2014 Challenge

Day 157 check in x

its been an interesting and busy week this one. Went to a Rik Mayall Tribute evening at The Lamb & Flag in London. Met Erasure and my idol Darius Rucker and have a weekend of comedy to go. Gambling couldn't be further from my mind and life xxx

Checking in 32 happy days

Returning to the challenge today is day 9.

I have signed up for the gamcare counselling and have a 1:1 assessment begining next monday.

I have handed all cards and money to parents and talked openly to them about my addiction for the first time.

I finally excluded from the 2 bookies that caused me huge problems for the last 8 years as they are only two minutes from my house. (also excluded across the town and carrying a number of passport photos incase I come across shops that may be close to where I work when I have to work in the city) Have no online accounts or cards to access them so right now for the first time I feel liberated, I feel free, I feel ready to beat this illness that has taken so much from me over the years.

Self excluding has been the best thing i've done as I now feel in control and can concentrate on working on urges and thoughts and feel like I no longer need to gamble. It's going to be a long process but just taking it one day at a time and so far so good.

Was a bit wary of posting on here due to my number of relapses throughout this year and felt like may sound like a broken record but I feel for the first time I have made a true and proper commitment to stopping. Thanks to those who have supported me previously and I look forward to that support again and also to be able to reach out and try help those who may be suffering as well.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Evening all

Checking in gamble free since 31/10/2013

Duncs stepping forward never back.

Hi everyone. Checking in, still GF. Elfie x

Good morning everyone,

Checking in on 345 gamble free days. No thoughts or temptations to gamble this week even with money in my pocket. Stay strong everyone and keep up your good work to beat this addiction.

Have a fantastic weekend.

Mike

Today has been my toughest day as i'm off work and part of my gambling routine was always to have a bet on the football plus there is tennis and boxing on this weekend.

Thankfully self exclusion, support of netline and talking to my parents has helped me through so far. I guess its part of adapting to recovery. Determined to beat this anyway.

Checking in Day 171 [I think :)] Gamble Free - despite a very stressful week - nothing going right with the building works!! Builders still here fitting plywood into the space where the glass should go in our new french doors as the glass was cut the wrong size!! Ho Hum, just oone of many little things not going right....BUT - despite the stress and hours of not being able to do anything except wait and wait....I am still gamble free and in hind sight realsie that in a previous persona, I would have disappeared into the on-line gambling arena to hide from the reality of the the hassle and stress of the real life surrounding me!! A pathetic realsiation at least but at least it means that gambling wasn't in the forefront of the escape - I made tea and went vuirtual shopping [research] for light fittings and other decor bits & bobs to report back findings to the OH! Although nothing I liked fell into her acceptable range, it was hours of not spending any money or doing anything resembling gambling. And also a good point - without my gambling, there is more money in the "do the house up" budget so we can for the forst time in many many years actually choose what we want [within reason] instead of always looking at the budget ranges :)!

So on the whole - a good week, with bad bits in it!!

Hope all other soldiers are coping OK and welcome to new soldiers joing in for the last push - not long to go now!!

Great write up again Mr B - so impressed with your ability to log everyone and their movements!

Looking forward to the late "game" today and the final F1 tomorrow - hope Hamilton can do it but I am sure there will be a lot of others trying to make sure he doesn't! Be an interesting race none the less especially as its a double pointer now!

Anyways - have a great weekend all ~ whatever you are doing and keep marching forward, one day at a time abstaining by choice!

I will try and check in early tomorrow when I read Mr B's weekly update!

Best wishes, Cliff

Checking in for the week 🙂

Checking in, not sure on exact amount if days but will update later. Great work by all as always.
Mark

Checking in on day 7, small bet last saturday but back on track, one week clean.

Thanks D

checking in for the week

Evening team!!

Hope everyone is doing well and on track? With a rough count we're about 3 down on last week at the moment - 6 of last weeks soldiers still to return to base - a couple of concerns for me in there to be honest.......... some big names missing. Still a few hours before we drop the gate on base camp for the week so hoping to see some last minute check ins.

On a personal note, I'm delighted to see StoneRoses back with us and even more so when I see and feel the determination in the words. The foundations are brilliant SR - it was always going have to be done!!

Cliff - hope the house gets back on track - it's not easy.......but like you say, so many times more difficult with gambling dragging your focus.

Quick reminder that I'll be late with the update tomorrow - mid afternoon is the aim.

Until tomorrow soldiers!

Mr B!!

quick check in this week..... full of man flu so only been working and sleeping, better shift soon or im gonna crack up.

del 🙂

Checking in on day 248 while out on my bike for a Sunday morning ride.
Have a great day all.
We are all winners.
Steve