2014 Challenge

Sorry for the late check in its been a busy week at work. Good luck and well done everyone for this week

Checking in, on day 39 (i think!).

Been a tough week, so many betting companies advertising and pushing their business with the world cup starting. Temptation resisted and still on the straight and narrow. Remember the triangle people and stay strong.

Checking in from North Carolina, day 102 and feeling good!

Checking in day 22. Not on here much at moment as cut my broadband. A bit extreme in this day and age but takes temptation away and saves some much needed cash. Enjoying watching the world cup and call a lot of the games correctly but it doesn't give me any desire to go put a bet on. This is how the footie should be watched, appreciating games that are good without tieing yourself in knots hoping a score comes in.

Checking in late again, so sorry mr b!

I am a happy luckygirl at last.

Gamble free and enjoying life!

Keep strong everyone

LG x

Good morning everyone!!

So another week comes and goes and once again the gambling industry has gone into overdrive to tempt, cajole and bribe us back into their grubby hands. It really is remarkable the amount of airtime they are managing to secure……not just the TV airwaves, but random text messages and online advertising is ridiculous. The good news is that, despite a few blips and a fair few “no shows” for check in, the group is still strong and there are some excellent individual and team victories to be celebrated today!

It’s a shorter update this weekend - a late night watching the England game last night coupled with a busy Father’s Day means I am going to curtail my usual ramblings! In the update there’ll be the usual stats, summary, roll of honour, milestones and of course the running total of the money we have collectively saved, but there’s also a short section on some asks of everyone as they check in this week - it might also tell me how well the update is read!!

So here’s the Headlines for this week………

44 soldiers marched into the week and of that number, 38 managed to return to base safely giving us a retention rate of 86%. We’ve had 4 soldiers coming back into the fold, as well as 3 new members for the group. This means there are 45 of us continuing to fight the fight as we approach the half way point in 2014. Interestingly, the next new member accepted into the group will be the 100th soldier to join the ranks! The challenge has now delivered a total of 15.6 years of gamble free days from everyone who has been with us and the 45 of us currently committed to the team are just a few days over 9 years clean. Of the team, we now have 13 members who have broken through more than 100 days of abstinence and this is supporting an average number of clean days for everyone of 75 days.

Welcoming our new team members………and our returning soldiers!!

Firstly, it’s great to see ToBeOrNot, Chirst21 and Adam checking in this week and returning to the ranks - welcome back folks, brilliant to have you with us again. While FlyingFox also checked in this week, unfortunately there was a blip as the week progressed…….hoping you are taking the learnings FF and the resolve is strengthened even more to commit to the team and your recovery.

There’s 3 new members who have swelled our numbers - skippyblue and a pair of Charlies! Apologies to charliej and charlie1720 - I hadn’t picked up that you were 2 different people - either way, you are all formally welcomed to the team and I hope you are on the journey with us right through until the end of the year.

Lapses, check ins and commitment to the team……….

Just a quick reminder that everyone who has been in the team and is still in the team now, on becoming a member of the group you made a commitment to a minimum of a weekly check in and that you would fight to stay clean firstly for yourself and secondly for the team. We never have and never will leave a fallen soldier behind - lapses are sadly part and parcel of the recovery journey and have to be expected. Our jobs as a team is to carry our fallen soldiers, support them and encourage them to their feet to march with us again……….however, there is a need for fallen soldiers to understand what happened, why it happened and if you truly, truly want to stop gambling, what it is you need to do to improve your chances of full recovery as you start again. For the guys who have had a lapse this week, I hope your barriers are stronger now and that your chances of success this time are significantly improved. Can I ask that when you check in you make it clear for me how many days clean you have under your belt? Thanks.

A couple of asks for everyone……….

The first ask is purely optional - as all of this challenge is!! As the year is progressing and we see people coming and going, I’m getting more and more intrigued with our team demographics. The anonymity the site gives us is superb, but if you would be willing, when you check in this week can I ask that you also tell the group your age, your s*x and the country in which you live? None of those details will compromise your anonymity……………but I will collate them as best I can and do some analysis that will inform the group as to the most successful types of individuals on the recovery journey, the watch out groups and if there are any themes, to call them out for everyone.

The second ask again, when checking in, is for everyone to answer the following question……

“What is the most significant thing or things you have done that have supported you in your recovery journey to stop gambling?”

The reason for asking this is to allow me to begin to build up the “Top 10” of stopping for new members to the site and especially for the challenge group. I think this is a really important learning for all of us and I would encourage everyone to make the extra effort this week in answering this question.

The Milestones Celebrated in the Last Week………

Congratulations go to the following who have all celebrated significant milestones in their journey:-

Babybluesky and Happy Days both moved past the 6 month mark on their journey - over half a year for these two solders!

