Using filters to avoid porn.

Last Updated on Monday, 21 March 2011 01:29 Written by Wes Monday, 21 March 2011 01:25

I always liked Anthony Robbins message that the past does not equal the future. This was so important to remember as I started out in recovery. But it is even more important to remember after achieving sobriety. There is no more coasting. I’ve set up certain rules for myself and I still have to follow them.

For instance, I have filters on my computer, and my wife controls the password (I use Covenant Eyes and recommend it). I know that sobriety means I make correct choices when faced with different options, or what some might call temptations. And so, early in recovery, I refused to use porn filters. But eventually I realized that I was refusing to use the filter because I really didn’t want to give up the porn.

Eventually, I got humble enough to make the choice to use the filter. See, I was still making a correct choice, but I was making it before the temptation got too strong.

Now, I’m sober from porn. But I still use the filter. The addictive voice in my head keeps suggesting that I don’t need the filter anymore. Maybe, but maybe not. So I continue to choose to use the filter because I truly don’t want anything even accidentally popping up. Believe me, even with the filter I have enough opportunity to practice making good choices when faced with temptations.

So, the past does not equal the future. And just because I was sober yesterday, and sober the day before that, and many days before that, it doesn’t mean I’ll stay sober if I stop using common sense.

The nice thing about being sober from pornography is that I truly see the happiness it brings. I really don’t want to slide back.

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