Hey all, 27 y/o newbie joining and ready to kick this off!

Hi all, glad to be here and looking forward to finding a community around this challenging issue.

I've struggled with porn for quite some time, I don't actually remember exactly when I first got into it, but I'd say probably around 14 or 15. Started with masturbation at the same time. Recently I've found it occupies more and more of my time and thoughts.

I've also noticed that I'm much more irritable, self-focused, and an ass. I care less about the people I'm around, look at women more as objects, and feel manipulative in some of my interactions. Physically I'm tired, apathetic, and have headaches. As a creative individual and an artist, I find that I have little motivation to create, and fewer and fewer ideas. I have low energy, and don't want to do much.

During this challenge I'm looking forward to regaining the best parts of myself and the energy and focus to love others well again. I'm planning to start a strict No PMO challenge tomorrow, with a short term goal of 7 days and a longer term goal of 90 days.

 

Thanks for the welcome! I'm still figuring out my strategies as I peruse through the forums and read other people's approaches. But here are a few things I've done that have helped:

1) installed blockers on my computer and my router (know how to get around them, but it takes effort)
2) enabled parental controls on my phone
3) joined NoFap and intend to start a journal tomorrow
4) exercise 5x per week
5) set an aggressive reading goal
6) hosting more social events with my community of friends
7) daily meditation and Bible reading

Really welcome any suggestions and thoughts others have had!

 

Thanks @aguy100. Maybe too aggressive, I guess we'll see. Trying to replace negative behaviors with positive ones, rather than just taking a strict "avoidance" approach. We'll see if it's helpful

I'll definitely do some reading up on your topics! Did you find any specific articles to be particularly useful? Otherwise, I'll start with a general google search!