March 25, 2014; 8:16 pm:
So I have been feeling very stagnant lately and have not been putting much effort into the actual steps of recovery. I'm guessing that the two go together. So, I opened up the addiction recovery manual and found an interesting question: "How strong is your willingness to yield your heart to God instead of yielding to the addiction in the moment of temptation?"
This is an interesting thought I think I might like to ponder more carefully. It seems that the only slips I have had lately in my soberness have come from these spur-of-the-moment happenings. I have not been purposely seeking out any manner of giving in to the temptations and have removed almost anything that will let it in, so far as is reasonable and practical. However, I find myself not able to put in that one bit of extra effort required in order to overcome these temptations.
Perhaps something comes on TV. Am I able to change the channel? Usually. The problem is that I do not call anyone and tell them that I need someone to talk to in order to overcome the thoughts that have entered into my mind from it.
Perhaps something appears in a game advertisement. Am I able not to look. Usually. The problem is, I take note of how I found the add and leave a calling card as how to return to it.
Perhaps I spy a beautiful daughter of God who has dressed immodestly. Can I look away? Usually. The problem is that I do not always have a prayer in my heart to not dwell on it all day long and allow it to seep into my mind deeper and deeper until it becomes an obsession.
Am I willing to allow myself to turn to God instead of yield to the addiction of the moment? Usually. But I have not been trying hard enough. I have not been praying in the moment. I have not been calling for the support and advice from others in the moment. I have not pulled out my scriptures, sung a hymn, or stared at the myriad of pictures of temples around my house in the moment. I am getting caught up in the moment and using it as an excuse to linger.
I must not linger.
As I learn to call on The Lord and others as these temptations come, it will be easier and easier to avoid them in the future. I know it will. Perhaps this will also eliminate much of the stagnation I have felt as a result of it.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Three Dreams
March 15, 2014; 5:55 AM:
I had three dreams last night. Two were about the addiction. One was about self-worth and character.
In the first dream, I found myself 15 years younger with my next older brother who was younger also, except that we already had the life experiences we now have. I remember being extremely open about the addiction with my brother, as we both have this addiction. In the dream, I remembered real-life history that he has been divorced and re-married. I asked him, in the dream, what he thought about specific situations within the addiction and the recovery program; whether or not he had done certain things and what he thought about overcoming them. I would then respond with what I thought and had done.
What caught me off guard was how brief his answers were and how he seemed to have no feeling. He wasn't disinterested in the conversation, but he seemed to brush off each question as though they were conquered and he didn't have to talk about them anymore. My replies were specific and I remember feeling peace as I answered them, that I had overcome specific portions of the addiction and was on the right path. I remember worrying that he was sober, but not recovered and worried that I would not be the same way. The dream ended with me telling him: "I have a rule, that no matter who it is I will marry in the future, before we get married, I will tell her about my addiction. If I don't, then I am not being honest with her." I remember seeing my brother's face in shock and concern for his own situation, then the dream closed.
---
The second dream was much shorter. In this dream, I was older, but still with my brother. This one took place in my girlfriend's grandparents' home. Apparently, the entire family new of my addiction and it was decided by my girlfriend's grandmother and myself that my brother and I go for a drive with her grandfather. He asked us where we should go. I replied, "Anywhere at least 15 minutes away where we can talk." He drove us to a place in front of a retirement trailer park and told us the importance of being clean. He referred to talks by general authorities of the church and explained that it was one of the biggest problems we had in society today. Again, I felt peace thinking about what he said and my responses were true and with conviction. The conversation ended and the youth from the ward came to the car and started to talk with us. I remember that they had a lot of respect for me and loved me. Then this dream closed.
---
The third dream was a little different. I was in the military with two others who were my friends (nobody I knew in real life). Apparently, we had received information that somehow we already knew a little of the future of our Recruiting Sergeant. We knew that he was a harsh leader, but fair and demanding and otherwise a really nice guy. It was our responsibility to join his platoon and watch out for him since we knew he was going to die soon from a heart attack, right before giving out cookies (this is important later). I therefore joined up and was somehow a higher rank than others as I had some privileges the other soldiers did not and I always was first in line.
The Sergeant regularly inspected our packs and organization skills. The dream ran through three or four of these in a row. I was eventually caught stashing some extra snack food in my pack, but he only had me throw it out and no more. He explained that if I was to be in charge of a group of soldiers I had to set the example.
