2015 Challenge

Hi All - checking in on Day 276 Saturday, and as suprisingly announced on the weekly update, it will be 9 months gamble free tomorrow, phew, what a suprise, 3/4 of the way to a whole year!

Great update Phil, you are sure geting to grips with the task and it will soon get easier and quicker!!

I had managed just over 5 years previously, on my own after a few months at GA, which just wasn't for me, I think they expected too much from me to enjoy and benefit from the experience. But it does work for some, so not dissing GA, it just wasn't for me! This site and especially this forum / challange are far more beneficial for me and I can put my GF days this time around down to joining this site early on and starting a diary, and joining the 2014 challange!

I think, its the annonimity that helps, being able to be open and honest, without being judged or sized up or expected to pour one's sad history out in front of a room full of strangers!!

Anyway, I will give myself a pat on the back tomorrow, and look forward to a GF future, one day at a time by choice.

Good going everyone else, and well done to all those reaching personal milestones this week as well, but be cautious, it is just a number and tomorrow is always just Day 1 of continuance.

Cheltenham never appealed to me as my suspicions of rum goings on in the horse racing industry always seemed to become apparent ay the big meets, too many outsiders wining who, on paper, just never stood a chance, odds on faves failing....hmmm and all those 'lucky' Irishman!! Anyways, apart from the GoldCup, I never bothered, but I know many who thought of this as the Shangri La of gambing weeks, more so than Aintree, and I hope anyone marching here today and next week can cover their urges with the thought of winning by just not gambling!! Whatch the money remain static in your accounts and at the end of the week, you will feel just so much richer!

And finally - massive congrats to the First Lady Baggins, great going. It doesn't matter what your pre gamble free history was, the amount and type of debt, or whatever - it still put you in the same place as all other compulsive gamblers, and it is still such a major, personal battle victory - well done and long may iy continue [well, forever actually!!]

Have a great GF week and weekend all, especially the new marchers joining in.

Sorry for the ramble again - but hope my posts entertains some of you at the least!!

Kind regards, Cliff

Hi all checking in on day 59, another great update Phil thanks.

Just like to say a massive well done to Joanna, what a fantastic achievement completing a year gamble free, gives all of us a inspiration in beating our addictions again well done.

Had a good couple of weeks with relatively few thoughts of gambling and don't foresee any issues with Cheltenham as the horses were never my thing, hope all those that were into the horses are successful in refraining next week.

It's good to see so many people still joining the challenge hope you all find the help and support offered on this forum useful.

Good luck to all keep up the effort I am sure you will all agree it is well worth It as the days, weeks and months pass and the gamble free days build up, well done all,

Scott

Its a pleasure to get in from work and read your post Cliff, well done on the 9 months and I'm really glad this works for you. I too think GA is great and helps so many, but this place also works better for me.

Good post Scotty, glad to hear next week won't trouble you and the gambling thoughts have gone away. Keep it up mate.

Still loads more check ins to come, lets be having you!!!

67 days gamble free checked in 🙂

LEST-WE-FORGET

Good luck everyone - keep strong

Checkin in day 71.

Hi Cliff,

Congratulations on 9 months of being gamble free. big achievement .

Suzanne xx

Hi guys, it's check in day 65 GF... Cheltenham will be a challenge, looking to keep myself busy with client visits

Day 70 checking in and gamble free.

Boxingday1

Checking in day 111.

Been a busy week this no urges to gamble at the moment feeling strong again.

Hey team I'm checking in 137 days.
I see there are many new faces here. Great to see and stay strong and focused.
Mba

Still feeling positive guys, no gambling to report and i haven't even had time to think about betting; this is the best i have felt in ages and the most comfortable i have felt in ages as i actually dont want to gamble just now.Just need to make sure i dont get complacent!

Checking in on day 95, so much has changed in such a small amount of time! Thanks to all my fellow soldiers as this place is helping to keep me on track and 2015 has been a brilliant year so far. l was a very lonely and messed up person, but life is picking up fast. I've met a nice girl (early days), been promoted in work, I've got a good group of new mates and I have a holiday booked to New York. None of this would have been possible had I still been gambling. Last year for me was a dress rehearsal, I made many mistakes, picked myself up and made more mistakes. But I feel I'm now in control and I can see whats out there for me. I have wasted 18 years of my life, now its time to enjoy the future and leave the past behind. On the first day of Cheltenham I will be celebrating 100 days without a bet, on the last day of Cheltenham I will be celebrating 104 days without a bet. I won't let it suck the life out of me again.

Keep the check ins coming in troops!

just keep away from the first bet

its incredibly difficult to place the second if you've not placed the first

keep marching soldiers

tri

Checking day 44 GF and doing well

Checking in on day 77,not much to report,my move aboard has happened so it's a new start in another way for me.no thoughts/ urges for a week or two because there's no real opportunities out here so that's going to help me out a great deal.