to describe how he should best relate to help.

    It’s not all him (centralized).
    But that he’s powerless(decentralized) from program and from vertical help.

    May this dream and reach for recovery be manifest!
     
    TryingHard2Change likes this.
  11. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    Thanks friend! And you!

    IMG_1036.jpeg
    IMG_1036.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Jan 31, 2019
  12. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    Just Thankful!

    I had such a busy day. Even though I work from home some days are very long. I didn’t leave my computer until 8:30p tonight. I could’ve kept going too. I’m also looking at a very busy weekend ahead of me. The hubs is leaving early in the morning, not returning til Monday but still did so much for me today. I get upset with the I.A. stuff but I can also praise the hell out of him too....

    Today I’m thankful because:

    - He got up early (let me sleep) and took kid2 to school bc he missed the bus

    - When I go home from the gym, he made & had breakfast (eggs, bacon, potatoes) & coffee waiting for me

    - He initiated our “coffee time” IA exercises

    - He made us lunch

    - He picked up kid3 from daycare

    - He drove kid1 to work

    - He took my car and filled the tank

    - He picked up dinner & fed the kids

    - He pryed me away from my computer at 8:30p

    - He cuddled on the couch with me until I had to pick up kid1 from work at 10p

    - He also kept me company in the office while I was working all day/night

    ...And he did all of that expecting nothing in return. He’s also not feeling good and had to go to bed early.

    He carried most of the load today for me and I’ll hold the fort down for the weekend. We usually divide and conquer. I appreciate this in a way I could never express. I never had any help in the past and everything always landed on my shoulders. I carried a heavy burden and didn’t need to. I would over compensate and never ask for help. I was the epitome of codependency. He’s helped me be okay with not being needed and it’s okay to accept and even ask for help.

    Tomorrow kid2 has soccer practice, a game and a bday party, kid1 has work, kid3 has soccer, I’m doing a photoshoot and having friends for dinner. I also need to clean and do dishes somewhere in there since I got nothing done today. Thankfully I have awesome friends that offered to cover kid2 for the soccer stuff.

    I. AM. BLESSED.

    ...and tired...lol
     
  13. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    Game Day

    Okay I just deleted my ENTIRE original post because it was going somewhere I don't want to go. I was feeling a bit bothered but I need to back up and remember that I don't need to dance to that music!

    Long story short, I asked what my husband thoughts of the photos from my shoot yesterday and I felt more criticism then support I guess. He didn't like that my guy friend had his shirt off in a few of the pictures (with his wife) and that's the only thing he commented on. No "nice shots" or they "came out good". Just "Oh wow ok then".

    So I'm just reiterating to myself that I do NOT need his approval. Sure his encouragement, support, etc would be nice. It would be nice to feel like my husband was a fan, believed in me and is maybe proud of me BUT I don't need that and his opinion does not define who I am or my happiness.

    I am happy with how they turned out and that's all that matters. The family who's shoot it was loved them. Husbands coworker even thought they were "beautiful". I'm encouraged just by knowing I'm blessing people with nice photos that they aren't paying a fortune for. I'm grateful for the practice. Photography bring me joy.

    When I spoke to him later he was more encouraging (then the text) about my love of photography. He did say "see that's your thing" because I've said for years that I wish I was as passionate about any one thing like he is passionate about his "career". He truly LOVES what he does and I wholeheartedly encourage him, support him, root and cheer him on. Because at the end of the day, we are on the SAME TEAM.

    We gentle say that to each other when we recognize we might not be behaving as such. It is so easy to fight the person your with, nit pick, criticize, get bothered, not see eye to eye and focus on the negative but at the end of the day, if your married, your supposed to be on the same team. Fighting together will get you so much further then fighting each other.
     
  14. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    Weekend already!?

    Busy hectic week as usual.

    I managed to get back on track or refocused with some of my goals...even if it was a rough start in week. I ended strong!

    Heath: On day 2 my 2d detox. I needed it after how much I’ve been slacking on my food choices since the holidays. Low carb here I come..Italy is waiting! Made it to the gym 3.5x this week. My goal is 4-5, I’ve been slacking with 2-3x/wk for the last few months.

    Staying Tidy: Bed made everyday. Dishes done everyday but failed at “no dishes” left in sink before bed. I didn’t do a load of laundry everyday but I’m not behind at all. I got 3 loads not counting today or tomorrow and the teens and hubs do their own.

    Time management: I’ve had such a hard time getting out of bed in the morning. Is it this hard for anyone else? I’m embarrassed to say since I’ve worked from home I don’t get out of bed until after 8a when I used to commute and start work at 8 and even 7a. So Friday I ended with a solid 7a wake up. Today was 8:30ish but hey it’s a Saturday!

