For years I have assumed that mast** once every month or so was actually a natural physical need, and that's part of why I thought it was impossible to resist the yeitzer.  (Although once a month is much better than I was doing years ago)

(And my last fall was about a week ago.)

But, I see from this forum, and from the GUE attituded book, that it's possible to be totally clean.

And, I see the powerful of keeping track of your progress and stating your intentions to others.

So, I don't want to accept mast** as being at all normal anymore.

And, also, I'm on day 7.

my friend,
it is not normal.you are having sex with yourself for Heaven's sake!
when we were in high school a couple of us guys were discussing the subjoect (as usual) and one guy mentioned that he doesnt do it.now this guy wasnt so religious but he grew up in a house with moral standards,nonetheless.we asked him why he denied himself this "great pleasure".ill never forget his answer:
"Uch!dont you think its a little gross to do by yourself?!"
only years later did i actually think about that and realize:eww.its just that weve gotten so used to it,and the secular world keeps telling us its "healthy" and such.of course its not normal.neither is the world.but the world should not define for us normal.and it doesnt.keep strong eye.u can do it! -uri

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THANK YOU URI FOR SAYING THE EMES LOUD AND CLEAR

B'H IT IS NOT MY NISAYON

BUT THE TRUTH HURTS

THE GOYISHE WORLD IS FULL OF EXCUSES FOR BAD BEHAVIOR

ALL THEY DO IS SELL S**

EVERY PAPER EVERY ADVERTISEMENT EVERYTHING

THIS SMALL NATION CALLED KLAL YISROEL IS THE LIGHT ONTO THE WORLD

LETS KEEP STRONG AND NOT CREATE MORE EXCUSES

WOW ARE YOU HONEST

I AM IMPRESSED
bARDICHEV

I thought it was a bit silly to announce DAY 7, especially since I can usually go a month ok.

BUT, then I had a challenge this Shabbos.  I set the A/C timer, but forgot to put the A/C itself on.  The room was hot and uncomfortable which, in the past, has been a trigger for problems.  (Also, my wife is still post-birth).

Then, I thought of my post "Day 7."  I thought that I want to be on day 7 going onto day 8, and not day 7 going on to day 1 again.  I stayed clean.

Thankyou GUE forum.

Thanks Uri, I appreciate that blunt, and straight, perspective.

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All,
thank you for the post, and Bardichev, for your way with words.
Post birth is a special challenge. So much going on. But with Hashems help and the chevra here, you're going to do it.
(And, mazel tov!)

B'hatzlacha!
k

i am confused who gets the maazl tov?

The mazel tov was for me, Bardichev (...my wife is post-birth). 

assach yiddish nachas

one more lchaim
b

Correction Eye.nonymous.
The FIRST mazal tov goes to you and your wife. But the simcha belongs to ALL of us; to Klal Yisrael who have the zchus of greeting another neshama!

Mazel tov to us all!

Eye.n; may you and your wife be zoche to raise him/her, and all his/her siblings and future siblings with siyata dishmaya every step of the way. And may he/she be source of true nachas to you, your families, am Yisrael and most of all, Hashem.

Thanks for the brachos.  (BTW, it's a boy).

Then whats the secret...!!!
In our (ie kutan's)circles, a boy is announced as a boy, and gets an heartier mazel tov... A girl is announced as  a 'newborn'
MAZEL TOV!

Now, in case anyone in the broader segment of clal yisroel takes offense.... it is quite possible that the reason for this is that boys need an extra dose of siyata dshmaya, and thus the need for extra brachos.

A lot easier to be a kosher girl than a kosher boy.

easier shmeasier this gets us no where!!!

with all my love

mazel tov!!!

b