Lessons from an Old Dog
The Break Free Weekly Newsletter - Edition #30
Dogs are great teachers.
In their loyalty, they offer protection.
In their bark, they show courage.
In their silence, they speak healing.
In their play, they embody bliss.
In their presence, they teach unconditional love.
They aren’t here for long, but leave a long lasting impact.
So today, I’m sharing a few lessons from a wise old pup named Bo.
Lessons From An Old Dog
You were there since my first year of marriage.
A young couple in love and full of dreams.
Our first pet to care for together,
“Hi Bo, welcome to the team”!
You witnessed the joy of youth,
curled and cozy between us two.
When you entered our life,
the world was fresh and new.
That day I lied about my hidden life,
a rock bottom moment broke down my wife.
Later, I escaped to the mountains for solitude,
with you by my side.
No judgement.
No anger.
No bite.
Just a furry head to pet as this grown man cried.
You saw me at my worst,
when shame hit its stride.
But you stood resolute,
your presence inviting,
as if to say:
“you have nothing to hide”.
May 27, 2018 was Porn Free Millennial was born
and he was not alone.
A man.
A dog.
A cabin.
A river.
Fishing.
Recovery podcasts.
Reading.
Writing.
Thinking.
Trying.
Tears.
Desperation.
Anger.
Fears.
Complications.
Sinking.
Crying.
Bo was there - patient, warm, loving, kind.
Giving comfort in this bind,
to his owner’s fractured mind.
You were there when the seeds of recovery began to grow,
there when the boy started stepping into the steps of the man he didn't yet know.
Your watchful eyes held my conscience in a loyal embrace.
No blame.
Just presence.
Just grace.
You felt us heal on a couch built for three again,
soaking in the love of four petting hands.
Cracks restoring,
amends mending the land.
You followed us through that little apartment,
as we dreamed and planned for a yard of your own.
That yard you loved,
you made it home.
We rolled, we laughed, we played, we chased, we danced, we raced.
Our own paradise beneath the southern mountain face,
for a man and his pup,
there’s no better place.
But peace was short-lived,
as I made mistakes,
returning to lies
to hold its place.
A wound re-opened,
trust torn thin,
the silence of shame
creeping back in.
But still,
you stayed.
No retreat,
no disgust,
no fear in your eyes,
just trust.
You laid at my feet,
as the truth found its voice.
And again I was faced,
with the weight of my choice.
I broke down.
I gave up.
Ready to drown.
Your warmth kept me alive,
nestled beside me as I dialed the hotline.
A conduit of burning love,
to ward off the night’s cold.
This loyal dog
helped save my soul.
But some storms can’t be outrun,
and not all wounds mend in time.
The vows broke and with them,
the rhythm of “yours” and “mine.”
Empty rooms echoed
with what we used to be.
A house still standing,
but no longer home to “we.”
You saw the tears she didn’t.
You stayed through the ache.
Curled at my feet,
when my heart couldn’t fake.
Paralyzed and destitute,
you helped me move
one foot, then the other,
finding old grooves.
Not a yard for Bo,
but many.
We chose the road of adventure,
wide skies and wild plenty.
Rivers hummed peace,
as mountains stood still.
Bo led the way,
up every steep hill.
Campfires crackled,
old wounds gave way.
The silence turned sacred
and not something to fear,
but a companion
that made my path clear.
There were nights under stars,
with nothing but time together.
Charting our course,
our quiet endeavor.
16 years old,
and this dog still leaps like he’s young.
16 years old,
and this dog still greets each day like a song unsung.
His muzzle is graying,
his steps sometimes slow,
but his eyes still sparkle
with the light I’ve come to know.
We’ve both grown older,
weathered and wise.
But he still meets me each morning
with adventure in his eyes.
Not just a pet - a witness, a guide,
a friend who stayed steady
when I barely survived.
To many more years Bo.
To many more adventures.
Thank you.
Clarity in the Cosmos
👉 Guest Article: Through the Telescope – Gaining Clarity Beyond Addiction’s Fog by
,This week’s guest article is a powerful reflection on how beauty, purpose, and recovery can intersect in unexpected ways. In Through the Telescope, Greg shares how astrophotography became a spiritual lens through which he found clarity, connection, and God’s grace after years lost in addiction’s haze. It's a story of learning to see again, both the stars above and the light within.
✍️ This Porn Free Millennial poem is a raw excavation of personal transformation.
