POOR ME

Issue #3 05/31/2018 Video Stories, Problems, Solutions, Prayers and Promises - That's what the Big Book is! The foundational text that explains the 12-Step program is called the "Big Book". We will be presenting a video series that covers the entire Big Book.   In part 1: Bill W's Story (Bill was one of the founders of the program) Click Here to Watch Voices of recovery Danger: Self-Pity Self-pity is very different than healthy self-love or self-compassion. Self-pity is viewing ourselves as victims, and it always serves to spur on our addiction. In Alcoholics Anonymous, they put a spin on the words "Pour me another drink". They have a saying -- "Poor me, poor me,... pour me another drink." We know from experience that the more self-pity we have, the more we delude ourselves into thinking that our drug-of-choice will solve all our problems. Self-pity is very different than healthy self-love or self-compassion. Self-pity is viewing ourselves as victims, and it always serves to spur on our addiction. For many years, I was totally unaware of the connection between my porn abuse and my emotional state. During my many years of active addiction, and even when I already advanced on the path of recovery, I always thought I succumbed again and again to watching porn just because I loved porn. I had no idea that I always caved in because I was lacking the tools to deal with my emotions. It took me a long time in recovery to understand that my difficulties in dealing with my emotions was what fueled my porn use. Now, I can barely fathom how could I have been so blind? Thinking back, I clearly see the direct correlation. When I had a hard day, fought with my wife, messed up at work, or had the slightest stress -- I automatically began seeking to indulge in porn. For me, the Twelve Steps can't just be a technical to-do list. They need to spark a mindset shift. I need the psychological change. If I've worked the steps and still don't experience self-compassion and self-acceptance; if I'm still stuck in resentments and self-pity; then apparently I didn't work the steps properly, and I'll probably not be able to stay clean. Personally, I found that my recovery begins with accepting myself fully as God's special creation, worthy and deserving of love, despite my porn problem or all my other limitations. When I accept myself as lovable and worthy, I cease to wallow in resentment and self-loathing. I can't stress enough how central working on our emotional well-being is for recovery. There is almost nothing that pays-off more than developing a life plan for enhancing our spiritual and emotional well-being. It can make the whole difference in our battle with porn. Announcements PA Groups in the US Three new Porn Anonymous live groups opened in the US in the last weeks, one in Monsey (Monday evenings) one in Brooklyn (Friday mornings), and another in Lakewood (Monday evenings). Additional groups are rapidly forming and will open in other cities very soon. For all details, locations and updates, please complete this short form, or contact us by email: help@pornanonymous.org PA Inc. Helpline: help@pornanonymous.org / +1 (732) 659-0627 unsubscribe