So 214 days ago I said enough was enough. But this time it really did feel different. I had said it some many times before I probably went about 30-60 days GF and then just fell into the trap again.
I haven’t been active on here for a while as I’ve had massive changes in my life and the gambling has been such a distant memory.
So let’s go back to April 2020. I had just put over 3 times my wage in transactions through the casinos. That’s including money won that month but the shock of seeing that on bank transactions is horrifying.  I had £50 to my name (in my current account) to last me to April Pay day. I did have some savings in a ISA for a house but I wouldn’t touch it. I had just found out I was going to be a dad and the happiest time of my life really wasn’t coming through. So I decided enough was enough. I had literally tried every blocking software, giving money to family etc and in the end nothing for me actually worked. I’d always find a way.
I re-evaluated myself and started to make the change. I didn’t plan to give my money to family, I signed up to Gamstop for 5 years and day by day I moved forward. I knew putting blocks in would make it easier but I knew I trusted myself. And I didn’t want to be a person who wasn’t in control of my earnings. Anyway April pay day came no gambling with that wage. Done. Next pay day came. No gambling. Next pay day come. No gambling. I started to believe I can do this. Months went on and on. Savings went up and up.
I can put my hands up and proudly say In the last 214 days. I haven’t had one bet. No scratch cards no lottery tickets NOTHING. Not 1p spent on gambling.
fast forward to November 6th 2020 214 days after my last bet. In them 214 days I have.... saved enough to buy me and my girlfriend a house. Bought everything for our little arrival on 31st December. I have saved more money in 8 months than I have in my whole life.
lockdown originally brought the worse out of me but it was a blessing. I looked at myself and made that change. 2020 has been an awful year for all and it’s been hard but this year I have achieved most in my life.Â
1. passed my network engineer foundation degree
2. Bought a lovely home with my girlfriend
3. have a baby on the way
4. Overcoming an addiction that has took over my life for 4 years. No where near out of the woods yet but every day it’s becoming easier. I don’t want to be rich and win a million pounds. It might be nice but I just want to be happy and that’s what I’m focusing on now.
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all the best guys we can do it
Tremendous, good news, that was really nice to read. It's good to hear when a wee bit of will power is acknowledged. Also I say to anyone to combat a weakness and gambling is a destructive one, you need to see the value in yourself and to search and find something which is better and more worthwhile, value yourself. Well done you, I wish you all the happiness in the World.
Congratulations @samtrowsdale, this is great news and very inspiring. Really happy things are going so well for you and your family, long may it continue. Thanks for sharing your journey and giving others hope. All the best.
wow brilliant, well done
Hello.
I'm in awe of you. You say you "don't want to be rich" .... I think you already are. "Rich" in the blessings of a new contented life. Good luck and congratulations.
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Well done you should be so proud  of yourself ? scotty ??
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