I just woke up after a great night's sleep and began to tempt myself.. Then I just gave in. I lasted 30 seconds and immiediately wished I could've rewound time so that I could've just gotten up and taken a shower. This was my longest streak...and I blew it for 30 seconds of what didn't feel anywhere near worth it. The lamest part is that I knew before I even started that I'd regret it. I'm trying not to beat myself up about it and just get up and start over, but I have the tendency to be harsh on myself. I think it's worse this time around because I'm finally doing Nofap for my own self-benefit. No one here can judge me any crueler than myself. Well, in the time it took me to write this much, I was able to admit that I'm still porn free, so it wasn't a total relapse, but I could use some support. Honestly, I just want to know the truth, have I undone all of the benefits that I've been experiencing for the past 3 weeks? Does restarting my counter mean that I've taken 21 steps forward and jumped 21 steps back? Preferably, I'd like to know what those of you who have more than 30 days of experience have to say, but I am definitely open to all advice, support, tips, and whatever anyone would like to say in regards to this matter. I hope you all have a great day. Stay strong - Shendai
Relapses happens. What matters now is what you do with it. Do you let it knock you off the track, or do you learn from it and come back stronger and smarter the next time? The good news is you didn't P. The better news is that you're still here and still have the support of the many, many people in this group who have relapsed and gone on to greater things.
No, it's not a total loss. It's a learning opportunity. Bounce back quick... Stop beating yourself up. Think about what you can do next time your dopamine-addicted brain tries to rationalize the idea of "tempting yourself". (my advice, stop lingering in bed in the mornings... Get up, get started, go!). Lastly, sometimes it takes a fall to make us stronger. I know mine did. Just remember for 21/22 last days, you've been doing something great for yourself. If you jump back into it 21 days from now,you can say proudly "for the last 42/43 I've been on track". The key is to get through this relapse, the symptoms will come... Chaser/disappointment/desire to quit, but they'll pass, and when your T levels rise back up in seven days, you'll be back on track with a lesson learned and a new conviction in your heart (to beat your previous best). I'm rooting for you.
Thank you both for your words. I do feel better now, and I think I'll be able to beat my previous best with flying colors. Eleven, thank you for your response. It's reassuring to know that many have relapsed but have learned from it. Matrix, getting up immediately after waking up sounds like solid advice, and I will implement that into my mornig routine. Thanks again. - Shendai
I don't think you want to start feeling dread when you get sexually aroused that could really mess you up
One thing that helps me not to give in is the fact that the pressure from he temptation to fap will be DWARFED by the pressure of regret, which it seems your familiar with. Just keep that in mind.
Me too Shendai. We have to be patient with ourselves. I went straight into a 110 day PMO free streak when I first found NoFap. But I didn't handle it well when I relapsed, the self hating put me in a downward spiral. If it helps with motivation, get a second counter for how long you have been P free. You have not undone the benefits. Growth is not linear. NoFap is a process where we are rewiring the way we think. Part of that is redefining how we respond to setbacks. So you can look at this as an opportunity to rewire (because it really is!), how will you respond? With a binge? Or will you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and continue in the direction you know is right? I believe you will make a good decision my friend