The time eventually came that he started showing signs of the heart attack. I ran and grabbed the other guys who knew it was going to happen and we joined our Sergeant in a supply room. We asked him what we should do. He told us to go ahead and take our share of the fresh chocolate chip cookies from the table on the other side of the room. We thought it strange this was his request when he told us one more piece of instruction: we were allowed to take as many cookies as we wanted so long as we had issues we had to overcome and stated what they were. We were to have anyone who took them do the same. However, we were not allowed to eat them, we had to give them to someone else. I immediately picked one up and said, "Well, I can take one right now. I have flat feet." I took a cookie and gave it to my Sergeant. He smiled exhaustively. Immediately, I thought of other issues I had, especially concerning my addictions and how many cookies I should take and give away. I felt a great peace once again. This is where the third dream ended.
I had three dreams last night. Two were about the addiction. One was about self-worth and character.
In the first dream, I found myself 15 years younger with my next older brother who was younger also, except that we already had the life experiences we now have. I remember being extremely open about the addiction with my brother, as we both have this addiction. In the dream, I remembered real-life history that he has been divorced and re-married. I asked him, in the dream, what he thought about specific situations within the addiction and the recovery program; whether or not he had done certain things and what he thought about overcoming them. I would then respond with what I thought and had done.
What caught me off guard was how brief his answers were and how he seemed to have no feeling. He wasn't disinterested in the conversation, but he seemed to brush off each question as though they were conquered and he didn't have to talk about them anymore. My replies were specific and I remember feeling peace as I answered them, that I had overcome specific portions of the addiction and was on the right path. I remember worrying that he was sober, but not recovered and worried that I would not be the same way. The dream ended with me telling him: "I have a rule, that no matter who it is I will marry in the future, before we get married, I will tell her about my addiction. If I don't, then I am not being honest with her." I remember seeing my brother's face in shock and concern for his own situation, then the dream closed.
---
The second dream was much shorter. In this dream, I was older, but still with my brother. This one took place in my girlfriend's grandparents' home. Apparently, the entire family new of my addiction and it was decided by my girlfriend's grandmother and myself that my brother and I go for a drive with her grandfather. He asked us where we should go. I replied, "Anywhere at least 15 minutes away where we can talk." He drove us to a place in front of a retirement trailer park and told us the importance of being clean. He referred to talks by general authorities of the church and explained that it was one of the biggest problems we had in society today. Again, I felt peace thinking about what he said and my responses were true and with conviction. The conversation ended and the youth from the ward came to the car and started to talk with us. I remember that they had a lot of respect for me and loved me. Then this dream closed.
---
The third dream was a little different. I was in the military with two others who were my friends (nobody I knew in real life). Apparently, we had received information that somehow we already knew a little of the future of our Recruiting Sergeant. We knew that he was a harsh leader, but fair and demanding and otherwise a really nice guy. It was our responsibility to join his platoon and watch out for him since we knew he was going to die soon from a heart attack, right before giving out cookies (this is important later). I therefore joined up and was somehow a higher rank than others as I had some privileges the other soldiers did not and I always was first in line.
The Sergeant regularly inspected our packs and organization skills. The dream ran through three or four of these in a row. I was eventually caught stashing some extra snack food in my pack, but he only had me throw it out and no more. He explained that if I was to be in charge of a group of soldiers I had to set the example.
The time eventually came that he started showing signs of the heart attack. I ran and grabbed the other guys who knew it was going to happen and we joined our Sergeant in a supply room. We asked him what we should do. He told us to go ahead and take our share of the fresh chocolate chip cookies from the table on the other side of the room. We thought it strange this was his request when he told us one more piece of instruction: we were allowed to take as many cookies as we wanted so long as we had issues we had to overcome and stated what they were. We were to have anyone who took them do the same. However, we were not allowed to eat them, we had to give them to someone else. I immediately picked one up and said, "Well, I can take one right now. I have flat feet." I took a cookie and gave it to my Sergeant. He smiled exhaustively. Immediately, I thought of other issues I had, especially concerning my addictions and how many cookies I should take and give away. I felt a great peace once again. This is where the third dream ended.
