Out of control downward spiral!

Thanks everyone, I have went to confession today and am working hard on strengthening my Love and Trust for God, and be more mindful of God's Love for me. I'm also trying to keep my eyes open more for opportunities to grow in holiness and do good works, and not just go through the motions of life. This Monday I plan on going out for a walk to just to relax and just focus on Loving Jesus and Mary and conversing with them, and not worry about what I should do next, or let my mind wander aimlessly.

 

It is an addiction here, in fact part of the reason I'm so frustrated with this, is because I know it's going to make things worse and harder to overcome in the future.

 

You must always remember with God nothing is impossible. But all things are possible.

 

Porn addiction affects the brain structure (dopamine receptors) and is difficult to overcome, like cocaine addiction. You will go through phases including "flatline", there are threads on this topic on Reddit.

As mentioned by others here, it is mainly a spiritual battle though. Daily Rosary and Angelic Warfare prayers are recommended. So is brown scapular and miraculous medal.

Fasting on sweets etc. also helps as it strengthens willpower and tames the flesh. Anything that messes up dopamine levels should be avoided, including computer games and junk food.

The reward is huge. After about two weeks to two months of nofap testosterone levels increase and then remain elevated, leading to more self esteem, willpower, achievements, better mood, stronger person, more determined yet more relaxed, getting things done. But the evil one always lures especially when you feel safe after several months.

Let's pray the Rosary daily . I still struggle, will join Legion of Mary as Auxiliary on Tuesday.

God bless

 

As men we tend to be very visually focused, keep this in mind when you pray and meditate and also throughout your day. Custody of the eyes is something that all men need to focus on developing discipline in. A while back a talk Father Ripperger gave advised when we pray to ask God to remove bad memories or those that tempt us and replace them with what is good. This was helpful to me.
Porn and disturbing visual images literally sear themselves into our minds and can be recalled even decades later in an instant. This is why the internet and access to porn and extremely violent imagery is so incredibly damaging. Demons can and do use these images to manipulate us and create temptation. Many young children today are exposed via the internet to what the most hedonistic and horrific experiences of war in past generations experienced with their own eyes.
A while ago I listened to another of Father Rippergers talks this time about Angels. He said that we can ask God to strengthen our relationships to our guardian angel and even ask Him to give our angel permission to access our mind and our thoughts which in doing so grants them the ability to help us in ways which they could not otherwise.
Imagery such as this is being used very deliberately to weaken and destroy God's people. It is a physical as well as spiritual battle. You are the target. Remember this, and think about why. It will help to give you resolve.

 

And as you proposed, fill the mind with positive images and the time with positive habits such as going for a walk and exercising. This was your idea RW and I think it is a great one. I spoke to a friend about self-discipline today. He's not Christian but had the same thoughts: To replace bad habits with good habits.
God bless, and happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception to all here. Went to confession and Rosary Crusade for Life today. A good day to start again.

 

I know this marsh and draining it forever is difficult. I especially use the winter time and hate the summer. When i started to really want to change something seriously and at the same time knew that i would not be able to do it permanently, i started to set myself partial goals. So for example, from today to at least Christmas. And when i did it, then a new aiming point was added. And so on. Especially the weeks before a feast day are suitable. In honor of God.

Sometimes in bad times i stopped to pray the rosary because i felt hypocritical. Don´t do this. Always keep praying. I was also addicted but the good times are getting longer. However, I still hate the summer.

 

Great point about the summer time and praying always Steve. It can be a real time of testing. I have wondered how many women understand the power they have over men in this way. I honestly don't think it is many who teach their daughters modesty. I hate to say this but at Mass this has become a real problem in this area and for Priests too. I have seen them looking at and then away from some of the women lectures who come up for the readings in short skirts and I myself have wondered just what are these women thinking.
Another reason why I prefer the Latin rite. It is much easier for me personally to remain focused on God.

 

Modern society has gradually lost the virtue of modesty.

 

Our Lady of Fatima told Jacinta that certain fashions would be introduced that would offend Our Lord very much.
You are correct that we have lost the virtue of modesty.
It’s difficult for a woman to dress modestly nowadays because it’s difficult to find modest clothing.
Plus I am aware that I am dressed differently and sometimes it is an uncomfortable feeling.
I wouldn’t trade my Faith for the world, don’t get me wrong.

 

You make a great point though. When we go school shopping it is really hard to find cloths that are not completely inappropriate for young women to wear. In fact, I think that cloths designers intentionally use this time of year to foist these things on us. Even nicer stores do this.
I became much more aware of this having daughters and going shopping with them.

 

You are right! And there is almost nothing for an older woman to wear so many older women buy the same clothes marketed to the young.
And material is very flimsy.

 

I’ve fallen again this morning, on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. I was really angry at myself this morning, and even now am still quite upset.

Monday, I struggled with unjust anger at my mother and I think that’s what caused the sins I’m struggling with this week. I’m trying to focus on preferring to suffer anything rather than sin, that any time something irritates me I focus on how I’d rather suffer that than sin.

Please pray that I go through with this and stop sinning.

 

This is pride and the devil speaking to you.

Don't listen to them.

 

THE GAZE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY MAKES US PURE!

Listen to Saint Ambrose and be given the keys to purity. This is a message for both men and women.

 

Thanks, I'm trying to be more dependent on Jesus and Mary, and less dependent on other things.

 

You should be proud of the fact that you are even making the efforts to become holy. The majority of the world believes that it's just a matter of a personal taste for pleasure.

You are truly a member of the church militant and you share in the prayers and graces of the faithful. RW, you have our prayers.

 

If the computer is your source for this then you may have to give it up entirely for a period of time. Or at least put software on it that won't let you access this type of material (a good idea BTW for any parents with children also). You could set it up so that someone else has the access codes and you can't disable it.

 

For goodness sake take responsibility for yourself and stop being so weak.

If you really want to please God and help your mortal soul, then stop!

What I say is exactly what I would say to my own children. No sympathy from me when I see no positive action.

 

Having gone through a lot of struggles with lust when I was younger, all I can say is that I wish it were that easy for young men. It ain't.