ISOLATION - The Double Edged Sword

Double Edged Sword: An idiom used to describe something that could either hinder or help you.

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I've recently decided to open a new chapter in my NoFap journey, and in the few hours that I've spent browsing the forums and reddit these last few days I've noticed there are many people complaining about and/or seeking help with how to deal with this COVID-19 Isolation, so i thought I'd give my rather unorthodox positive outlook.

This chapter of NoFap to me is not for my previous reasons of PIED and tolerance issues, rather I wanted to prove to myself that I could not only beat addiction at my best, but also at my worst... This is where i think isolation offers a unique opportunity with NoFap.

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The sudden assertion of this new environment caused me (and seemingly many others) to begin to relapse and fall back into old habits. The excess time due lack of work, sport and also inability to properly 'connect' with my partner lead me to undergo what I consider a relapse (in that many thoughts of P and M are starting to creep up on me). Rather then allowing this temptation to consume me it made me realise that I and all of you have a unique opportunity to overcome our addictions in a way that is much more rewarding then has ever been possible in the past.

You see the first time I was able to reboot it was very much 'easy' despite the fact that it was no PM and reduced O, instead due to the fact that i went on a 6week hike around 30days into my recovery, I believe the immersion in nature as-well as the physical exertion accelerated my recovery (however that another story). The main take away is that my past recovery did not feel as rewarding as it should but isolation on the other hand, now thats the holy grail of accomplishment, the highest degree of success.

What I believe many people are struggling to properly comprehend is that although this isolation makes recovery inarguably more difficult, it also allows us to have unprecedented strength and strategies when we return to the 'normal world'. Its like were training for a marathon every day wearing a bag full of bricks and when race day finally comes we get to take it off. Just think about it, if were going to be able to crawl over that line with the bag on (in isolation), imagine how easy it will be once we take it off (when isolations over).

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To summarise, yes I do agree with almost everyone in that this isolation will and is making recovery and reboot much more difficult. However, we need to realise this is a 'double edged sword', when isolation ends and we've managed to resist our urges with hundreds of hours of extra-time a week, imagine just how easy it will be when we go back to normal life. We can all feel an extra sense of accomplishment knowing that we've managed to beat this with no excuses, no alibi and no shortcuts. Good luck to all of you, I wish you well in your journey and i hope that everyone reading this able to find a way to succeed amid isolation and come out stronger then ever before.

P.S. If anyone would like to share their thoughts and opinions, as-well as any other take-aways from isolation I would love to hear.

Thank you for your time, I hope you, your families and loved ones stay safe and follow your government guidelines in this trying time, Bhap.

 

Obviously it's early days and I don't think anyones an expert on how to deal with isolation urges just yet. In Australia you're still allowed to go outside for exercise, thats one of my main mechanisms, anything from pushups on the balcony to a run in the park has felt extra refreshing after being stuck inside, Ive also picked up my old guitar and am looking at buying a ukulele. If those are not for you or you cant go out side, one thing that Ive found is really helping is that whenever i feel the urge to M/PM I instead read the forums success stories as-well as try to communicate with others in similar situations (just gives extra ideas).

 

@Rev2.0 hahah Ive got my missus so Im not in luck there, but I like your thinking. Best of luck for you when you're freed.