-------
I have thoughts as to these dreams. I am not so sure that they are inspired, but I do not think that they are uninspired either. The feelings of peace and concern for others buoyed me up to work harder but also gave me thoughts that perhaps I am doing better than I thought. The first thoughts I had after awaking from this dream were (1) that I should not worry about the addiction and trust The Lord and (2) that I should immediately write these dreams down -- specifically on this blog -- before I forget them. I really like the cookie idea. I might like to do that activity someday.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Close the Back Door
March 4, 2014; 8:42 pm:
A quick thought I have had lately is making sure I close the back doors to sin. Recently, I had more filters installed and blocked seemingly good websites which occasionally have the potential to let indecent pictures slip their way in.
I have removed several of these back doors and am now testing how much better I am with dealing with temptation. What I have noticed so far is that I am much more easily able to overcome and stay sober.
Having a filter is only the first step. Getting rid of the back doors through the filter takes more work, diligence, honesty, and humility.
A quote from one of my favorite talks by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2010 General Conference talk "Place no More for the Enemy of My Soul":
A quick thought I have had lately is making sure I close the back doors to sin. Recently, I had more filters installed and blocked seemingly good websites which occasionally have the potential to let indecent pictures slip their way in.
I have removed several of these back doors and am now testing how much better I am with dealing with temptation. What I have noticed so far is that I am much more easily able to overcome and stay sober.
Having a filter is only the first step. Getting rid of the back doors through the filter takes more work, diligence, honesty, and humility.
A quote from one of my favorite talks by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, April 2010 General Conference talk "Place no More for the Enemy of My Soul":
Whether we be single or married, young or old, let’s talk for a moment about how to guard against temptation in whatever form it may present itself. We may not be able to cure all of society’s ills today, but let’s speak of what some personal actions can be.
Above all, start by separating yourself from people, materials, and circumstances that will harm you. As those battling something like alcoholism know, the pull of proximity can be fatal. So too in moral matters. Like Joseph in the presence of Potiphar’s wife, 4 just run—run as far away as you can get from whatever or whoever it is that beguiles you. And please, when fleeing the scene of temptation, do not leave a forwarding address.
Acknowledge that people bound by the chains of true addictions often need more help than self-help, and that may include you. Seek that help and welcome it. Talk to your bishop. Follow his counsel. Ask for a priesthood blessing. Use the Church’s Family Services offerings or seek other suitable professional help. Pray without ceasing. Ask for angels to help you.
Along with filters on computers and a lock on affections, remember that the only real control in life is self-control. Exercise more control over even the marginal moments that confront you. If a TV show is indecent, turn it off. If a movie is crude, walk out. If an improper relationship is developing, sever it. Many of these influences, at least initially, may not technically be evil, but they can blunt our judgment, dull our spirituality, and lead to something that could be evil. An old proverb says that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, 5 so watch your step.
Like thieves in the night, unwelcome thoughts can and do seek entrance to our minds. But we don’t have to throw open the door, serve them tea and crumpets, and then tell them where the silverware is kept! (You shouldn’t be serving tea anyway.) Throw the rascals out! Replace lewd thoughts with hopeful images and joyful memories; picture the faces of those who love you and would be shattered if you let them down. More than one man has been saved from sin or stupidity by remembering the face of his mother, his wife, or his child waiting somewhere for him at home. Whatever thoughts you have, make sure they are welcome in your heart by invitation only. As an ancient poet once said, let will be your reason. 6
Cultivate and be where the Spirit of the Lord is. Make sure that includes your own home or apartment, dictating the kind of art, music, and literature you keep there. If you are endowed, go to the temple as often as your circumstances allow. Remember that the temple arms you “with [God’s] power, … [puts His] glory … round about [you], and [gives His] angels … charge over [you].” 7 And when you leave the temple, remember the symbols you take with you, never to be set aside or forgotten.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Evil Presents Itself
February 25, 2014; 7:31 pm:
Something has become apparent to me lately, that is: evil presents itself. I have often heard other speak of (and have done so myself) how sneaky, sly, and cunning the devil is. It is true. He truly is the most cunning of all and was cursed for being so in the days of the Garden of Eden. And yet, there seems to be another side to this. . . .
I often refer to myself as being more addicted to lust than any of the other forms of sexual addiction. This seems true because of the urges and situations which present themselves. What are these situations? They can be anything: an attractive girl walks by, a commercial appears on TV, billboards, radio ads, plays, or even simple things like playing a game of Monopoly sometimes.
