2015 Challenge

Great to have you back Mike safe and well, have fun catching up with your family I'm sure you have missed them.

Take care

Del 🙂

Phil - sorry to hear of your slip. It's difficult to avoid all the obstacles put in our way on this life recovery program. The paramount thing is recognising the error and putting counter measures in place to stop this happening again. Your time and effort are an inspiration and this has been key in my recovery.

A slip is exactly that, a slip. It's when a slip starts to turn into something bigger and personality changes from within start to occur. My life 4 months ago was an absolute shambles. I couldn't go 5 minutes without telling a lie be it about my whereabouts, finances..pretty much everything. My life became a spider web of lies and at times I even doubted what I was saying as my brain was impulsively telling my to say things to gain an advantage, find a way out etc. My world came crashing down when I couldn't mask the truth anymore and the gravity of my situation was exposed plain and bare. Obviously there is a whole bigger picture on why this happened and I am trying to get to the bottom of this to prevent relapses. What I am trying to say is you have admitted your error and hopefully you can find a way to stop this happening again. This honesty is not the trait of a gambler, it is the trait of someone who wants to do something about it.

One day without gambling is better than one day with gambling.

Have a good GF week all.

Andy

Hi all, checking in on day 100.

Thanks for the update Phil, really sorry to hear about your slip but great to see you dusting yourself down and starting over, you have let nobody down we are all in it together for the long haul.

Keep up the good work troops

Scott

Good to see you back Mike! Thanks for the support, I feel pretty low right now. I'm off to Mansfield tonight for the football, maybe not a good idea to go and see us lose again when I'm feeling so down, but surely by the law of averages I will finally get to see us win one away game this season. Its certainly a huge game for us. Anyway its my day 3, I have to move on and work on this mad thing that sees me struggle like hell once I get past 100 days!

Good your still here Phil. There are a lot of people on here. Some are far worse than others. You might be one of those that needs that extra bit of help to keep yourself in recovery. I know I certainly do. I look forward to keep reading your posts

Count this as my check in for the week please.

So it all went wrong... A small drink turned into a massive one and a poker night amongst friends where I gambled £30... It was a controlled game and ended up winning a little... I have reset my counter and am on day 2... 57 days wasted and a lot learned. It's got to be all or nothing, no sneaky poker game... Lol... Anyway I am still in a great place (although a lot disappointed)..... I will start again and be stronger....

Hi all,

Quick post as at work, I have disconnected my home internet until I'm feeling stronger.

Day 10 today, its the longest I have ever gone and I'm feeling very proud of myself.

Have a good day everyone.
Becky

Apologies for missing last week...no real excuses except have been really busy.

Anyway, have now passed the year barrier..it was pretty low key really but allowed myself a small pat on the back. Have been in quite a reflective mood really - my last bet was on the Thursday of the Grand National meeting last year and the progression has been marked.

EVERY aspect of my life has improved and I'm living a far better life than before. I'm not quite at the "dream life" compulsive gamblers imagine, but am on the way there through hard work and avoiding gambling.

I attend GA which is an amazing help with a great group of people and have not really had an urge to gamble...my main problems were the FOBT machines, particularly the roulette feature. My arrogance and personality defects prevented me either staying away, collecting, or accepting a loss. I've had to retrain my brain to accept that I'd NEVER win...difficult for a compulsive, highly competitive persom but not impossible.

I'm now working a programme that works for me and I basically take it 1 day a time. Wake up with no thoughts of betting and go to bed pleased that I haven't gambled.

Hope everyone has a superb week ahead.

Just for Today I will not gamble.

I'm on day 49! Nearly 50. Been a long time since I bet on a football match, stupid cricket game or the bookies roulette.

I can't believe that I put £700 on a game of cricket once, only to win £800 back and I lost!

I am now battling away and day 49 of the rest of my life. I would not be here without all of your stories and advice. Here's to another 51 to get 100!!!

Checking in on Day 71, still no gambling to report.

Hi my name is Danielle I have been a cg for 5 year started off at bingo then online bingo then scratch cards and now roulette I am on day 3 of not gambling I have self excluded myself from the bookies and got rid of bingo sites I am finding it really hard but need to keep positive and concour this illness.

Glad to see you back Gary and well done on getting through the year!

beckyc290 you have now been added to the challenge and checked in, hope this helps you and you can see out the rest of the year without a bet. Danielle2015, welcome to the challenge, once you make another post you will be added to the front page and checked in.

Cheers Phil...was sorry to read about your slip, As long as it doesn't become a fall you can't get up from then treat it for what it is.

You do an amazing job with this thread...many, many, thanks.

Woke up this morning feeling like I can't do it finding it really hard at the minute and don't know if I can do this

Checking in day 77 gamble free 11 weeks!!!

Can't believe how fast the time is going. Luckily I've not had any urges lately.

Stay strong everyone and remember that together we can do it!!!