As we’ve mentioned before, the world is filled with porn and porn-like images, and it’s impossible to avoid them completely. So every former porn user will find him — or herself having to make frequent choices to reaffirm the commitment to stay away from porn. It’s a lifelong process, but the feeling of accomplishment you can get from being able to keep porn out of your life can be an amazingly powerful experience. Randy feels stronger now that he’s taken on the ongoing challenge of quitting porn for life. “I was duped by the porn industry and taken for a ride. Now that I know what real sexuality and real passion are I feel bad that I invested all that time and wasted so many years preoccupied with a product that did me no good and nearly got me addicted to it for life. But I’ve got my life back now and I’m in control. I make the choices, not porn. That makes me feel good. Porn is a powerful enemy and I’m beating it every day.”
Alex also talked about making daily choices and how much pride he takes in being able to stay committed to staying away from porn. He told us, “When I was using porn I had this dirty little secret that I constantly had to keep hidden. I felt constant shame about it and held myself back from others. I was enslaved. Now every time I make a choice not to use porn, I feel a real sense of freedom and community. I get to make decisions and be open and upfront about them. Sure it can be hard having to turn down porn every time, but I love the feeling I get when I do.”