Basically, what happens is my lust for lust jumps into gear and my eyes will wander. I will catch a glimpse of a translucent shirt, or hiked-up shorts, or a logo written across the chest and it is enough to generate feelings and urges in me that transport my mind to another realm. Was Satan being sneaky in placing those things there? Not always. I went looking for it. When I look for it, I can find it. . .no matter where I am or what I am doing. It presents itself to me.
The hear of the matter is controlling thoughts. If I can control my thoughts, I can control where my eyes wander. When I control where my eyes wander, I can control my actions. When I give in, I can very easily set myself up for disaster by putting my being in a location where I am certain to find what it is I'm looking for!
As I learn to clear my thoughts, I will learn to stop tempting myself. Then Satan will have to get back to work doing it since I won't be putting myself in those situations in the first place!
Something has become apparent to me lately, that is: evil presents itself. I have often heard other speak of (and have done so myself) how sneaky, sly, and cunning the devil is. It is true. He truly is the most cunning of all and was cursed for being so in the days of the Garden of Eden. And yet, there seems to be another side to this. . . .
I often refer to myself as being more addicted to lust than any of the other forms of sexual addiction. This seems true because of the urges and situations which present themselves. What are these situations? They can be anything: an attractive girl walks by, a commercial appears on TV, billboards, radio ads, plays, or even simple things like playing a game of Monopoly sometimes.
Basically, what happens is my lust for lust jumps into gear and my eyes will wander. I will catch a glimpse of a translucent shirt, or hiked-up shorts, or a logo written across the chest and it is enough to generate feelings and urges in me that transport my mind to another realm. Was Satan being sneaky in placing those things there? Not always. I went looking for it. When I look for it, I can find it. . .no matter where I am or what I am doing. It presents itself to me.
The hear of the matter is controlling thoughts. If I can control my thoughts, I can control where my eyes wander. When I control where my eyes wander, I can control my actions. When I give in, I can very easily set myself up for disaster by putting my being in a location where I am certain to find what it is I'm looking for!
As I learn to clear my thoughts, I will learn to stop tempting myself. Then Satan will have to get back to work doing it since I won't be putting myself in those situations in the first place!
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Leaving Fantasy Behind
February 18, 2014; 7:36 pm:
I thought for a moment as whether or not to post this particular entry only because it is really heart-felt and strong. But I decided that this is after-all my journal. I am only inviting others to read it for the sake of their own strength they may pull from my own, to know there are others who understand what you are going through. For those who are weaker, be careful reading what I am about to write that it does not trigger the wrong emotions in your own being. This entry is dark. This is simply something I have to write in order to get it out of my system and "into the open" so to speak. This is kind of something I would write for Step 4. Without further ado:
-------
There is something of a relationship I have seemed to form with my own addiction. I am regularly asked by those who help: "What is holding you back from being sober today?" Well, upon pondering on that thought, I have decided that a portion thereof belongs to this relationship I have with the addiction. Basically, at times, I don't want to get rid of it because it has become a life-long friend!
In the heat of the addiction, I would think about it all day long. Once I would return home from work or errands, I would rush to my computer, TV, printed material, etc. in order to greet my friend. Many hours would I spend with her. She would always be there. No matter what kind of a day I had, no matter my mood, no matter the circumstances I had in my life, I knew I could trust her to be there for me. She was always smiling. She was always patient. She was always open for suggestion. She did whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. She never complained. She never ignored me.
The longer I got to know her, the more she let me in to her world. There came a point where I spent more time in her world than I spent in my own. I trusted her. I loved her.
This is where the fantasy comes in. She started to entice me with simple gestures and preening. I would reciprocate. Finally, she would show me that I was more and could do bigger and better things! Her idea of bigger and better was so much different than the rest of the world offered. This was enticing. I would embrace it and ask for more.
She was gentle in her maneuvers. She slowly, carefully, pulled me deeper into this romance we had invented together. She told me her deepest secrets and lulled me deeper, deeper, deeper until I found ultimate satisfaction.
Little did I know what had happened! I had been seduced by the ultimate seduction and was lost. I was so deep into her world, the fantasy created within my mind, that I had lost the very concept of reality! I was no longer in a romantic relationship. Rather, I was a slave. But I was not a slave who did physical labor and cater to every whim. I was the slave of fantasy who gave into lust to satisfy an unnatural, unreal desire.
