16 days of no MO

Excepting for a 15-20 minute partial relapse almost a week ago, which ended, fortunately, with me coming to this site and journalling, I've been Fap free for almost 17 days.

So, things felt pretty normal yesterday, like I wasn't getting much benefit so far. I was lounging around kind of idly, but then I did two things.

1. Picked up the guitar. I made progress in songs that was pretty astounding, came up with big swaths of lyrics that were simple, beautifully integral and moved me emotionally. My picking felt a lot faster and richer, too, coming up with chords that fit the song very strongly.

2. Went running a further distance than I had all year. It felt natural and I didn't have to stop and walk. It was kind of cold outside and I couldn't find my gloves, but what the hell. The brisk air was bracing and I thought of it like a cold shower, shivering a little until I worked up a sweat. The real benefits came afterward when I moved around the house finishing some work before bed. I strutted like a sleek tiger, muscles and joints smoothly interplaying, with fire in my eyes. I felt masculine and in charge of things. I felt clear-headed and intelligent. This feeling has carried over into a good night's sleep, an extra-early rise, the feeling like I've drunken lots of coffee, even though I haven't, but with none of the anxious side effects of caffeine.

I look forward to the rest of my day. I thank you for reading, believe in your strength in conquering this, and wish you enormous improvements on your journey!