AdamPrice marched through 20 weeks of being gamble free (careful in the coming weeks Adam - even more difficult period for you coming up - trusting that the new house, the kids and the fact that life without gambling is just superb, will keep you on the straight and narrow!)

Lady Baggins, Julio, kickitnow (are you at the US Open mate?) and as of today, lostafortune, have all joined the Century Club in the week. Such a major milestone folks and a massive number to protect and cherish for evermore!

Wolfgang, Gladsdad and as of today, Pinky333 have all hit double figures by way of the number of weeks it’s been since any of them gambled. Brilliant number folks - powering towards the quarter year and the Century Club!

Mo burst through the half century and well into the 50’s! Great going Mo - I’m just delighted for you and especially pleased to see these days racking up!!

Milestones that will be Celebrated this Week………

Monday 16th June - Spaingone will be exactly 13 weeks clean and therefore a quarter of year free from gambling (hope the holiday is going well!)!! In addition to this, Jess2910 will reach the 50 day mark!! Such significant milestones folks!! Congrats to you both!!

Tuesday 17th June - is such a massive massive day for my good friend bornagain!! The Big Philla will clear 26 weeks……..or alternatively, exactly half a year. It’s been a tough few weeks bornagain, but you’re vindicated now, new diary, new outlook and beyond the half way point to a full year being gamble free!! Awesome…………..it’s the bomb b***h!!

Thursday 19th June - Delboygolf moves onto 91 days……weird number, but it’s exactly 13 weeks, or quarter of a calendar year!! Brilliant going Steve……..this time in a fortnight and I’ll be congratulating you on being over the ton!

Saturday 21st June - is another huge day for the group, with 4 of the team celebrating milestones! Why does it always seem to fall on a Saturday? Hitthefan reaches the brilliant number of 20 weeks free. Our Irish (soon to be Finnish!!) soldier Ringerbell and triangle become the 14th and 15th members of the Century Club!! Last but certainly not least, shorty8 reaches the quarter of a year mark. 4 massive milestones guys and more evidence that our team is strong - it really doesn’t seem that long since all of you signed up to the challenge - it’s your will power, your strength and your commitment to recovery that has got you where you are now - brilliant going guys!!

The Roll of Honour……………..

Here are the current members and number of clean days for this week. Again, can the guys who have had a blip in the week please tell me their updated clean days when checking in this week? Can the new guys also confirm I have your current clean days correct……..as at today?

Names Clean Days

babybluesky 187

bornagain 180

Happy Days 185

lostafortune 100

Mr Brightside 189

rst18 0

Delboy79 307

Hitthefan 134

Baggins 105

ToBeOrNot 114

triangle 94

Scambling 190

Kickitnow 102

Luckygirl 59

NoCrisis 32

ringerbell 94

delboygolf 87

AdamPrice 144

Spaingone 90

FlyingFox1 0

Drew2002 77

Gladsdad 71

Pinky333 70

Strange 37

Wolfgang 75

Mo 56

jess2910 49

help2604 40

Shorty8 85

Chirst21 81

julio 102

Mike18 15

Daz71 28

John64 16

MJB4000 0

D70 22

Mileend 22

Fitzy 21

Sonic Boom 29

Stephen2105 20

CasinoLoser 13

Wolf57 10

skippyblue 7

charliej 8

charlie1720 8

Drum roll………total days free of gambling since the Challenge began……….

5717 Days = 285,850 GBP in our pockets………………..0 GBP in the bookies!!!

So that’s the update almost complete for this week, but before I close this week down and open up check in for the coming week, there’s a couple of specific messages for two past and present soldiers……

Hardtimes - Linda, I’m not sure if you’re still reading or not? There are people in the last six months who have had a massive impact on the site, the challenge and at a personal level, me………but you absolutely fall into that category. It’s always a painful exercise when I’m updating my spreadsheets to move someone from a green active member, to a yellow missing soldier and especially to a red inactive team member……..but moving you into that last status this week has been particularly sore. Just wanted to shout out to you that you’re missed and that we hope you are still going strong - maybe your recovery has taken you away from the site now and if that’s the case, then great……but could you drop me an email just to let me know how you are, regardless of your status?

Sonic Boom - you have had a really big impact on me this week too and prompted some great debate on the challenge. I would never encourage or condone participation in a work sweepstake for a major event and still believe it’s dangerous for any of us to involve ourselves in things like that. However, your reaction to the various responses you received was superb and it really served as a reminder to all of us that recovery is bespoke………….but also that with a little perspective and a holistic outlook to recovery, there is more to celebrate than to beat ourselves up over a 1 GBP sweep. I’ve set a dangerous precedent by maintaining your count of clean days and no doubt it’ll bite me in the b*m at some point later in the year, but you’ve been really mature and demonstrated great humility this week and I thank you for that.

So check in is now open for the week - get them in early please….the last couple of Saturdays have taken my nerves close to breaking point!!