In the midst of the clenching of her hands and arms around me, I was brought to the light of the matter and learned to recognize how deeply she had pulled me into her lair! I knew I had to get out, the only problem was: I didn't want to!
I wanted nothing more than to be free of the monster I had both created and loved. However, every time I would look her in the face, she would bat her eyes at me and pout. I could see the tears running down her cheeks and onto her chin. In a fantastical, absurd manner, I hated to leave her because I thought she would be hurt to be left alone! I did not want to give up my only love!
How was this possible?! It shouldn't have happened! How could I have possibly fallen in love with my own carnal nature and allowed it to pull me into the depths of misery, pain, and most of all: addiction?! I couldn't be! It shouldn't be! But it was. . . .
-------
So there you have it. I have tendencies to be stuck only because it hurts to let it go. Can I feel an emptiness inside for leaving behind that which I must? Perhaps. But it is the wrong kind of emptiness. Its real name is several fold: guilt, lust, desire, vanity, anxiety, helplessness, sorrow, false-hope, temptation, and more.
Yet, there is a cure: The Gospel of Jesus Christ and repentance. Only He will be able to fill the false void caused by the loss of this fake love affair. Only He can erase the memory of it. Only He can erase the pains. Only He can wipe my garments clean. And in some odd way, though I would never wish it on another or myself again, I am thankful I have had the opportunity to come clean just so I can get to know Him again!
I thought for a moment as whether or not to post this particular entry only because it is really heart-felt and strong. But I decided that this is after-all my journal. I am only inviting others to read it for the sake of their own strength they may pull from my own, to know there are others who understand what you are going through. For those who are weaker, be careful reading what I am about to write that it does not trigger the wrong emotions in your own being. This entry is dark. This is simply something I have to write in order to get it out of my system and "into the open" so to speak. This is kind of something I would write for Step 4. Without further ado:
-------
There is something of a relationship I have seemed to form with my own addiction. I am regularly asked by those who help: "What is holding you back from being sober today?" Well, upon pondering on that thought, I have decided that a portion thereof belongs to this relationship I have with the addiction. Basically, at times, I don't want to get rid of it because it has become a life-long friend!
In the heat of the addiction, I would think about it all day long. Once I would return home from work or errands, I would rush to my computer, TV, printed material, etc. in order to greet my friend. Many hours would I spend with her. She would always be there. No matter what kind of a day I had, no matter my mood, no matter the circumstances I had in my life, I knew I could trust her to be there for me. She was always smiling. She was always patient. She was always open for suggestion. She did whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. She never complained. She never ignored me.
The longer I got to know her, the more she let me in to her world. There came a point where I spent more time in her world than I spent in my own. I trusted her. I loved her.
This is where the fantasy comes in. She started to entice me with simple gestures and preening. I would reciprocate. Finally, she would show me that I was more and could do bigger and better things! Her idea of bigger and better was so much different than the rest of the world offered. This was enticing. I would embrace it and ask for more.
She was gentle in her maneuvers. She slowly, carefully, pulled me deeper into this romance we had invented together. She told me her deepest secrets and lulled me deeper, deeper, deeper until I found ultimate satisfaction.
Little did I know what had happened! I had been seduced by the ultimate seduction and was lost. I was so deep into her world, the fantasy created within my mind, that I had lost the very concept of reality! I was no longer in a romantic relationship. Rather, I was a slave. But I was not a slave who did physical labor and cater to every whim. I was the slave of fantasy who gave into lust to satisfy an unnatural, unreal desire.
In the midst of the clenching of her hands and arms around me, I was brought to the light of the matter and learned to recognize how deeply she had pulled me into her lair! I knew I had to get out, the only problem was: I didn't want to!
I wanted nothing more than to be free of the monster I had both created and loved. However, every time I would look her in the face, she would bat her eyes at me and pout. I could see the tears running down her cheeks and onto her chin. In a fantastical, absurd manner, I hated to leave her because I thought she would be hurt to be left alone! I did not want to give up my only love!
How was this possible?! It shouldn't have happened! How could I have possibly fallen in love with my own carnal nature and allowed it to pull me into the depths of misery, pain, and most of all: addiction?! I couldn't be! It shouldn't be! But it was. . . .