🎙️Podcast Clip: Wisdom shared from my little brother and accountability partner Noah on how to have balanced recovery.
Community Spotlight:
If the boy isn’t healed, the man remains the boy. The pain we bury in childhood becomes the prison we carry in adulthood. Great words from - “Spent most of my life chronically depressed & anxious. Found the light through years of deep work. Passionate about holistic health. Leading men to become happier & healthier.”
Check him out!
52 Weeks of Freedom Series
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.
For the whole collection - see this section of my publication.
Reflection
Additional Resources
Book of the Month that I am currently reading:
Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday
Porn Free Millennial Podcast of the Week:
Apps to Help You Stay Focused On Your Recovery:
Ever Accountable - I am proud to be partnering with the Accountability App Ever Accountable. Through my partnership, I can provide a 20% discount. Click the links for details!
Freedom - Blocks distracting apps
Stay Focused - Limits your screen time
I am Sober - Tracks your sobriety down to the second
1:1 Momentum Coaching
💬 What You’ll Get from Coaching with Me
🔥 A Personalized Roadmap to Freedom
Tailored to your story and goals → we’ll work to uncover the root of your struggle, and strategize how to shift your identity toward freedom.
🚀 Momentum That Lasts
You don’t need more willpower → you need systems, habits, and a mindset built for freedom.
🛡️ A Judgment-Free Zone
This is a safe space for honesty and healing → zero shame, all support.
📈 Accountability That Works
You’ll have someone in your corner, helping you stay on track and keep growing.
If you are ready to take your recovery to the next level - message me and we will set-up a free 30-minute consultation to discuss where you are currently at with your recovery and where you want to be.
Challenge of the Week: "Got that Dog in You?"
This week, pick one lesson from Bo’s life → loyalty, presence, joy in the simple things, or forgiving without words → and practice it intentionally every day this week.
Examples:
Presence: Put the phone down and be fully present with someone you love.
Loyalty: Reach out to someone you haven’t checked on in a while.
Joy: Do something playful or spontaneous, just because.
Grace: Forgive quickly. Don’t carry it. Let it go.
Dogs don’t teach with words.
They teach with consistency.
I want to see that dog in you unleashed this week.
Closing Thoughts: Love Like Bo
Bo never gave a sermon.
Never wrote a book.
Never posted a motivational quote.
But he lives with the kind of love we spend our whole lives trying to understand.
Sometimes, the most powerful lessons don’t come from the loudest noises
but from the quiet presence that refuses to leave.
This week, may you love like Bo.
Stay steady.
Stay courageous.
Stay loyal.
You’re not alone on this road.
Much Love,
Mac
Break Free.
Stay Free.
Be Free.
Keep fighting the good fight!
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!
Become a Paid Subscriber:
Unlock exclusive benefits and take your journey to the next level by becoming a paid subscriber!
As a paid subscriber, here’s what you now have access to:
💡 1:1 Coaching Discount – Get 15% off one-hour coaching sessions to accelerate your progress. (If you're interested, email me at pornfreemillennialcoaching@gmail.com or message me for a free consultation!)
➡️ Weekly 52 Weeks of Freedom Series Friday Posts – A step-by-step guide to help you build momentum and break free from porn prison, one week at a time.
🎙️ Monthly Paid Subscriber Podcast – I’ll dive into your questions and cover key topics to provide deeper insights and practical strategies.
💬 Direct Chat Access – Ask me anything and get personalized insights along the way.
Founding Members Enjoy Even More:
20% Discount on all 1:1 Momentum Building Coaching Sessions.
A special recognition as one of the early supporters of this mission, helping to shape the future of this community.
Your support as a paid subscriber not only enhances your personal journey but also helps sustain and grow this platform, allowing me to continue creating impactful content and providing valuable resources. Thank you for being an essential part of this thriving community!
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.
Session Details:
Duration: 1-hour sessions
Format: Remote (via Zoom)
Frequency: Tailored to your needs, whether it’s a one-time session or ongoing support.
Exclusive Discounts for Subscribers:
Paid Substack Monthly & Yearly Members: 15% discount on coaching sessions
Founding Substack Members: 20% discount
How to Get Started:
Book a Free 30-min 1:1 Coaching consultation here
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.
Donate
If my journey and content resonate with you, consider supporting my work through a donation.
Your contributions help me continue creating valuable resources, podcasts, and articles that inspire others to break free from addiction and live with purpose.
Every donation fuels the mission to empower individuals on their path to freedom.
Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey!
