10 months ago, my main concern was “fixing” my marriage. I found Russell browsing every local therapist or program available on Google after my wife discovered (for the 10th time over 8 years) that I had been acting out. The rest was history. Soon after starting the program, I began to shift my main concern to my sobriety, rather than my marriage. With that change, everything else has started to fall into place. And what has not fallen into place, doesn’t bother me! What’s meant to be, will be. Sobriety is my #1, and always will be. Without that, I will lose everything that matters most to me.

Thank you all. Thank you Russell. It has been an experience I will eternally be grateful for. Good luck to everyone here, please don’t hesitate to reach out before I’m kicked out of here. I have most of you saved in my phone but my life’s been so busy the last month I have missed a lot of the newcomers.

Thanks Russell. This program has been a lifeline for me. Just beginning the fears writing in the continuation program.

Checking in guys. Hope you are all doing ok this weekend and are being gentle with yourselves if you are struggling. After a rough week, I have had a few good days with my wife. We have had great conversations and intimate time together. She told me last night that this is the closest she has ever felt to me. Made me cry, we have been together for 36 years. Only work one day this week then we are traveling to see family in. I am feeling grateful at this moment for this program, the men who support each other here, and a second chance at a better life.

Hey guys just want to check in. My wife and I had a great conversation on Thursday evening snd came to a place where we can have civil conversation about my addiction and acting out behaviors without either of us getting angry. Not sure how long it will last but we are at three days and counting. Yesterday we went out together for the entire day, no triggers, no issues, good conversation. This is what I had been working and hoping for. Fingers crossed that it can keep going.

I appreciate the feedback I got here yesterday. I went to my wife this morning and asked for a replay to respond differently. We have had some really good conversation today without anger, manipulation or gaslighting. We are in a better place today. Thank you all for your support. You guys are part of my higher power.

Hey Everyone, as I mentioned yesterday I completed my READ to __this morning. It was a lot to read, and it certainly brought back everything to present mind and there was some tough emotions to deal with but it was very relieving. Another part that was helpful is that 100% of my writings were things I had already explained to my wife so between being honest with her and reading to __ I truly feel like I have accomplished a mile stone. There is almost an emptiness in my head. A big piece of thinking space that used to be filled with anxiety, anger, greed, or sexual thoughts and now its quite calm. I picture myself floating in a lake with water thats as smooth as glass and the sun is rising. No thoughts, just sanctity. I really want to thank everyone in the group for your support. This program has been extremely life changing Hope everyone has a great day! Onward and upward!!

Just a thought that popped into my head. I feel like as an addict, i have an addictive nature, meaning i find it easy to become addicted to "things". Those addictions were me searching for certain feelings. The majority of my life it has been my sex addiction, but there have been other addictions/obsessions along the way. It hit me this morning that going through this program and altering my mindset.... That recovery and sobriety are kind of my new addiction. The feelings i used to get from the addiction and acting out are the same feelings i now get from remaining sexually sober. The dopamine hits i used to get from the addiction i now get from actions within my healing....morning routine, writing, self-wellness, etc. It is an amazing feeling And a feeling I never thought i’d achieve from something other than my destructive addictions. As i enter the next chapter of my life, i want to thank Russell for this program. It forced me to look extremely hard at myself, my life, and my inner child. It allowed me to make peace with myself and start to forgive myself for my actions. It taught me how to better take care of myself, how to plan for the future, how to open up to the world, and how to be a better me. It reconnected me with writing, which is a love i’ve had since childhood, but had abandoned in my addictive state. I also want to thank all of my peers in this group. Your stories and support have shown me that i am not alone in this journey. I appreciate each and every one of you and I believe in each and every one of you. To all newcomers, as i write this, i am 361 days sexually sober, something I did not think was possible...and it’s just the beginning. So even though it seems overwhelming, it is possible. Believe in yourself, have faith in this program, dig deep and do the work. Thanks and good luck to all of you. My number is in the resource center...take note of it and use it if you ever need a shoulder to lean on.

Hi all. Today I am 1 year sober. It is a big milestone, especially considering when I started, I did not think it was possible to go even a month. At the same time, my sobriety started on the same day as my first disclosure, so it is also the anniversary of the day my wife's life fell apart, so you can imagine this is a difficult day for her. Doing my best to be thoughtful and empathetic, too.

Thank you, Russell, for this great program, it was a Godsend. Fellows, it was great to be part of this fellowship. I wish you all the best. Remember, we are not bad man that need to get good, we are good man that need to get healthy. Be well and happy holiday season! Klaus

Hi Russell, after talking it over with my wife and giving it a fair amount of thought myself I think I am going to finish up the program. I can't tell you how grateful I am that I found your program and how much it helped me when I was at my lowest point. I will be perfectly honest; I was skeptical at first but was proven wrong in the end. You and your program got me sober and headed in the direction I need to be going. I will continue on with the 12 steps of SAA and will work diligently to maintain my sobriety. I have you to thank for that and I wish you all the best, please keep helping people.

Hey Russell hope you're doing well on this Friday... Just wanted to tell you I'm feeling grateful for you and the program.. today was one of those days I was just beat mentally very vulnerable state. I was able to recognize it and not think about temptations even though they came across but I was able to use my top lines. I took a nap and felt like a whole new person. Btw I'm fasting as part of my morning routine my mind and body is starting to realize I need nutrients more than the urges I usually get crazy how that works.. anyways hope you have a good weekend.

Hey Russel,

Thanks for the voice message! I missed your preceding message on here about the appt. opening on Jan 23. Initially, I wanted something earlier but the 30th was the earliest on the calendar I saw at the time. Thanks for accommodating me for the 30th at that time slot and giving me those few extra days.

Just wanted to say that your program has been awesome and I made some friends along the way! After we speak on the 30th, I will miss you guys, but I will check in to say hello every now and then and I would love to touch base with you every so often. I started a program called Overcoming OCD, which uses Cognitive behavioral therapy and even some mindfulness techniques akin to what you have taught us!