MY STORY

I can still remember finding the stash of porn magazines in my older brother's bedroom, and the diary of his exploits in Scandinavia, where he had hired a prostitute. I was about 11 or 12, I'm guessing.

​It was at once thrilling, disorienting and guilt- and anxiety-provoking. I was opened to a world of mystery, one that promised all kinds of ecstasy on one hand and yet on the other, looked  cold and intimidating. These were not descriptions of warm and loving encounters, but animalistic lust. ​

I couldn't help but to return to them again and again. But my fascination hardly led to filling my heart. Thus began a young life, like so many my age, of furtively checking out Playboys and more hard-core magazines whenever they could be found, which was very rarely.

Fast forward to my 20s, 30s and 40s. By then I had devoted my life to spiritual pursuits and was working full-time in faith-based education. I was married and lived and worked in close quarters with others who were similarly devoted.  ​

By then, newsstands had entire racks upon racks devoted to nudie mags, and in lonely and depressed moments, I might guiltily indulge for a brief time.

digital  destruction

As in most stories of this kind, there is the dramatic shift once the internet gets involved. In 2004, while working at home as usual, I chanced upon something accidental, and clicked it out of curiosity. Suddenly a flood of explicit obscene images opened one after another, unable to be closed except by turning off the computer. ​

I trembled afterwards, both horrified and fascinated, and of course--you know how the story goes. I would resist, then slip and feel awful, swear it off--and then do it all over again months later. 

I eventually confessed it to my wife and kept her updated about any temptation and slips. And then came the more complete relapse a few years later and not wanting to tell her all over again. (Sound familiar?) 

I did tell her eventually. But it would not be the last time I'd need to. I would struggle again every once in while, in a low moment. (And these were not as rare as I would have wanted. I was prone to depression and anxiety.)

recovery  finds  me

A few years ago, I became the director of a marriage enrichment non-profit. The founder suddenly decided to change direction and tackle porn recovery. I was now submerged in a sea of both information and support to help me finally and fully face and deal with own struggles. ​

My training in addictions counseling came in handy as my staff and I developed a recovery program that has proven effective, for our clients and for us staffers. 

I have had to learn about my strengths and weaknesses, my motivations to overcome and my rationalizations to indulge, and to choose to get the accountability that I was lacking in the past. ​​

surprised  by  love

Otherwise, I can tell myself that the only reason why others respect and love me is because of the false front I project: "If they really knew my secrets, they would reject me." So no matter how many people are loving me, I cannot receive it. 

One of the unexpected joys of this experience has been to discover how I can feel unconditionally accepted and loved by revealing what is seemingly unacceptable and unlovable in myself to others. Ironically, it's really the only way that I know I am unconditionally loved. 

The solution to the guilt, shame and isolation of so many years was to finally share my shameful secrets--and discover that I did not die and others did not run screaming away from me!

Only when I know they understand the worst of me, can I trust in their acceptance and love. ​​And when you know you are really known and loved, it is a source of great power and strength and peace.

I also got motivated to seek out the personal coaching and counseling that I have badly needed. 

How about you? I want to help you experience the hope and power that comes from being accepted as you are, and getting support for the parts of you that may seem most embarrassing or shameful. And to become free and clear.