Stephen2105 why don't you have a go at running the challenge? I have never once threatened to leave the forum, so I have no idea where that is coming from. I try to post on here once a day, and respond to any members when I can. As well as running this I have work and a life so unfortunately I can't respond to your messages as quickly as you would like. You are welcome to do next weeks update.
As for everyone else, I will do the update at lunctime, there are still way too many people missing, I hope things get back to normal this week!
I am not a member of this challenge but will offer my observations anyway. Bornagain is giving his time for free in an attempt to help others on this thread. Have the lazy, feckless & selfish people who cant be bothered to find 1 minute within a week to check in considered they maybe contributing to his own struggle within recovery. He has to delay & delay his report every week, no doubt causing him both more time & more than a little frustration just because you cant be bothered to write a quick line
Stephen2105 I think maybe you misconstrued my post. My post was not defeatist and definitely not intended to cast a damper over the positive and supportive network which is this forum. I only needed to express where my slip which accelerated into a slippery slope took me, it took me to a miserable place. Highlighting just how dangerous that first gamble is to a compulsive or problem gambler. It was a deep cutting reminder to myself how dangerous gambling is to me. Stephen2105 I wish you well in beating your own compulsion as I do everyone who wants gambling out of their lives. Maybe read my post objectively, it was not a statement intended to suggest you give up your battle with the problem it was just saying where I've been and what it did to me recently, my personal battle.
Stay strong and keep up the good fight.
Hi, I'd like to join. 4 days free of gambling and planning to stay that way permanently.
Very late check in and been MIA for a couple of weeks but this is because of a holiday in Ireland, went to the Irish Open and never crossed my mind to have a bet and loved every minute of it. So sorry for the big delay and missing check ins but still going strong in 2015 and not had any bets, thanks again Phil đŸ™‚
Checking in 163 days. Bornagain Can't Thankyou enough for organising this group. I might not post each and every day, but I do ensure I read all the posts, be it positive or negative. I can only imagine the amount of administration and time required to organise this and again I am thankful.
We'd all like to be GF forever, but sadly it doesn't work that way. I've slipped many times before, although I've treated it as a learning curve and now almost 6 months GF behind me and I am in a better position to deal with the temptations. Everyone is different, and you do what it takes and then a whole lot more to fight this. Stephen has eloquently pointed out this doesn't work for him, but it sure has helped me, so thanks again mate.
Just wanted to add my thanks Phil for the time and effort you put into running the challenge.
Although I haven't been actively involved in supporting anyone for a while now, I do still read on a daily basis and wish everyone success fighting their demons. It's been the case for a while, due to personal circumstances, I have to put supporting my own family ahead of my own participation in the forum.
Thankfully, the challenge allows me to touch base. It not only reminds me how far I've come but also that this will most likely be a lifelong battle for me and the site is a place I don't want to disappear from completely.
I like to do my check in on Fri/Sat when I've completed the week gamble free, it's just become my routine and I don't want to make a habit of breaking it...but for this week I will. Check me in gamble free Phil, I'm feeling confident I will be x
Checking in on day 18. Feeling better to be back on track.
I believe I can do it this time.
Boxingdaysmay15
Well done Phil for your continuous effort in providing information to fellow gambling addicts on a weekly basis. It cannot be easy trying to have your own personal issues as well as having a job and your own life to lead. It does not matter if your weekly updates are early or even late, what matters is that you are giving up some of your precious time to help yourself and others to a gamble free life.
95% of people on this forum really appreciate your efforts and unfortunately a small minority take it for granted.
Keep up with your individual battles people, it isn't easy by any stretch of the imagination and no matter where your on your recovery programme, try to take it a day at a time.
Mike
Sorry for the late check in I was on holiday last week I did write to be excused anyway I stayed clear of the two P machines I laughed and had some quality family time today is day 100 can't quite believe it but here's me checking in gamble free taking one day at a time with each step widening from the last thank you everyone for your support hope all is well x
Day 150, I have no money to gamble, That helps
Not sure if I've missed check in. Was my birthday this weekend so I've been enjoying life gamble free. Day 30 today. Thanks bornagain. Hope you are doing well
Morning troops, thanks for the support shown lately. We still have 11 troops missing, I keep trying to put the update off because of the time it takes me to remove people who I suspect will come back. 11 check ins are still missing!!!
I'm going to do the update when I finish work at ten tonight, so anyone missing has 12 hours to check in. Please if you want to be part of this challenge ensure you check in once a week as I am finding the time it takes removing and then readding people really frustrating.
Born again
without this thread I would still be gambling and probably in the gutter by now as it had got out if control
I'm on 80 days now but I check in to remind me of the effort I have made and which I would undo by just one bet one day I would like to shake your hand and thank you for helping me
you sir are a scholar and a gentleman!
jim
Have to agree with J33, this challenge has played a big part in my recovery so far and checking in each week reminds me of how far i have come. You are doing a great job Bornagain and are helping so many people on here.
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