My 12 Step LDS Sharing Journal (12StepLDS.com)

REAL Triggers & REAL Boundaries *

I want to define healthy boundaries for myself by pondering upon triggers, determining safe boundaries to avoid the triggers (instead of trying to resist them), and sharing them with a sponsor. 

Then communicate with my sponsor within 4-8 hours if I cross one of those boundaries. I feel this will enable me to have a healthier relationship with accountability and thus assist me in confessing before relapsing.   

With that said, here are some of the triggers and correlating boundaries that I have created to this point.

Triggers: Browsing Online

1.    Reading material/articles online that are either suggestive outright or I know will lead to seeing that kind of material suggested.

2.    Watching movie trailers in succession with the ulterior motive to "accidentally" happen upon triggering material. Or even seeking that suggestive/triggering material outright.

3.    Looking up details about actors/actresses.

4.    Being alone watching something on a computer.

5.    Using messaging GIFs to "stumble upon" triggering material.

Boundaries: Defining and committing to internet/phone usage 

1.    I commit to limiting my internet usage to work use, study, and pre-defined entertainment.

2.    I commit that free-range entertainment (movies, videos, etc.) will only be done alongside my wife. Entertainment on the BYUtv app is acceptable alone.

3.    I commit to forgo usage/searching GIFs on any online platform.

4.    I commit to never bring my phone with me into a bathroom stall (I expect there to be instances where I am out in public and cannot place the phone elsewhere, in this case, I commit to reaching out to my sponsor prior to entering the bathroom, letting him know and then reporting back afterward without using it)

* A good friend sent me this content and gave me permission to share it. 
It’s a great example of using boundaries instead of just barriers to avoid acting out! 

Check out my post on Barriers vs Boundaries