New to the forum, that first gambling free day

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I have not gambled for two days - but its not through will power just the simple fact I have nothing to spend - so it doesn't really count. Usually at times like this I simply count the hours till I next have money to spend - and my thoughts turn to how much I could win and settle my debts - which of course never actually happens. How I will stop if I do. How I will control what I will spend and not spend everything. Telling myself I do eventually win - that I don't always lose. All these thoughts seem to overtake any willpower to refrain. I have had counselling online recently and it helped me to see I am not a social gambler as my father was - seeing him gamble was how I fell into it - I was so shocked and disapproving that he did it ,I tried to shock him into quitting by gambling myself and seeing how he liked it. Of course it back fired as here I am years later just like he said I would be - being unable to handle it and putting relationships in jepardy. Even though he gambled large amounts of money - he paid his bills and had savings not debts as I do - so I finally can see that we are different. Counselling made be realise my gambling is compulsive and his was not even with those kind of sums of money involved. As I read people's stories here I find ythat I do identify with all of thosee who gamble till their last penny- everything they have and more - creating debts and secrets from their dear ones. Even the thought of getting through a day without it is so daunting - does anyone remember what that felt like and how to combat the overwhelming desire to give in to their addiction? What I learnt in counselling is not to use gambling as a reward for doing other things- and to try in some way, however small to reward yourself for not gambling - with something you only allow yourself if you go one day without. So far if I'm honest I have not gambled when I just don't have the funds to do so, and at the weekends when my partner is home and I at least have some company. Being alone long hours is my problem. I often wonder what I used to do before I ever gambled - and what people who don't or have stopped do with all their free time? What can I do with myself that means I escape the thoughts and urge to gamble? I have recently joined a local club where we meet up once a week - so that is somewhere I now can go one afternoon a week. I used to go to the gymn and am still a very reluctant member - I don't really enjoy going - but the resulting weight loss and fitness is some incentive - worse though I tell myself if I do go then I can go to the bookies. Recently I have stopped going and going direct to gambling if I have any money - its the first thing that I do do. How do all you brave and committed people out there take that first step - that first day to be gambling free? I know it should be today - so why do I always put if off till tomorrow...how have you taken that first step to recovery?