What changes have you seen in yourself since recovery started?

[rosie]

I am wondering about general life changes, not particularly P/sex related.

During recovery...what have you noticed that has changed about yourself? Eg: Did you used to be irresponsible with household chores, but now you are more responsible?

[gnein]

I'm only three days into my latest attempt to quit, but I've already noticed that I'm less stressed than I was a week ago. The traffic on the way to work this morning didn't bother me that much. It almost seemed like I had more green lights than usual (although I'm fairly certain I didn't today). It felt good.

[mell]

I have been sober now for 4 1/2 months. I have noticed tremendous changes in myself.

I 'care' about others (my family) and what is going on in their lives (loss of selfish behavior)

I am seeing everything in a different light. Not being so judgemental of others (covering my own problems by putting others down)

I am reaching out to others who need help in recovery.

And most recently, I feel serenity. I am more at peace with myself than I can ever remember being. I am not as fearful of daily occurences as I was in the past. I feel good about myself and my actions and beliefs.

There are many other things, but these are the biggest ones.

[Misty-Eyed Matthew]

I've been P-free for almost a month. I see a change in me. I'm a more understanding of other peoples needs, as well as my own. I have more compassion & patience with my kids. I'm more in touch with my feelings & thoughts. I'm becoming closer to God & being the man HE wants me to be. I'm sure there are more, but I can't think of them at this time. Everyone have a blessed day & a better tomorrow.

[2frustrated]

More confident about myself.

Less distant from my wife.

More energy.

Way more productive.

Able to look people in the eyes without feeling any shame.

Greater clarity of thought.

[RootedinGod]

More confident about myself.

Less distant from my wife.

More energy.

Way more productive.

Able to look people in the eyes without feeling any shame.

Greater clarity of thought.

Exactly what I would say about myself.

[chasman62]

Mell said it all for me. Work in progress of course, but almost 5 months in that is exactly what I am feeling.

Add to that I am sleeping much better and have not a single bout of heartburn since August (and I was a serial popper of zantacs).

Also after telling my SO earlier this year that I wasn't sure we had a future I am now more in love with her than ever and everything about our life is the best it has been in 15 years.

[FoolishMind]

This is something I have always focussed on in my recovery, the constant analysis of my changing character. It started by my wife first noticing and mentioning to me that I am a different person within the first 2 weeks of being P free. I said how so? she said I just seem to be of a calmer disposition and generally a very cheerful guy, without a problem in the world.

Heres just a quick list of things that I recognise that have changed in me:

• Happier
• Calmer
• Dont shout at kids
• healthier
• clearer focus at work
• dont drive fast
• funnier
• more romantic
• I help clean the house
• I look forward to hear my wifes daily events and stroies
• I love to hear how my daughters school day went

I have replaced the time I used to spend on P with:

• Photography
• Videography
• Web Design
• Charity Work
• DIY
• gardening
• socialising more

In all honesty, My whole life has changed, I am not the man I was. My wife fell in love with 9 years ago, she fell out of love with me pretty much after our honeymoon, and now she says over the last 3 years, she loves me more than she can ever have imagined.

Clearly with age I have become a stud muffin! (mufi)

FM

[likeafish34]

The most important thing for me is that for the first time for years I don't loathe myself. I still feel guilt and shame for what I have done, but I don't hear that almost constant voice in my head telling me what a filthy piece of **** I am.

I'm also far less stressed. I suffer from generalised anxiety so I'm not without stress, but it's far better than it was. The strange thing is that its not just stress about doing P that has reduced, my work stress has also reduced.

Even if I were to ignore benefits for my family (which I don't intend to do), the positive benefits for me alone would be a good enough reason to keep going.

Simon