Hi everyone, this is my first post on NoFap. Thanks for reading! I've been skimming over NoFap for a few weeks, hearing other people's stories and experiences, which has been encouraging. But I wanted to introduce myself now and hopefully encourage someone/get some encouragement from the forum! I'm a 24 year old male. I don't have an addiction to P, but struggle with MO. I intend to stop for spiritual reasons as I'm a Christian, but even if I were not a Christian, I still think PMO would be a issue I'd like to resolve. The reason? Life is better without it. Thoughts are clearer, moods are more level and positive (i.e. less anger/general 'snappiness'), interactions with family and friends are more genuine, more care for skin and dental health, sport is more fun, more motivation to read before bed - ultimately, more energy and motivation: 'vitality' in a word. I have good weeks and bad weeks. Usually a 'good streak' followed by a number of days of really giving in to urges. I'm sure you know how this feels. And when I do give in, those positive feelings in the list above disappear. (Granted, there are more factors which affect my well-being - diet, exercise etc. but abstaining from PMO is a massive factor in my wellbeing). 2 things I know and one bit of advice: firstly, I've abstained before for about 8 months. It is possible. Secondly, healthily choices/a good routine and NOT feeling the need for PMO are inextricably linked. If there's one thing I know for sure in regard to this topic - it's this. I'm not saying temptations won't come to the super-healthy, 'up-at-6:30am', go-getter. However, urges will 'attack' any person who is not on guard (to borrow some imagery from the Bible). In my mind, a healthy, vitalized person is on guard better. A tactic which sometimes helps me: to make a list (like the one above) of all the things which simply are better when you go for a period of time without giving in to urges. Perhaps it's just one or two things: but no doubt they are 'big things' - pillars in your life: friends, goal setting, work, sport, spouse/relationships etc. Then use this list when tempted. Don't let temptation take a hold - shake it off, fast! Look at the list, stand up. Get moving. Even if it's across the room. I have failed many times, but hope to achieve more small 'victories' (as I've heard periods of abstinence described as) in the comings weeks and months. Thanks for reading this - do leave a comment if you can relate. AW
You seem like someone with a good value structure, it's good to have someone like yourself among the community. Welcome.
Thank you for sharing your story - an advice I can give you as fellow Christian is to read and study Bible more, when I started fighting my P addiction I decided to try to read it every day - even if it will be a only a few verses, it's the best "food" for your soul. You can write down verses that really "hit home" - they can become your anchor that will keep you in place when urges and temptations rage around you. There are many parts in the Bible and verses relating to the sins of the flesh, e.g. Galatians 5:19-21: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." And here is a little song that you might find encouraging, for the past few weeks it kept my spirit up whenever I felt down: Stay strong and keep pushing forward, the fact that you are fighting this nasty habit is a great sign that you want to change your life for the better. I'll pray for your success today Godspeed!
Hello there! Thanks a lot for your reply and words of encouragement. You're so right about reading more and getting to know more verses which you can use in the fight against urges. The Galatians verse is one I know well. I've had good and bad seasons of getting stuck into the Word. I've had a good and consistent prayer life for a good while, but time alone reading the Bible has always come second. So thank you for suggesting this! I'll try to improve in this area. God bless you and thank you for your prayers. All the best in your own endeavors on here too. We'll hopefully cross virtual paths again. AW And thanks for the song suggestion - great stuff!