Yosef Tikun HaYesod wrote on 30 Nov 2016 21:30:


I didn't see that you wrote that or huge any idea that you saw my deleted post. I wouldn't have chimed in if I knew that.

I printed it out and have read about 1/2 of it so far.
Same thing with the Windows of the Soul book.
And I am listening to and bli neder, writing down the main points of the 12 shiurim called The Fight, which is produced not just by Rabbi Shafier but in conjunction with GYE.

I think it's time for some spiked (with scotch) tea. Care to join me?

Yosef Tikun HaYesod wrote on 30 Nov 2016 21:58:

And......? Helpful? Not helpful? Good? Bad? Ugly?

I will hold off on my opinions until I give it a full read / fair chance.
But I will say, that it is very heavy,
(especially since I printed it on only 1 side of the page). 

Yosef Tikun HaYesod wrote on 30 Nov 2016 22:15:

Better still, you could hold off on your opinions on it permanently.

On the front page, please cross out 'The GYE handbook' and write 'Yosef's handbook'.

On part one, please write 'The tools for Yosef'.

On part two, please write 'Yosef's attitudes'.

I think that would help a lot.

Recently, I wrote on my tryin' thread from rav tzadok (and I just noticed that it was in today's gye email), and I think mr. YTH is upholding this concept very well:


He stresses several times and emphasizes that when a person finds himself entrenched in one of the desires found in this world, and it is one that he habitually performs over and over again, and he sees no practical way out of this; the moment he is inspired to take action to prevent this future behavior, he must immediately detach himself completely from any connection to this desire whatsoever, and only afterwards, when he is somewhat successful of distancing himself from these desires, then he should work slowly and patiently with a clear concrete plan and ease of mind.

Yosef Tikun HaYesod wrote on 30 Nov 2016 22:15:


I am impressed, and I commend you on your wait and see attitude. I think that's what a lot of the old timers here would advocate. Kol hakavod.

THREE full weeks clean! This is encouraging.
I'm not pessimistic or dreading Chanuka, or focused on a set date, 
I'm just saying that the likelihood of me staying clean all the way past Chanuka is 
unfortunately really, really low (based on my experience and knowledge of my past behavior.
Of course, I am going to try to succeed...but the odds
are greatly stacked against me...that's all.
--------------------------
I tried to branch out a little and post on some other threads.
I can't really help TOO much yet, since I'm only 3 weeks clean. 
But I have grown a lot and gained a lot of knowledge in these 3 weeks.
----------------------
Speaking of other people's posts, I've thought about prostitutes
a few times over the years, or engaging in "tinder tyvah"/caual sex, 
but always held myself back. I don't know if hearing that others have
gone that far helps me or perhaps hurts me by making it more possible
in my mind. And for people who are truly addicted, the fight is probably
way different, so I don't feel I can add anything to their threads.
So, naturally, almost all of my posts are on this thread. Doesn't that make sense?
I am talking about my experiences and struggles as I hopefully successfully break free
from this nisayon. And if I want advice from others or even encouragement, why is that a bad thing?
(not cheerleaders...I think that word is even a trigger since I lusted after one named Jennifer once).

Chodesh Tov!

You say you "lusted once", so I guess you're not an addict

But if you feel pulled to illicit stuff like prostitutes then maybe you are

Ohhhh why does life have to be so complicated...

Only one Jennifer?!? You're no addict!

I never thought I was an addict.

I don't have a real pull to prostitutes, though over the years, I admit to thinking about it a few times.

Yosef Tikun HaYesod wrote on 01 Dec 2016 13:37:

Well that escalated quickly....

I'm not saying give advice, but contribute.

BTW, seriously, are we getting the full story here? I get the feeling you're holding back a lot.

What happened with the phone conference Dov suggested?

YTH, OK, I just saw your other posts.

I think your attitude in general is great. You seem to be a go-getter, the guy who likes to get things done. Every community needs one like you. Full of energy, it's great. And your heart's in the right place, which is a jolly good start.

Just remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. These things take time and patience.

Growth is slow. Don't believe me, go and watch a sunflower grow. You can stare at it all day but you won't notice a thing. But go about your business for a few days and come back to it - wow, how did it get so big so fast?!

So get comfy, wear comfortable slippers and dressing gown, pick up your violin and pipe and sink into your armchair next to the roaring fire.

Watson wrote on 01 Dec 2016 19:26:

Violin, pipe and heroin.

Everything in moderation 

That's why cords is a moderator