Today marks a year since my last PMO binge - its unbelievable, but I'm truly thankful.
A little background...
I've been married a few years now, and in 2023 we welcomed our first child, like any parent I was the proudest man in the world. I knew my son had a bright future ahead of him, and I had the great responsibility of nurturing him to grow into a man with integrity, values and faith.
But I had my own problems, I wasn't the man I'd hoped he become. The example I was setting was one of unfaithfulness and lies. The conflict in my head and heart became unbearable. If I couldn't break with my own PMO, I could just as well teach this evil habit to my son.
It's a horrible thought, but its the reality.
So I made a promise to him and myself that I will work to be the man I hope he will be, I will set the example. That meant breaking toxic habits, and being honest with everyone. The first and probably the most difficult honest conversation was between my wife and I. I talked, she listened, we had our emotions, and amazingly there came forgiveness and support. Without her I wouldn't be where I am today.
I had to make a lot of adjustments to my life - no more shows/movies with any form of nudity or excessive sexualization, no more internet browsing when I'm alone/bored etc. In short I had to realize that if you flirt with temptation, temptation will embrace you, you're simply to weak to resist it - so avoid it entirely.
The first few months were very hard. Some days it felt like the urges for PMO were going to burst out of me, but by grace I stayed strong. In time my motivations shifted from just being a better dad, to being a better me.
A lot of days I still have cravings, and there are many opportunities, but I came to the realisation that I don't need PMO. I can find my fulfilment in my family, in being present in their lives, being a husband, having the privilegie of being a father, an also serving others.
I cant remember how this habit started in my life, but l know how it's ending. And I'm glad it happened because now I'm in a position to help and encourage others.
A little background...
I've been married a few years now, and in 2023 we welcomed our first child, like any parent I was the proudest man in the world. I knew my son had a bright future ahead of him, and I had the great responsibility of nurturing him to grow into a man with integrity, values and faith.
But I had my own problems, I wasn't the man I'd hoped he become. The example I was setting was one of unfaithfulness and lies. The conflict in my head and heart became unbearable. If I couldn't break with my own PMO, I could just as well teach this evil habit to my son.
It's a horrible thought, but its the reality.
So I made a promise to him and myself that I will work to be the man I hope he will be, I will set the example. That meant breaking toxic habits, and being honest with everyone. The first and probably the most difficult honest conversation was between my wife and I. I talked, she listened, we had our emotions, and amazingly there came forgiveness and support. Without her I wouldn't be where I am today.
I had to make a lot of adjustments to my life - no more shows/movies with any form of nudity or excessive sexualization, no more internet browsing when I'm alone/bored etc. In short I had to realize that if you flirt with temptation, temptation will embrace you, you're simply to weak to resist it - so avoid it entirely.
The first few months were very hard. Some days it felt like the urges for PMO were going to burst out of me, but by grace I stayed strong. In time my motivations shifted from just being a better dad, to being a better me.
A lot of days I still have cravings, and there are many opportunities, but I came to the realisation that I don't need PMO. I can find my fulfilment in my family, in being present in their lives, being a husband, having the privilegie of being a father, an also serving others.
I cant remember how this habit started in my life, but l know how it's ending. And I'm glad it happened because now I'm in a position to help and encourage others.