First milestone reached = 30 days!

I am a 32 year old man, and for the first time since I was 12 years old I have gone 30 days without PMO.

I always thought that PMO was normal for a single guy to do (not ideal, but normal). And I didn't know of all the problems it caused until recently. Happy to start this journey and drop this habit like a rock! Never again will I (P or M)... only O with a wife some day

So I started because of an internet challenge I came across called NOBNOM (30 day challenge for no booze, no masturbation) and it mentioned all the positive benefits, like being more productive and focused at work. I have a really busy work year with goals I want to get done, so I started my "nofap" journey from that... and they had a link to this forum.

The first couple weeks were hard, but then I had a 21 day streak, and I felt so much better I decided to get serious, and even joined this forum with the current counter I have (30 days now).

My two bits of advice from this so far to new folks starting like me...

1) I was scared at first to stop PMO, and believed that it would progressively get harder to abstain. It was difficult to go 5 days at first, so the idea of going 30 days or more seemed impossible. However, I think the first week or so was the most difficult so far... It actually got easier for me, and the cravings aren't as bad. So don't think that your body/mind only gets hornier each day you abstain because that isn't true. Your body and mind actually want to return to a normal, healthier, natural lifestyle and it doesn't involve P. That is my experience so far anyways.

2) Everyone wants to know the "benefits"... and by far the one that stands out for me, and the one that is priceless, is freedom from shame! For the first time in my life I feel like I do not have any skeletons in my closet, or browsing history to clear, or anything to hide from anyone. The happiness and confidence this gives me is more than words can say.

Thanks to this great community, it is really helpful and encouraging to read about similar stories and struggles... and keep up the good work folks.

Nothing is more important to me in life right now then the idea of being whole. Being 100% complete. Being pure. Everyday I feel like my eyes are becoming a little more brighter, and my heart is feeling a little more deeply. Started this journey to be more productive at work, and realize more and more each day that this is the biggest life changing event for me. P has caused so much harm that I didn't even know, and now I want my life and time back. And I'm going to fight with all my might from this day forward.