-------
So there you have it. I have tendencies to be stuck only because it hurts to let it go. Can I feel an emptiness inside for leaving behind that which I must? Perhaps. But it is the wrong kind of emptiness. Its real name is several fold: guilt, lust, desire, vanity, anxiety, helplessness, sorrow, false-hope, temptation, and more.
Yet, there is a cure: The Gospel of Jesus Christ and repentance. Only He will be able to fill the false void caused by the loss of this fake love affair. Only He can erase the memory of it. Only He can erase the pains. Only He can wipe my garments clean. And in some odd way, though I would never wish it on another or myself again, I am thankful I have had the opportunity to come clean just so I can get to know Him again!
Friday, February 14, 2014
Don't Ignore the Spirit
February 14, 2014; 10:20 pm:
I don't know if it is the anticipation of the event, or the fact that I just feel like I can overcome anything, but I always seem to stop short of reaching my goal for partaking the sacrament in church. All I have to do is reach two weeks for my goal to be complete each time. I was supposed to take it this Sunday. I was doing extremely well. I did not make it this time. . . .
I mentioned in group last week that I refer to my addiction as lust rather than only referring to pornography and self-gratification. Quite frankly, it is not the dictionary definition of "pornography" that I am after either. The only thing I seek to feed the addiction is lust. The more I lust, the more I feel satisfied. Anything else is only there to produce the endorphins my body has learned to crave and indulge on. For this reason I have set certain parameters--avoiding self-appointed triggers. Basically, I am not allowed to do certain things in order to avoid causing the slip in the first place.
I was having an amazing day today. I was able to come home from work early and spend some great time with my girlfriend. Sadly, I have brought a horrible end to the day by giving in to temptation. I was beginning to be tempted almost immediately when I got home. This was set off by my giving into lust earlier in the day. I almost indulged in this second temptation of the day, but caught myself and decided to wash the dishes instead. Luckily, my girlfriend was getting off work and asked when I wanted company. I told her anytime was good. I needed her right away. Thankfully, she got there right on time. I thought I was doing well the whole time. I should have told her how hard it was to keep my mind focused. Instead, I grew tired and felt exhausted. Perhaps the exhaustion was set off by the mental work exerted to overcome the temptation. I am not sure.
Soon enough, it was time for her to head home. The temptation hit almost instantly after she left. I was on my way to get into bed and had the impression that I should call my sponsor and have him talk with me long enough to put everything away and get into bed. I did not listen! Instead I gave into my indulgence. Always right before my goal!
The impression was as clear as can be. There was no voice, there was no deafening thunder, there was no flash of light. . .only the clear and distinct impression to text somebody on my phone while I prepared for bed. Had I listened I would be free tonight to state that I am doing well. But, I did not. I also received an impression to blog on here. I did not heed that one either! Luckily, I was again told afterward to blog to de-stress and cool down. Thankfully, I listened to that one and now that I have, I am more clearly able to see what I need to do to improve next time.
My girlfriend has told me on several occasions to look back and discover what was different this time from times in the past so I can make sure that does not happen again in the future. I discovered that I need to avoid lustful thoughts throughout the day in order to avoid indulgences in the evening. Most importantly over all, however, is to obey when I receive promptings! I thought I would easily enough just go to bed. I don't know why I keep fooling myself into this misconception, but it seems to be a pattern.
I am eager to break those patterns. It is only by breaking the patterns that I can progress more effectively. Through step-work, abstinence, and relying on the mercies of The Savior I will be able to be healed and have my garments washed clean!
I don't know if it is the anticipation of the event, or the fact that I just feel like I can overcome anything, but I always seem to stop short of reaching my goal for partaking the sacrament in church. All I have to do is reach two weeks for my goal to be complete each time. I was supposed to take it this Sunday. I was doing extremely well. I did not make it this time. . . .
I mentioned in group last week that I refer to my addiction as lust rather than only referring to pornography and self-gratification. Quite frankly, it is not the dictionary definition of "pornography" that I am after either. The only thing I seek to feed the addiction is lust. The more I lust, the more I feel satisfied. Anything else is only there to produce the endorphins my body has learned to crave and indulge on. For this reason I have set certain parameters--avoiding self-appointed triggers. Basically, I am not allowed to do certain things in order to avoid causing the slip in the first place.
