If You Don't Quit You Win

Christmas Day, 2021. Sathiya’s first Christmas in Jamaica. It was +30 degrees. The sun was shining. Birds were singing. I was wearing my new shirt that my in-laws bought me (lovely choice if I do say so myself). And I was COMPLETELY MISERABLE.

You may not be able to tell, but the smile in that picture was pretty much forced. I was a grumpy Gus Christmas day and it was for one simple reason.

I was sick. There was a bug going around and I happened to get it just before Christmas Day. Nothing in me wanted to show up for Christmas dinner, but I didn’t move all the way to Jamaica for the winter only to spend Christmas Day in bed! 

So I got dressed, put on my best smile, and had a fantastic evening. The food was delicious and the company was even better. By the end of the evening, I was already starting to feel better. A couple days later I was back to normal. 

The experience reminded me of an adage I picked up a few years ago from someone I deeply admire and respect:

IF YOU DON’T QUIT, YOU WIN.

Perseverance is the name of the game in many areas of life, and freedom from unwanted sexual behavior is no exception. I know that some days are tough, and you probably wonder if things could ever really change for you.

I want to be completely upfront with you because I believe you deserve to hear the truth from someone who has been there – YES. Things can and will change for you.

I had several moments during the 5 years it took me to eliminate porn and masturbation from my life where I was ready to throw in the towel. Some days I felt like the enemy was too strong. Other days I didn’t think I had what it took. And some days, I wondered if everyone who “got free” was lying and maybe it was just impossible. 

I shudder to think about what might have happened if I gave in and quit.

Wherever you are in the journey, keep going. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been persevering for a few years now. If you don’t quit, you win. Your greatest breakthrough just might be around the corner.

Cheering you on,
Sathiya