So there’s a shitton of baggage that accompanies this “confession”, or whatever, which I won’t explain completely. But the gist is this: when I was young (10ish), I was introduced to porn on accident. I didn’t think it was bad, or that I was doing something wrong, right? Young, ignorant, and innocent. Well... I got addicted. Later, I learned about masturbation. For the next six years (to now), I would be burdened with porn, the disgust and hate I got from my mom, depression and suicide, anxiety, masturbation, body dysmorphia, long-lasting insecurities, and more. But now... now it came to be Lent. I’m not terribly religious, but I thought it was perfect. I’ve been wanting to do something for a long time, might as well start. I started before Lent began, to be fair, but whatever. Looking to get to Easter, and I am SO EXCITED. Just a week in, completely free of it all — porn, masturbation, orgasm — and I feel SO good. I have this newfounded energy and drive, I assume from sexual desire, and I LOVE it. I’m not constantly stressed from my looks, whether or not I’m in a relationship, etc. It’s weird to admit, but I can ACTUALLY HAVE ERECTIONS! Such a weird thing to be excited about, but I am. I’m so young, yet struggled with getting anything. Now, at least, I can see a girl and be aroused. Like, truly. It’s... refreshing. Sometimes it sucks... like, ugh, I want to feel it. The dopamine. But god, the benefits are worth it. I always thought it was propaganda, and it might be, admittedly, but it works for me. That’s what matters. God... I just needed to tell someone. Thanks for listening to me rant.