Sharing my story: What I learned

As scary as it was to share my deepest, darkest secrets with the world I learned some pretty beautiful things.

First of all, I learned pornography addiction (or compulsion) is not an uncommon thing. Many people have reached out to me expressing their ability to relate to me as they have gone through similar things. As I heard each person's stories, one phrase has continued running through my mind: BE KIND. To those of you reading this post, please be sensitive to how you address the issue of pornography addiction. I have heard various stories of young men in a public setting who, being perfectly worthy, capable, human beings with the potential to be great husbands and fathers, start to question themselves as they hear the girl next to them express disgust and state they would never date someone who has had a past pornography problem. What she doesn't know is that most likely there isn't a person in this world who hasn't been exposed to or had a problem at some point or another with pornography. (Notice I say "exposed" because I realize not EVERYONE in the world has had issues with pornography addiction. but we've all been exposed.) We've all been tainted because we live in a pornographic world. Please educate yourselves on the nature of pornography addiction and be educated enough to make an informed decision when it comes to those you will and won't date. Those of us who suffer with addiction are already hurting enough without having someone else judge us as not worthy of being wonderful boyfriends, girlfriends, and spouses.

Second, I learned people WANT to talk about this stuff! My sister Malissa is part of Reach 10, a non-profit started by young adults who want to end the taboo culture of talking about pornography addiction. Their goal is to encourage people to reach out! As she shared my story in her last meeting her friend Rachel asked if she could get my information. Rachel contacted me and asked me to be in a documentary she is filming about the LDS culture and pornography addiction. (Stay tuned-it will be posted to social media once it's done!) I was more than happy to go and share my story. Can talking about these things sometimes be awkward? Absolutely! But is it necessary? YES! I'm so glad I found the courage to reach out and share my story so that hopefully others will have the courage to share theirs too.

To those reading this blog post, I encourage you to find ways of sharing your stories. We ALL got issues. The important thing is to lift others by sharing them. (Even though it can be awkward, embarrassing, and scary.) It's worth it. And people will be more loving and supporting than you think :)