I was having an amazing day today. I was able to come home from work early and spend some great time with my girlfriend. Sadly, I have brought a horrible end to the day by giving in to temptation. I was beginning to be tempted almost immediately when I got home. This was set off by my giving into lust earlier in the day. I almost indulged in this second temptation of the day, but caught myself and decided to wash the dishes instead. Luckily, my girlfriend was getting off work and asked when I wanted company. I told her anytime was good. I needed her right away. Thankfully, she got there right on time. I thought I was doing well the whole time. I should have told her how hard it was to keep my mind focused. Instead, I grew tired and felt exhausted. Perhaps the exhaustion was set off by the mental work exerted to overcome the temptation. I am not sure.
Soon enough, it was time for her to head home. The temptation hit almost instantly after she left. I was on my way to get into bed and had the impression that I should call my sponsor and have him talk with me long enough to put everything away and get into bed. I did not listen! Instead I gave into my indulgence. Always right before my goal!
The impression was as clear as can be. There was no voice, there was no deafening thunder, there was no flash of light. . .only the clear and distinct impression to text somebody on my phone while I prepared for bed. Had I listened I would be free tonight to state that I am doing well. But, I did not. I also received an impression to blog on here. I did not heed that one either! Luckily, I was again told afterward to blog to de-stress and cool down. Thankfully, I listened to that one and now that I have, I am more clearly able to see what I need to do to improve next time.
My girlfriend has told me on several occasions to look back and discover what was different this time from times in the past so I can make sure that does not happen again in the future. I discovered that I need to avoid lustful thoughts throughout the day in order to avoid indulgences in the evening. Most importantly over all, however, is to obey when I receive promptings! I thought I would easily enough just go to bed. I don't know why I keep fooling myself into this misconception, but it seems to be a pattern.
I am eager to break those patterns. It is only by breaking the patterns that I can progress more effectively. Through step-work, abstinence, and relying on the mercies of The Savior I will be able to be healed and have my garments washed clean!
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Keep At It
February 2, 1014; 9:01 pm:
I really did not want to blog tonight, but then decided that I had to. It had to be done even if all I did was get on here to say that I did it. Well, I have. But while I am here, I may as well write too....
I noticed that my last post seemed to have good feedback and it got me thinking about what I am doing here. I blog as a way to get my mind off the addiction while simultaneously writing about it. I have to admit: I did not want to write today. I'll tell you why. I did not want to write because I was being tempted. It's an interesting thing to consider. Now that I have decided that I must write in the blog weekly (and am lovingly prodded to do so by my girlfriend), it has been a whole new temptation not to. This is something I was not expecting.
To be frank, I have been getting more varied temptation lately. I feel some urgency to avoid it at all costs, but the flavor of the temptation in my mind is so rich, that it has been a struggle. So long as I keep at it, I will become stronger. As I become stronger, I will have a greater desire to write and will know exactly what I need to write.
Today a scripture, 2 Nephi 32:8-9:
I really did not want to blog tonight, but then decided that I had to. It had to be done even if all I did was get on here to say that I did it. Well, I have. But while I am here, I may as well write too....
I noticed that my last post seemed to have good feedback and it got me thinking about what I am doing here. I blog as a way to get my mind off the addiction while simultaneously writing about it. I have to admit: I did not want to write today. I'll tell you why. I did not want to write because I was being tempted. It's an interesting thing to consider. Now that I have decided that I must write in the blog weekly (and am lovingly prodded to do so by my girlfriend), it has been a whole new temptation not to. This is something I was not expecting.
To be frank, I have been getting more varied temptation lately. I feel some urgency to avoid it at all costs, but the flavor of the temptation in my mind is so rich, that it has been a struggle. So long as I keep at it, I will become stronger. As I become stronger, I will have a greater desire to write and will know exactly what I need to write.
Today a scripture, 2 Nephi 32:8-9:
This particular scripture enters my mind regularly. I adapt it to my situation daily. The Spirit teaches a man to pray. He also teaches a man to read his scriptures, go to bed on time, stay away from temptation triggers, and spend time working on recovery steps. The evil spirit will teach a man to avoid all of these and to indulge in fantasies. I need to learn to recognize more fully when the Spirit is teaching me that I need to get on my blog and consider my recovery versus me not wanting to get on solely because I want to go to bed. Practice and patience will be key in my journey.8 And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray.9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.
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