Hey everyone,

      Not sure where to begin so I guess I'll just jump in and give a you all the short version of my story. This might sound cliché, but I too am a regular member of a frum community, Husband, Father, Son, Businessman.   I've been struggling with porn and masturbation for most of my adult life. A few years ago I stumbled upon GYE and I was impressed. It gave me comfort on some level to know that I wasn't the only one fighting the struggle alone.  However, in retrospect it seems I wasn't ready to make the commitment. After a few weeks I went back to business as usual.

      B"H this year brought some changes to my life. I was going through an unrelated issue and fell into an undiagnosed bout of depression. Hashem always has a way in making sure we are in the right place at the right time. In my case it was a podcast that convinced me to join Daf Yomi. It was the first time I cracked a Gemara in more than 15 years. I did not think I would last more than a week but I just made a syum on my 4th mesechta! You are probably wondering why I'm rambling about unrelated topics. However it seems that I changed my life in reverse. First I brought in some kedusha by learning the daily daf, next came Davening 3 X daily with minyan which has been a struggle since my bar mitzva. Then Hashem pointed me to a friend who begged me to try learning a few minutes of  Emuna &  Bitochon daily (LIFE CHANGING!!!). My depression and bouts of anger practically disappeared. I was rarely watching any porn at this time.

      Then I heard about a couple who's marriage was in trouble due to porn/sex addiction. It was a close friend. For some reason this  really hit home. I finally got a hold of myself and realized that I must be the man I present myself as in public to my wife children and loved ones. I'm not saying that I haven't had a few minor setbacks. But I learned not to beat myself up about it. Each day is is a brand new opportunity for a new beginning and to connect with Hashem. 
          I am currently experiencing a level of peace and happiness that I never knew existed. 

Wow! Thanks for sharing! And please keep sharing! Stick around, it sounds like there's so much we can learn from you. Keep trucking!

Gevaldig! Thank you so much for your post! I'm so inspired from you to keep on working my way up.

Keep climbing,

@davis503
wow! powerful

just the plain truth of torah

 this is true testimony for
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!בראתי יצר הרע בראתי תורה תבלין

such a powerful point your bringing up, usually we focus on סור מרע then עשה טוב.

but with P&M the way to go is TORAH! ( not easy)

let me sit down and learn a jewish word.

Welcome!!! Very relatable. Please stick around! 

Welcome! Ashrecha!