23 YR OLD - Day 24/90 Reboot Check in

Hello Fellow Fapstronauts,

I haven't been updating regularly because I'm trying to limit my computer usage, but it's about time to write another journal entry about the journey.

First of all, I am very surprised at how well things have gone. Until recently, I don't think I ever completely believed quitting porn and masturbation were even possible. Now, after 24/90 days of nofap, I'm starting to see that's it's completely doable. A month ago, life seemed pretty dull. I was depressed and in a vicious binge cycle of PMO. I didn't have much joy or energy.

The benefits I've seen so far are encouraging. In general, I have more energy. I am more motivated to get things done at work, and to do things well. I look forward to learning new things, like Japanese and cooking, and I have been jogging about three times a week, which has greatly cleared my mind and made me feel better. Also, I feel more confident, and able to look people in the eyes and have honest conversations. I no longer feel that shame due to living a double life. I don't feel like I'm hiding a big secret, and that's been a huge weight off my shoulders. I remember when I used to talk to people, and think, "this person knows me, but doesn't really know me and my dirty porn habits." No, I feel much more lighthearted. Some people may think it's not worth the struggle to completely do away with porn, but from this short experience so far, I can say it's definitely worth fighting.

It's a radical lifestyle change in the sense that you don't just stop watching porn and fapping, but you replace those things with things that fill you with life, that are uplifting, that make life rich: music, movement, relationships, writing, books.

So what has helped me so far? Installing K9 web protection, charging my phone in another room at night (and removing all electronics from the bedroom - out of sight, out of mind), exercising (three 30-minute jogs per week), adding a star to my big calendar every day that I am successful (this is huge - why break the streak? I've made it this far), keeping hands above my waist (simple rule, but powerful), eating more wholesome foods, sleeping 7-9 hours every night, going out with friends, avoiding long stretches of time alone in my apartment -- all of these have been very helpful.

At some point in the struggle against porn, it starts to become less about not watching porn and more about choosing to do the things in life that truly matter and have long-lasting significance. So maybe we shouldn't think of this as a great battle against porn, but a battle to regain the good life and the things that porn has stolen. Another thing that's helped tremendously has been simply having earnest conversations with friends about these changes I'm making in my life. The more open we our with our struggles, the smaller they seem and the more we see how we should band together to encourage each other. My goal is to share with many of my male friends about this journey. Maybe they could benefit from knowing there are so many other men (and women)sharing these struggles. It's definitely not easy to reach out to others, but I can't stress enough how good this has been fore me.

All that said, I have had a few close calls and today I almost M'ed because I disregarded the hands above waist rule. Porn doesn't seem as attractive to me any longer, but I still need to be on guard.

Stay strong brothers. Pray, meditate, exercise, eat, sleep, confess, take initiative - Do what you need to do to live a life that is rich and wholesome.

Cheers.

Josh

 

Yeah, dude, going hard mode all the way. Keep up the struggle. I've almost hit a month and it seems to be getting easier. I noticed that when I'm in the PMO cycle, my mind and body are quite a bit more sexualized, but now, I'm able to control urges more, and keep a healthy mind, whereas, I used to fantasize all the time, and then act out on those fantasies.

 

Hey Prez,

Yeah, 90 days is a good goal, but just a temporary one. If you want to make a radical change of leaving P and M, then I think short term and long term goals are super helpful. I think you're spot on in asking the question, What happens in 90 days? What's going to keep us from falling back into those well-treaded paths of despair?