gma316 wrote on 26 Jul 2009 15:09:

The hardest times are bottlenecks to a wider path, for me. There will be more in the future, but faith from making it once lasts through to the next one, too!! I suspect it is that way for all of us. You are so fortunate reb Yid!! We Love you!

As Tisha bav nears and I think Bout the chorban I wonder if with my new streak of almost 10 Days I should dwell on my own personal chorban  and my addction or if that might lead down the wrong path any ideas thAnks?

gma316 wrote on 29 Jul 2009 03:27:

Many may strongly recommend this and, by the same token, many others may strongly advise against it. We can cite sources in Torah and experience to go either way. For me, the sha'ayloh is: What works for me today? I'd daven for guidance in this. Then i'd try to do whatever my heart tells me to try and do. Whatever it is, you'll learn about yourself in the process!
As far as the churban is concerned, we are asked to keep our minds on the churban, as a person in shivah is to keep thoughts on the meis, r"l. This is respect for the Beis Hamikdash. So, maybe that's part of the issue, I don't know. I have seen in seforim that all our confusion, misdirection, and real problems, are basically only possible w/o the Ge'ulah and would be fixed were the Tikkun here already. (lots of this in R' TzviMeyer) I get a more useful experience on T" B'av when I recognize that as deeply as possible. I guess that requires some first step work (kind of what you are talking about), Reb GMA.
Have an easy and meaningful fast all Yidden!!

bs"d

Dear Gma,

i decided on Tisha b'av afternoon to go through some threads i haven't read yet. As someone mentioned to me we have to mourn the tragedies/struggles of the klal and the prat - they go together. And also think about the geula/successes of the klal/prat  !

So i read through your thread... and all i want to do is give you a hug.

i also want to thank Dov, Battleworn and Guard for a very stimulating discussion with lots of food for thought - all in your zchus, R'Gma!

Hope that you have a meaningful fast, and that we all soon witness a complete redemption, biklal ubifrat.

I just updating every one on how I have been and chasdei hShem I feel great especially beacus I have now gone two straight weekends and the week of cousre and no problems I am concerned that this will end soon but I try not to think about that as that can lead to aprobonits own any way I need advice on new filter for my comp ny ideas thanks to every one

IT WILL NOT END

TELL THEM BARDICHEV DOES NOT LET!!!
b

I am writing know because I am very afraid that my yetzer is starting to make apush I do not know why but I do not feel as strong starting tonight I am petrified any advice I want to stay clean more than anything and I do not know if I am strong enough for the upcoming war with my yetzer please help

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gma316 wrote on 05 Aug 2009 03:51:

Thank G-d I do not have wars w/my yetzer, nor with my Yotzer. I am a full-blown addict in full-blown recovery and my "foe" is much more powerful than I'll ever be (and it's getting stronger yet!) and I'm sober today, B"H.
I love you!
Dov

B"h today was not nearly as hard as I thought it might be which makes me feel happy and even more scared but I will keep writing as I feel that that help out a lot and will bezras hashem keep saving me thank you every one

its a tremendous satisfaction when you experience strength and shimrah (protection from anything harmful) - recognise that this is Hashem directly helping you!

I feel it is also important to mention that you reflect on your priorities, values and fences so that you continue growing and gaining strength. Now that you have recently succeeded it is important that you gain additional strength and momentum for times ahead : )

Please continue writing regularly as it provides us with chizuk whilst helping and being kind to yourself!!

b'Hazlacha

Hank you every one for all of your help days can be tough but Baruch jashem I am managing I just try to keep reminding myself if something pops into my head of ways to push it out and keep it out as as turni g away or closing my eyes to avoid seeing inappropriats things thank you all again hayzlachah to all good night

I  happy to say that bli eyin horah I am doing great and strong but that makes me scared I am vunarable to let my guard down

Dear gma, the Yetzer Hara is like the dark clouds of a thunderstorm, but your Neshama is like that flash of lightning that LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT... And at the end of the day, the thunderstorm brings with it showers of blessing, renewal and life! That is how I see you, and that is why I chose this picture for your Avatar on the forum. Keep strong, holy Yid!

i had to travel yesterday and it was very hard but baruch hashem i kept thinkinhg about everything i have seen adnheard on this site and baruch ahshem yall saved me thank you