Hi everyone. This is my first post on the sight. I hope to begin a reboot on August 1st, 2018 and goddamn, I could use some support. I guess I'm addicted to addictions! I had a collection of them for a while there! Generations of depression and obsessive compulsion are packed into my DNA but regardless, I'm absolutely fucking determined to beat this thing! The gratuitous objectification of women is the last big psychological and emotional dependency left in my life but it was also the first. I'm part of the generation (as I'm sure many of you are) that transitioned from paper to pixels in our teens. Now, a 34 year old BOY! I feel a lot of anger toward the industry that first exploits women as a means to then exploit the loneliness (the humanness!) of men and boys who are made to feel ashamed of themselves for seeking out a crutch when real companionship couldn't be found. After going cold turkey with cigarettes and overcoming a drinking problem that was literally killing me, somehow porn has become a greater obstacle in my life than ever before! Honestly guys, it's such a huge source of shame, not being able to deal with this alone and fearing failure. Any advice, encouragement or suggestions about how to make the best use of the community aspect of this resource would all be greatly appreciated! My start date is a week away and I want to be ready. I've written it now, which I guess makes it real. Wish me luck...
Hello and welcome! You're in good company here. I suggest reading the forums for reboot logs and success stories for encouragement, and joining one of the challenge groups (there are challenges anywhere from 3 days to 365 days, so pick one you feel is attainable but still challenging). Journaling is a good practice, and I recommend putting the link to your reboot log into the "Journal Thread Link" under "Personal Details" so your log doesn't get buried and hard to find each day.
Congratulations and welcome! Out of curiosity, why are you starting your reboot in a week? Why not take the plunge and get it going NOW? You have some experience fighting addictions, and should therefore know, that there are no "sweet goodbyes" or "romantic send-offs" — assuming that's actually why you're waiting to start your journey in the first place. Regardless, glad you're here!
I second this. If you use this "last week of freedom" to binge, you're going to make things that much more difficult for you.
Ain't it the truth! You guys are spot-on and I appreciate the tough love! I've actually got a really specific reason (not fapping! I swear! ) which I'm sure I'll be journaling about on day #1 when I'm feeling a little safer sharing these kinds of details among strangers. Sounds like a cop out, I know! Honestly though, no sweet goodbyes, no bingeing. Just a unique situation that needs to get dealt with before this thing can truly begin! I'm past making bullshit excuses to people with my best interests in mind. If this thing happens by August 1st it'll make sobriety look like a walk in the park! Anyway, thanks for the welcomes 33c and Jason! Best of luck to you as well!
Whenever you're ready, we'll be here! Try not to let this place intimidate you. It get's feisty, but I've come to learn, that's half the fun! If you look at my Day 1 post in my journal, you'll see a similar hesitancy. Everyone has that initial moment of doubt, but it fades quickly once you get rolling. Good luck, brother.
Welcome to our community. I just started too and I am glad to be with you! Good luck on your journey!