My last word for this update……………it may come as a surprise to a lot of you, but I can’t believe how disappointed I was going to bed last night having witnessed the England game. I’m sure they will come good and maybe the Costa Rica shock has created opportunities not problems for Hodgson’s charges? Regardless, is it not wonderful to be appreciating what has started out as being one of the best WC’s in my memory, without the requirement for a bookies slip in your hand to provide the entertainment?

Have a great week everyone - I’m proud to be here with you all.

Mr Brightside

PS So much for a short update eh? 😉

PPS Luckygirl.....we're going to fall out soon with these late check ins!! Lol!!! I've quickly modified the numbers......you're in!! Don't forget you still need to check in for the new week!!

Hi all, I am Steve, a 50 year old male from Middlesex. In 2005, I applied for an IVA as I had lost 180k. I paid it off earlier than expected and on the whole, have improved significantly. However, although I haven't placed a bet in a bookies for 9 years, I still have an addiction to online fruit machines. However, I am now ready for the change. I have just been to Las Vegas for 10 days and had a great time. Yes, I did gamble and yes I lost. However, whilst away, I made a decision to quit online gaming and I am glad to say that for the last 3 days, I have not wagered a single penny. At the moment, I do expect to gamble again (a way of handling my demons). Indeed, I am planning another trip to Vegas next year. However, I know that my life will dramatically improve if I quit online gaming, not just financially but for my family life too.

I would really like to join your club if I may please but understand if you would rather I didn't, in view of my intentions for 2015.

I have read a lot of entries on this site over the last month or so and I recognise so much from my life. I am a strong character but gambling has a way of making us all feel very high but as we all know, amazingly frequent downs.

I would also be willing to meet for coffee/chats in the Heathrow are if anyone feels it would help either of us?

Hi Steve!

What a really interesting post - thanks for finding us and introducing yourself.

This challenge has evolved and morphed into a variety of things for a wide range of people, but the ethos of it has never changed and that is to be an aid to arrest problem gambling.

To be honest, it's of no consequence to me what your future intentions are with regards to gambling......we all know as CG's that when it comes to gambling, we are only one decision away from a lapse, or a full blown relapse. What is of interest to the group is that we are supporting you, you are supporting us, but very very importantly you are not gambling while being a member - in any form. If you can commit to this for 2014 and to the various asks around check in etc. then I'd be delighted to welcome you to the team - in fact, you'd be the 100th person to join the challenge! 2015 is a whole world away for us!!

All the best mate and I hope you have a great day - congrats on your first few days on staying away from the problem and whatever you choose to do I sincerely hope it works out!

Mr Brightside

Checking in on day 87.

Have a great day folk's

Brilliant update Mr B, I agree with you about this World Cup, I have enjoyed every match. I went to bed gutted last night, but proud because we gave it our best and didn't embarrass ourselves. If we play like that we will beat Uruguay and Costa Rica.

Steve you have taken a brave step coming on here and clearly you realise you have a problem and need to take action to deal with it. I can see how Vegas must have been a brilliant trip and you would want to go back. It was always somewhere I wanted to go, however if I won an all expenses paid trip to Vegas tomorrow I wouldn't go. It would put me right back to square one and when I came home the first thing I would do would be to go straight to the nearest bookies. Couldn't you find an alternative holiday destination? I always used to love days at the races and this summer lads in work have been a few times and keep asking me to go to the next one. As much as they are good lads and I would enjoy a day out at the races with them, I have to say no. I couldn't do it, I don't think we can take or leave this addiction. That first bet will lead to our dark days coming again. We need to avoid that first bet.

Massive apologies for not checking in Mr B,Im still here,Still gamble free......but going away today until next Saturday so this is my check in for the week!

Edit:

after reading Mr B's update im doing as asked lol

28 Male England 🙂

What is the most significant thing or things you have done that have supported you in your recovery journey to stop gambling?

Being honest with my partner is the most significant ....she knew i gambled but didnt know how much.

Mr b,

I am so sorry for my late check in, but if it is any consolation it was the first thought I had this morning when I woke up! Lol.

Perhaps I should check in now for next week and then I will not forget. 🙂

Lg x

217 days

Hi guys checking in for the week 🙂 have a busy week ahead getting few things sorted for our charity event in October. Then have a surprise part to go to on Friday night and away all day Saturday as a leader for the youth clubs end of year trip away

Then Sunday my county are in the semi final off gaa championship so will be attending that 🙂 all this as well as getting ready for the 1st part of the exchange programme. The Finnish group are coming here in 2 weeks time so have full week of workshops and activities then and the irish group will be going to Finland at the end of the summer 🙂

And here's the answers to mr B questions

I'm 23 male from rep Ireland

Best thing I've did during my recovery is being open and honest with people about it and also having my parents help with my finances so they know what I'm spending and on what. This has helped me reduce my debt as well

Happy father's day to everyone

Without gambing cg are good parents

Happy Day