What I've learned so you don't have to (personal notes)

i suck at formatting, I know, sorry!!

The following is an extract of part of my journal which I believe concisely sums up my current view on the obstacle of porn and masturbation.

PMO causes a...
true, real, concrete decrease in the following
'Energy
'Motivation
'Time
'Confidence
simply put, PLEASURE
and creates,
'Social anxiety
'Depression
'Shame, guilt, regret
Simply put, PAIN

/urges. Urges are lying to you, 100% of the time they are lying to you. This time is no different. There has not been one time you have relapsed and not regretted it. They will pass.

/peaking. Peaking is bullshit, peaking does not exist, there is no such thing as peaking, every time you have peaked, you have relapsed, without fail, 100% of the time. The urge will pass.

/negative feelings. They are real, they are true, they are not wrong, they are not to be feared, avoided. PMO has been masking them, they have always been there. Negative, painful, 'bad' feelings are not to be feared, they are to be learned from, they are your guide, your teacher, an indicator, they show you, if your strong enough to look, where you need to change, where you're fucking up. Don't fear your feelings, be present with them, learn from them. This too will pass.

Two excellent, relevant quotes:

"life changes when you commit to nofap, knowing that you will be unable to feel an orgasm again unless it's in a relationship changes your course in life" - u/sfumato1002

"If you can use your neo-cortex to fight your limbic desires you will be truly free" - TruthNeverTold (YouTuber)

Neo-cortex: essentially your human brain, as opposed to a... camel, your will power, conscious thought, planning, self-awareness etc.
Limbic desires, or reptilian brain, old brain: your desire to eat the fattiest, sweetest food. Path of least resistance. Seek pleasure avoid pain, and of course, to unintentionally procreate with pixels...

Hope that helps, you know what to do, stay strong.