A Journey of Pain, Addiction, and Redemption
The Break Free Weekly Newsletter - Edition #21
Two months ago, as I was reading through the daily Notes feed, I was drawn to an opportunity posted by
to contribute a personal essay about sobriety to the . If you are not familiar with the Sober App Substack, check it out, it is a great publication!Sober App is recognized as the first addiction recovery app. It was developed by a licensed therapist with 24 years of professional experience and 36 years of sobriety. Beyond simply tracking sober days, Sober App is a comprehensive toolkit designed to help you build new habits, stay motivated, and connect with a supportive community. Sober App Substack provides a platform for app users and others to connect, learn, and feel seen and supported. Whether you’re on a sobriety journey or just considering starting one, this space is for you. In today’s world, billions of dollars are poured into pulling people into addiction. We’re taking a stand for the opposite—offering resources, raising awareness, breaking stigmas, and helping people find freedom from addiction through a life of sobriety.
As most of you know by now, I am not one to shy away from sharing something deeply personal with the intention that it may strike a spark in either your life or the life of another reader.
As I thought about this opportunity, and what I would write about, I began to dig deep down inside to share what I understand as the root of the pain I used porn to medicate and escape from.
This story is the result of that digging.
Many tears occurred during the writing and re-reading of this essay.
The recalling of events as I created this piece of me for you, both sad and joyous, was meaningful and unforgettable and I hope it can stir something within you.
As you go into this week, and if you are still struggling to build momentum to conquer your addiction or destructive habits/behaviors, know that there is a story being written every moment, every day, and that story can be one of redemption.
Dig deep. Hold on to hope. Your breakdown can be your breakthrough.
Much Love,
Mac
The story below is a story of pain, addiction, and redemption.
A story about generational trauma.
A story about a father and a son.
A story about the power of healing through ancient traditions.
If this story resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you in the comments:
Have you ever experienced a moment where you realized the deeper source of your pain? How did that understanding change your healing journey?
What steps have you taken, or are you considering taking, to break cycles of trauma in your own family or upbringing?
What traditions or rituals have helped you heal or connect with others?
And if you found this article helpful, please tap the heart. It helps share the encouragement and helps build this community!
Featured Articles
👉 Guest Article: Congrats on your 3 years of sobriety, your success on Substack, and your launch of personalized coaching! If you are in a tough spot today, I think you will find encouragement in Adam’s reflection on where he was 3 years ago and where he is at now. Hold on to hope and do not give up on yourself!
Stay tuned - Adam and I are planning on having a deeper discussion about his story and his perspectives on how the importance and consequences of our choices in an upcoming April podcast!
✍️ A Porn Free Millennial poem about reclaiming your light.
🎙️Podcast Clip: Honoring the spirit of today’s message, this clip is sharing an important mantra my Dad taught me at an early age through our shared passion, basketball, “Shoot to Make It”.
Community Spotlight
Change your identity. Change your life. author of shares great wisdom about breaking the cycle of bad habits through carving out a new identity!
Building Momentum
52 Weeks of Freedom Series: Welcome to 2025, the year of Undivided Triumph! I'm dedicated to helping you achieve a porn-free year with a structured, week-by-week plan, a post each Friday this year, that builds a strong foundation for your future.
Join the Journey: Start with Week 1 - The Year Ahead – Recognizing the Problem and become part of the Porn Free Millennial community committed to breaking free from porn addiction.
Reflection
You can break the cycle of pain. I have the power. You have the power. We have the power.
Additional Resources
Book of the Month that I am currently reading: Atomic Habits by James Clear
Porn Free Millennial Podcast of the Week:
Apps to Help You Stay Focused On Your Recovery:
Freedom - Blocks distracting apps
Stay Focused - Limits your screen time
I am Sober - Tracks your sobriety down to the second
Are you feeling stuck in the cycle of porn addiction and seeking a way out? My personal coaching sessions are designed to help you regain control, build momentum, and provide you the tools to live a life free from the destructive behavior of porn addiction.
Ready to take the first step?
Book a Free 30-min 1:1 Coaching consultation here
Your Challenge for the Week: Digging Deep and Reclaiming Your Story
This week, I challenge you to take some time, whether through journaling, quiet reflection, or a deep conversation with a trusted friend, to explore the roots of your pain.
Ask yourself:
What patterns or wounds have been passed down in my family?
How have I tried to cope with or numb this pain?
What would it look like to face it head-on and begin healing?
True healing begins when we have the courage to name what has been hidden. Generational trauma thrives in silence, but freedom begins with awareness.
You are not doomed to repeat the past, you have the power to change the narrative.
This week, dare to be the author of a new story.
Closing Thoughts: Hold On to Hope
If you’re in the thick of it → struggling, feeling stuck, unsure if healing is even possible → I want you to hear this:
You are not broken beyond repair. You are not destined to stay in the pain you inherited.
Your story is still being written.
Your pain does not define you.
Your addiction does not own you.
Your past does not dictate your future.
But healing does require action. It asks you to dig deep, to sit with what hurts, and to choose, again and again, to step toward freedom.
And as you walk this path, know this:
You are not alone.
- Mac
P.S. If this resonated with you, like this post and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
And if you have thoughts or questions, I’d love to hear from you, leave a comment or send me a message!
Keep fighting the good fight.
Break Free. Be Free. Stay Free.
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Personal Coaching: A Path to Freedom
Are you feeling stuck in the cycle of porn addiction and seeking a way out? My personal coaching sessions are designed to help you regain control, build momentum, and provide you the tools to live a life free from the destructive behavior of porn addiction.
What You Can Expect from Coaching with Me:
Personalized Guidance: Every individual’s journey is unique. I tailor each session to your specific needs, challenges, and goals, ensuring that you receive support that resonates with your personal experiences.
Momentum Building: The road to recovery begins with small, consistent steps. I’ll help you identify actionable strategies to build momentum, stay on track, and create sustainable change in your life.
Safe and Supportive Environment: I understand the courage it takes to confront these challenges. My coaching sessions provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly discuss your struggles and progress.
Accountability and Encouragement: Recovery is a journey, and it’s easier with someone by your side. I’ll be here to hold you accountable, celebrate your victories, and help you navigate any setbacks with resilience.
Who Can Benefit?
Anyone ready to break free from the grip of porn addiction.
Individuals seeking to rebuild their self-esteem and relationships.
Those who want to understand the root causes of their addiction and develop healthier habits.
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Duration: 1-hour sessions
Format: Remote (via Zoom)
Frequency: Tailored to your needs, whether it’s a one-time session or ongoing support.
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Where Else You Can Find Me
Let’s thrive together and break the chains that bind us!
Podcast: Listen to the Porn Free Millennial podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Substack: Explore my fictional writings on Mac’s Musings Substack.
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Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey!
Great article here, Mac. I like how you’ve rounded everything up, linking to all your recent and relevant activities. Killer article there for sober app. That was just a beautiful exploration. And for you, your Dad, and your sister to turn things around like that? Bravo. Brava. Such inspiring outcomes.
Thanks for the mention too, Mac.
Keep on.
Love that you’re reading Atomic Habits Mac!!!! And thanks so much for the mention. Your life will be changed from reading that book!💪💪