    Prayer and quiet time: I wish I could say I’m good at doing this daily but I’d be lying. I believe I got 2-3 days. I need to up my game bc I can tell the difference all around in my attitude, mood, anxiety...just everything! It brings a lot of peace!
    P.s. this should have been at the top of my list.

    Im sure there is a ton more I’m forgetting but this will do for now...
     
    Last edited: Feb 9, 2019
  15. It’s been harder for me to get out of bed lately. Winter makes me want to hibernate I think.
     
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  16. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    YES!! I definitely like to hibernate in the winter. I don’t like being out in the cold either! But this is like I could continue sleeping all day long if I could.
     
  17. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” proverbs 27:17

    This verse came to mind today during our “coffee time” when my hubs expressed that he wanted to go to different mtgs bc he felt he needed more Christian influence in his recovery. He asked my opinion and feelings about that hence the verse above.

    We also had a guest speaker tonight at my CoSA mtg. They were a sex addict. Interestingly, partners and addicts are very similar. I’ve always told my husband I could relate because I questioned myself whether I was an addict. I scored as a possible Love and relationship addict but not necessarily a sex addict. One of the points mentioned was the law of attraction. Positive attracts positive, negative...negative. Broken attracts broken. That’s why its so important to get your mindset into a positive, hopeful one. Fill yourself with Gods truths because you are worth it!

    Addicts and partners usually both have feelings of unworthiness. But that’s not truth. There is only ONE you on this earth and you are so special! You are worthy!

    I heard another interesting tidbit tonight....

    Steps 1 - 3 are about getting to know God, Steps 4 - 7 are about getting to know yourself, and Steps 8 - 12 are about others. God, yourself, then others.

    Another reminder that when your relationship is aligned vertically (between you and God) then relationships horizontally (between you and others) are more harmonious. It’s easier to give love, grace and forgiveness when it’s being funneled into you.
     
  18. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    Snow day

    Not a fan. I don’t like cold. I’ve been trying to fight off whatever sickness I have before it’s full fledged. Today has been like double the work for me. Kids had no school which is really not fun when you work from home :confused:.

    Got up early bc I had an appt. Grab some groceries, filled kid2 prescription, made a PT appt, work, shower, kid3 doc appt, work, meeting. I’d still like to pray and get to the gym. Oh yeah and make soup for dinner. And do the dishes left in the sink...

    Never ending...but here I am...on NF journaling instead of executing..:oops:

    Hubs is leaves in the morning. Back Thursday night and leaves again Friday afternoon til Sun. Although all the running around will be on me, I’m kind of looking forward to the “me” time.

    Unfortunately I usually stay up too late but I feel like I get more done when he’s not home. It’s weird bc he does help me tremendously but I don’t sit down and watch tv when he isn’t home. I only watch it with him that leaves me time to do other things with that time. (Not always productive, but sometimes).

    I def plan on doing another 2d detox since I Carbed right back up after the last. NOT good! I feel fluffy and I don’t like it.

    I’ve got 6wks til we leave and I am determined to look good for vacation!
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2019
  19. B3unbroken

    B3unbroken Fapstronaut

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    Self-care

    Self-care is something many codependents struggle with. Feelings of shame or guilt around doing something for yourself. You might even sacrifice your own basic needs due to feelings that something else is more important than your own self-care. Putting yourself, your needs, wants, dreams and desires aside. This is self neglect. You don't feel that you are worthy, so you neglect you. You are your a victim of yourself.

    Once I learned the art of and started practicing healthy self-care, I fell in love!! There is no going back now. But I do get lazy with somethings. I need to love on me with self care. Its not selfish, its being replenished. Pouring love into yourself so you can pour it into others.

    I've really stepped up my game this week and decided to stop putting off things I shouldn't any longer. I'm not getting younger. Things hurt longer, might be questionable, can't refill my contacts anymore without updated scripts, etc.

    - Monday I got a deep tissue bc I was seriously hurting.
    - Yesterday I went to dermatologist for first time. I have a small cyst I was concerned about but its not a big deal.
    - Today I got my nails done. I tried saving a little money last month by doing them by myself. Verdict: my time equals money and what takes the salon an hr to do, takes me several hours (and doesn't look nearly as nice).
    - Tomorrow I'm going to Physical Therapy for the first time.
    - Monday Eye Doc
    - Thursday Mammogram (eek). That's the the one I'm scared of....ouchie.

    It's crazy how I used to feel guilty about doing anything for myself. I never would have gotten a massage. I couldn't justify paying money for something that wasn't tangible. I would only get my nails done for special occasions. I'd hardly ever buy myself clothes or shoes. Or get my hair done regularly. I'd just get a box and do it myself (not that there is anything wrong with that), but it's okay to do things for yourself that make you feel good, obviously within reason (and budget). And you shouldn't feel guilty about it. You deserve it! Don't let anyone (including yourself) make you feel otherwise!
     
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2019
  20. Seren

    Seren New Fapstronaut

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