2015 Challenge

Checking in early here. Looking at your update Phil, week 49 seems like wishful thinking!! It got me thinking about how a lot of us view this - desperately wanting time to go quicker. I know I've wished in the past I could jump ahead a year when I might have more money and less gambling pain. I think this is wrong though, the only way to really beat this, as those with over a year GF can attest to I think, is to improve our lives away from gambling. The common theme in those who struggle is boredom/depression and the theme for those beating it are better, fuller lives. So instead of wishing time away, we should all try and make each week count towards making our lives better - we will be happier and gambling will be easier to beat.

Sorry for missing check in last week been working all hours and helping my son prepare for sats just not been enough hours in the day and im tired lol two weeks till holiday spends saved....upto date on all bills and overdraft coming down nicely :0)
Who'd have thought it'd turn out nice 80 days ago x

Good evening all, Checking in early this week on 516 gamble free days as I am away on a family holiday to Cyprus this coming Saturday. It's the first time I have managed to save enough money to do the 'family things' as previously when gambling, it would have never happened. When gambling, If I had any spare money or even a small amount of savings sat around in my bank account I would have had thoughts / unrealistic dreams of doubling / trebling it into a huge pot of money that would secure my future...... It never happened, and ultimately resulted in family heartache, constant lies / deceit and serious financial debt.

It has not been easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it does and will get easier if you put up your barriers and take each day as it comes.

Have a good remainder of the week and try to remain strong during those difficult periods.

Mike

Checking in, in a hurry. Wanted to do it now while I thought of it tho. All well, few urges but gladly dealt with, making me stronger each time!

Hello to all....o*g....i.ve been missing from here for so long....just check in now.....145 days GF.....hope i am still in the challenge....it will take me a while to read all the messages, but i will get there....nite nite and keep up the good work!!!

Welcome Pepper02 it would be great if you could tell us more about yourself and how things have been for you. Theres lots of people on here who can support you and give some useful advice, I hope it helps you along.

For anyone who is struggling with urges at the moment or feeling low due to a lack of finances or maybe other issues I am going to post a link to a film that you need to watch. This is the life story of an inspirational man who defeated all hurdles in his way, despite having learning difficulties. Its football related so any sports fans will enjoy it, but the most important thing is that on the days we feel like giving up try and think about the main man in this film, if 'Nello' didn't give up then we simply don't have any excuses. The film is called Marvellous, here is the link, if anyone watches let me know what you think http://bbc.in/ZUpbIC

Hello Im Kimmi im 23 years old and I have been a compulsive gambler since I turned 18 and was legally allowed to gamble, in the best way to describe this gambling has ruined my life, my mum is also s compulsive gambler so I get no support from her or my family they are all compulsive gamblers it makes me feel so alone, I used to be addicted to arcades fruit machines now I have turned to 24/7 gambling and bingo websites the worst way to gamble, I feel powerless and hopeless and angry at these sites that they have taken my money I saw what tony said in his exit post on 2014 challenge and I was so inspired to join this years team if you let me, I know I would be an asset to your team and with all you guys as my support I would stay committed to my team as I could turn to you with all my gambling worries sadly I have only been gambling free for a day the bingo sites got the better of me but I have a strategy in place and hope to kick start my recovery as soon as possible, thank you for reading this and I hope you consider taking me on as one of your soldiers best wishes kim

Checking in after 8 gamble free days and today is 9 and the accountability of this forum on a daily basis will be a big help but I must remind myself today again that compulsive gambling is a illness and be on my guard as I go out for couple hours even though I only have a couple pounds in my pocket I must not ever enter another bookie..ever..

Checking in gamble free x

Busy busy week so thought I'd best get in so I don't forget

Apologies for missing last week's check in was away and completely forgot ( dunno weather that's good or bad ) but checking Inn day 45 🙂

Hi I am Angie I have been a gambler for about 15 years I have just had my longest period gamble free which lasted 2 years then 2 months ago I relapsed but have been gamble free again for 5 days online slots are my poison and I would love to join the challenge

Checking in on day 141. Found myself spending my money on other things lately. Random things from the supermarket that didnt interest me before as that money was gambling money. Great example - candles of all things! lol. Only cheap I know but weird how when you've got excess money to spend you buy random stuff.

Anyway well done to everyone whether you're on day 3, 30 or 300. Each day without it is a good day as nothing good can ever come from it when your not a 'normal' gambler. I cant relate to those people, cant understand how they can walk away when up. Or even walk away when their down and still have thee means to try and break even.

Checking in on day 39. Busy week, not too many thoughts of gambling thankfully (last week was awful!). Stay strong everyone.

Becky

Day 10... Waiting outside an interview and really strong urges to gamble the £5 in my pocket to combat nerves which is what I would usually do but not going to and coming on here reminds me why..got to 10 days and too much at stake and I don't want to feel dirty and ashamed and lie any more...so into interview and let the feelings pass.

Checking in on day 102! It felt great passing the 100 day mark! Gambling isn't feeling like such a big thing in my life at the minute. I can pass the services fruit machines with my card on me and with cash in mywallet. I'm extremely happy with that! I'm going on a weekend to Newquay this weekend for an end of season football do. Hope that I can stay away from the fruities after a few beers. The way I'm feeling towards gambling at the minute I'm confident I'll stay away!

Keep going everyone!