Sometimes our falls stem from feelings of worthlessness. We say to ourselves, "I'm a nobody anyway, what's the difference if I fall?"

We must remember how important each of us is! If you weren't needed, you wouldn't have been created. Our job is to figure out is for WHAT we are needed.

When Moshe Rabbeinu didn't feel worthy or able to take the Yidden out of Mitzrayim, Hashem said to him: מזה בידך? What's that in your hand? Moshe answered מטה (a stick), and Hashem told him to throw it down and it turned into a snake!

Hashem asks each and every one of us, מזה בידך? What's in your hands? What's your story? What difference can you make in the world? Do you even know what you are holding; what powerful strengths you possess? It may look like a plain stick, but it can become a key to redeeming the Jewish people one day!

Each of us has a hidden potential to make a MAJOR difference in the world. But we can't actualize it unless we believe in ourselves and in our self-worth!

(Idea taken from R' Dovid Lichtenstein on his Radio show)

I've been on Guard Your Eyes for some time now, working on myself and my shmirat Einayim. Over the past 5 years, I have had over 3 years clean. However, that mean I have been falling for at least 2 years.
But I never give up. After every fall and relapse, no matter how many times or how long it lasts, I always get up and try again. I go to the Mikvah, pray and try again. This process can last days, weeks, or even months.
Sometimes, the pain and guilt are so strong, I act out again and again. I feel depressed so I act out. But I'm depressed because I act out. It's a vicious cycle. I am an addict and struggle constantly.
However, recently I gathered my strength and decided to try again.
On Yom Kippur, I was so embarrassed. On erev Yom Kippur, I was looking at things I should not have been looking at!
But Hashem is merciful and He has given me another chance. He has cleansed me from all my aveirot and now I want to change.
I would like to tell you to never give up. Even though it doesn't make sense, Hashem believes in you and He still loves you no matter what. I find it hard to believe that after everything I've done Hashem still wants me. He still wants me to learn and to daven. But I ask myself, 'I've done so much wrong! Why would Hashem still want me?'
I believe these are mysteries that I may never know the answer to.
But I believe that on Yom Kippur I have been cleansed and I am going to run with that. It beats the alternative of rolling around in the mud. I have been given another chance and I am going to maximize the opportunity.
So, please never give up on yourself. You're never alone no matter how alone you may feel.
Reach out to Hashem. He really does want to hear from you. He is eagerly anticipating the next prayer you say. He wants to hear from you so badly. He's is waiting for you to return to Him and start learning his Holy Torah once again.
From one addict to another, you're never alone. There is hope. Anything else is a lie. Good luck on your journey!

Dov Responds:

Do you have a problem with obsessive and compulsive porn use? Have you seriously tried the tools on GYE and feel that you are not getting better? Maybe it’s time to consider joining a 12-Step program.

Porn Anonymous (PA)
If you’re compulsively acting-out with pornography and masturbation we suggest you explore joining Porn Anonymous (PA). If you need help deciding whether to join PA, call Michael at 347-699-2368, or email help@pornanonymous.org to schedule a time to talk. For more information visit pornanonymous.org (Hebrew: p-a.org.il / Yiddish: pa-yid.org).

Sexaholics Anonymous (SA)
If your compulsive acting-out has progressed beyond the screen (with other people, paid sexual services, etc.) we suggest you explore joining Sexaholics Anonymous (SA). To figure out if SA is for you, call Dov at 917-414-8205, or email Dov at dov@guardyoureyes.org to schedule a time to talk. For more information visit www.sa.org.