2014 Challenge

Day 52 for me and its brilliant to see so many new members and also the original people still here. Early well done for 60 Linda

Hi Guys,

Checking in on day 60 before the weekend takes over and I forget.

Massive congrats one and all, onwards and upwards,

Louise

Day 68 done and dusted. To the people starting at the very beginning I just want to assure you that the urges do really get easier to manage. They don't disappear but if you're struggling through those first few days please know that there are brighter times ahead. That is my thought for the day.

Hello. Just joined this site as I need help. I hope this 'challenge' will help me start.

checking in on day 60! Had major urge last night but beat it quite quickly by reading through my diary. What a great tool this site is in our recovery.

Have a great weekend everyone & stay strong

Linda

Morning everyone!!

Firstly.......an early congratulations for a few people........my fellow soldiers!!!

Louise and Linda - 60 days is just awesome......and although she's not checked in yet, Babybluesky is 60 today as well - superb girls, awesome going!! Another day to be proud!!

Happy Days.........it's a big happy day for you and for the rest of us on the journey with you.....today is Mikes.....180!!! The daddy of the group hits a top score......it's my favorite score in darts too mate!!

The_Rock - today is the Eve of your best ever mate - I'm willing you through every day at the moment - it's not a time for reflection......it's a time for celebration - this is your time!!!

There's so many others who deserve a pre-update congrats - those who have gone through their first week, first fortnight.......and for our new soldiers, those who have beaten their first day. No matter how far we are on our journey........so from Del to Chalky......it's always one day at a time.

Guard up everyone.......it's Saturday!!

I'm Mr Brightside and I'm on Day 62. I'm about to get in my car and drive a couple of hundred miles to Blackpool to see the mighty Reds! Tough game today.......but the most important part of my day and the thing I'm looking forward to most is that I am meeting a fellow soldier........the big Philla, or bornagain as you know him!! See you about 1 o'clock mate!! You are an adopted Red for the day!!!

I've added a welcome as the very first post on the thread - have a look!! It's going to be a bumper week - 6 soldiers not checked in yet - encourage them and don't worry about Del...... He's wading in today, I just know it!!!

Stay strong team!!

Mr Brightside

DAY 13 FOR ME. I reckon i have probably saved around 100-200 quid by not gambling. Just the thought of ever playing a roulette machine again makes me angry. I wish so many would stop playing them and stick two fingers up to the bookies. Stay gamble free folks.

Mr Brightside...it must have slipped my attention that you are a fellow red! Have a good day out mate. COYR. 🙂

Checking in at day 60, have a good time at the game boys x

hey mr and all!

congrats mr b, babybluesky and lou on 60 days! feels great doesnt it!

Also, im hoping to get some advice - whats the situation with regards to competitions? I just thought this morning when I scanned my tesco clubcard and on my receipt it said I had been entered into a competition for a car. Now I starting thinking about what would happen if I did win something like this? Also, I like to sing in karaoke competitions where there are cash prizes etc.. I just had this thought- Does it count as gambling if you enter a competition? And if I won something could it trigger the same feelings that could lead back to gambling again? I never enter comps that cost money to enter.

Any advice would be welcomed as I do not want to jeopardise my abstinence.

Thanks

Linda

Hey Linda

Just met Phil - what an incredibly sound guy!!

As for entering competitions - I wouldn't see any of that as bein gambling - it's just life - if you applied the same principles to Tesco club card points then you wouldn't be able to accept them would you?

If you're staking money to play then that would be different, however, buying your groceries doesn't exactly count!!

Forge on Linda!!

Mr Brightside

thanks mr b, im just so committed to not going back I dont want anything to stand in the way!

Just off out for a massive session and a break! I may or may not be on tomorrow it all depends on how bad the head is!

Have a great weekend!

linda xxxx

12th Aug 2013.... disappointment, depressed, hate, alone, worthless, blind!!! A few of the feelings I had.

8th Feb 2014.... encouraged, happy, love, elated, have a purpose, clear sight.

My outlook has spun 180degrees since the start of my recovery, I now feel a sense of purpose. I continue to not allow the past to determine my future, mistakes are made and can't be changed we just don't make these mistakes again.

Be honest, be happy and enjoy life.

Del checking in 180 days gamble free 🙂

Well done Louise, Linda and Babybluesky on reaching your 60 days, I'm not far behind. And well done Del, 180 days is a huge achievement, good to see how much your life has improved.

Linda being entered into a competition isn't gambling. It would be slightly different if it was a raffle and you had to buy a ticket, then I would say it was gambling. As for the Karaoke if its not costing anything to enter then again I wouldn't say it was gambling. But if you don't like the idea of winning prize money you could always donate it to charity.

Had a good time at the football today. Mr B is a great guy and I really think that at the end of this year we should all attempt to get together and celebrate how much we have all achieved in 2014.

Day 43 Check in for me.

Mr B - will consider that name change - thanks.

Good luck everyone.