Hey, it's me...

[LostSheep]

If you don't know who am am, or what I'm talking about, I'm LostSheep, and I'm addicted to pornography. Nuff said there. This message is really to my friends who have helped me on this site, if they are still around. Ok, here's the bad news first. Yes, I'm STILL an addict who screws up every so often. Here's what's new. I'm in the 12 step program. I've been going every week for 5 weeks. With my Dad. Turns out he has the same addiction. Which explains why he got kicked out of the house a month ago. I'm doing all the things that all of you suggested I do to recover from this addicion. I told the bishop, I told my parents, I'm taking classes, I'm going to church.....I'm messing up less frequently, but who cares if I'm still doing it, right? Here's the good news. I want to go on a mission. But right now, it's more of a dream than a goal. I don't think I can make it.

Sincerly, LostSheep

[Just_A_Guy]

I'm messing up less frequently, but who cares if I'm still doing it, right?

I don't want to downplay the problems with pornography, but you need to give yourself more credit. Some degree of relapse is virtually inevitable in the early stages. This is quite possibly the hardest thing you will ever do in your life.

Hang on. You'll make it.

[Honor]

You sound a lot more optimistic than you did when I talked to you before. Glad to hear it!

Edited March 26, 2009 by Honor

[Guest tomk]

I think maybe you should change your name to "Found"Sheep. :)

I'd meet with your Bishop and formulate a plan for getting worthy to go. Serving a mission can yield tremendous blessings later in life.

D&C 76: 5

5 For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.

[Ivy64]

Just so you know a really good friend of mine also had the same addiction. He went to therapy and talked to his bishop and everything the same as you. He really desired to go on a mission and messed up alot too.

But guess where he is now? Yup, he's on his mission. I commend you for having this desire and telling the bishop and your dad and everything - that is NOT easy. And yea you will screw up but know that if you are sincere and endure to the end that the Lord will support you. Especially if you have a great desire, he will do all in his power to help you get there.

We're proud of you! Don't give up!!

[lchri134]

I want to go on a mission. But right now, it's more of a dream than a goal. I don't think I can make it.

I agree with the other posts that you do need to give yourself more credit! you are doing better and that is what you should focus on. That is good news about wanting to go on a mission! For what its worth I think you can make it!

[talisyn]

One day at a time, Lambkins. Every day is a victory.

[Guest Alana]

Sounds great. Focus on the good days, not the slip up days. You're doing better, and that's the goal, right?

I mean, if you used to look at it every day but then got to the point where in two months you had three slip ups (just generalizing) that would be so awesome. The focus isn't that you had three slip ups, but 57 good days! Keep on truckin' along.

Sometimes I step back from my life and realize it really isn't so much about where I am in my life or how fast I'm moving forward, it's just that I am moving forward. Sounds like that is where you are right now:)

[Vanilla]

Whether you think you can't or think you can, you're right. I just happen to believe that you CAN. Good job dear brother, good job!

[wonderingme]

My thoughts are with you. No one is perfect and sometimes forward progress is all we can expect. Don't give up on taking care of this now. You are heading in the right direction. Stay close to the Lord and keep strong.

My husband grew up in a home where his step-father kept a two-foot stack of pornographric magazines in just about every room of the house. Guess who has a problem with it now? Its a horrible thing to be caught in.... but the peace that will come when you have it under control will be worth it.

[Dravin]

Here's the good news. I want to go on a mission. But right now, it's more of a dream than a goal. I don't think I can make it.

I had a problem with pornography and I served a mission. Also, if everything isn't straigtened out before you turn 19 don't fret, you can still go on a mission, I didn't go until I was 22, I think you can leave as late as 25.