Hi pal... that is really dangerous but well done at avoiding today. You need some more barriers in place or you could be less lucky next time. I'll try to follow you a bit more. Stay strong as it's a long journey.
Thanks. Since Saturday I have had a temptation-free couple of day. I'm trying to keep myself busy and I'm watching what I spend very carefully. In the past, I've gone weeks without checking my bank account - probably in the knowledge that it would show:
(Insert betting company) - 100
(Insert betting company) - 50
etc. You get the message.
But I'm trying to look through my statements every day, to know exactly where I stand. Coming to grips with financial difficulties/the need to completely change my spending and saving is probably what has been hardest so far. I have had plenty of dark moments where my journey back to having money again has seemed like a black tunnel, full of s**** and no end in sight.
But we've got to keep trucking.
No bet now for coming up for three weeks. Bank statements are looking less plagued.
I've got to keep myself busy this weekend.
Got through the weekend without any bother.
Happily, I read about the St. Leger but had no interest in betting in it. This is probably the first time since 2011/2 that I haven't had a bet on one of the Classics. I wrote in an earlier post that my interest in the horses really seems to have diminished since I stopped betting, and I'm glad to say that has continued. The absolute frustration of betting on horse racing is still with me; reading about the stewards' enquiry at Doncaster made me EXTRA glad I was no longer betting. I used to find (and am certain I would still find were I to start betting again) that the days just used to fly by when I was betting on the horses. The sheer relentless regularity of races meant you could buzz from racecourse to racecourse and an hour could be spent researching 4 races. Soon enough, 1 hour would become nine hours and it would be 8pm at night and I'd have been looking at form since 1pm that day.
At the moment, I simply don't want to bet on or have anything to do with horses. And that is a good thing. I hope I feel the same way over the next six weeks, through the Arc and then the Breeders' Cup.
Over three weeks now. I've taken back some control.
Someone on here recently wrote that if we only take one very small step forward each day then in the end those footsteps will add up to something very significant - whether it being debt-free, bet free or simply being a happier person. How right that is. This time next year, if I can stay bet free, I'll be in a hugely better position. I'm lucky. I have a great job and an amazing family. It's time to keep making sure I don't take the P*** and sort my issues out.
Hi otb - horses is always my main problem when in gambling mode. Must say though, when I saw the finish of the Leger on the news last weekend, it all seemed rather alien, which was the response my mind needed. I am having no urges right now and have stopped 'pricing up' in my head some weeks ago. Hopefully, it'll be the same for you. Keep strong!!
Keep up the good work, you can do this. Remember it is not a problem feeling tempted providing you don't act on it, you are in control!
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