Best wishes to Mixer and all the other Guru Challengers. Gambling is a mugs game. As Tina Turner told us "There's gotta be something better out there"....Abstainer 178
14 day GF. Checking in
checking in day 5
Checking in on day 80. Amazing how quick those days have past. 20 to go to 100 days GF.
Been working today and trying to remain positive. Don't want to gamble. Life is hard enough as it is! Anyway, just checking in a bit late g.f.
Day 36 Check in.
** GURU CHALLENGE - 11th WEEKLY ROLLCALL! ***
It's Sunday 5th November – time for our weekly rollcall!
Welcome to the latest Guru Challenge rollcall. It’s the dreaded post-payday one, when sadly some of us fall by the wayside. There’s usually (but not necessarily) a simple reason; sudden cash availability and a time and place to spend it. Unless you’ve got a system to break the cash/time/place triangle, you’re stuffed, unless you are extremely resolved and/or have that change of mindset that realizes gambling will send us to our doom. It’s not easy, I’ll never pretend for a moment it is, but that’s what we’re here for, right? To be gambling free and take pride in our achievements that not only give us a much better life, but our loved ones too.
I hope you’ve had a good week generally. Mine’s been mixed (‘bout right, for a Mixer!). I’ve had a ‘stay of execution’ with my impending pay-cut, won’t be for 2 and a half years now. That takes the heat off for a while. But on the flip side, I’ve got a couple of urgent x-rays first-thing tomorrow (doctor’s orders this afternoon), a sudden health issue that may or may not be serious. I’m philosophical (I know, easy to be ‘brave’ when you don’t know what it might be), but truly am. None of us are on this planet for very long in the scheme of things anyway and this reaffirms my belief that we have got to make the most of every minute and that includes not gambling our life/time/money away. It’s never too late to stop – but stop we must.
And finally, before we see how we’re all getting on, kudos to everyone on this Challenge! There is no hiding place, our progress, good or bad, is here for all to see, and there’s a spirit of honesty and determination. Sometimes we fail, but it’s all about getting up stronger for the next time, the last time. Remember, we are all in control of our destinies on this one, we don’t have to gamble, let’s never forget!
Anyway. On with the Challenge. There are no new members joining us this week, so we start with 30 hardy souls. Let’s see how we’re all getting on with the three R’s…
ROLLCALL OF HONOUR!
RubyBaby – 100 days – We have fireworks tonight and delighted that Rubybaby has hit the ton-up and promoted up the ranks to ELDER! You have written that new gambling urges have caught you by surprise, but you’ll be reassured to read this is normal. You can now relax, and, day by day, enjoy the ELDER lifestyle and join some very good company. Congratulations Rubybaby!
Sars27 – 156 days - Is being half-way to GURU on the Rollcall of Honour? It sure is, and marvellous to see you passed through the milestone with ease Sars. Always respectful of what this is all about you’re living the life and that’s what we’re all doing this for. I doff my cap!
Geo – 36 days – ROCKING! You’ve hit STRIVER status – the most difficult step to reach. Reach this, you CAN reach the next level! We all congratulate you on this great milestone Geo!
Boxingdayfresh – 35 days – ROCKING! Yes, you did it, you hit STRIVER! And immediately noticing the cash benefits of doing so having hit a payday where you are not going to waste a single penny on nothing (which, in a nutshell, is what gambling is). Brilliant stuff!
Mitch91 - 35 days - ROCKING! – It’s not easy this Mitch but isn’t life better? It depends on how you look at it, I suppose, but would suggest those that know you would say so. You are now a STRIVER and we congratulate you. You want to better life, and we applaud you for that! Be glad you're not gambling - you're wealthier in so many more ways.
Paulll - 32 days - ROCKING! You are a STRIVER having hit the crucial 30-day mark! And remember, in respect of your last post, that you might have ‘won’ that bet you didn’t place the other day, but remember all those bets that didn’t come through. (So easy to remember the wins ...) And that’s the point … to guarantee a 100% payout, don’t bet. Well done Paulll.
Our GURUs
Phil72 – 635 days – ROCKING! Doing fantastic Phil, a stalwart on the Chatrooms listening and advising in equal measure; you’re a good chap.
Changemylife – 373 days – ROCKING! Likewise Changemylife, a generosity of spirit on the forums and so helpful to others.
ELDERs
Degenerate – 222 days – ROCKING! Hitting all the 2s, it’s fantastic to see you eating up those days, one at a time, and deservedly our lead ELDER!
Abstainer – 178 days – ROCKING! As you’ve said in your recent post, gambling is a mugs game. It is and the mindset ‘revelation’ that is standing you so well. Always one day at a time, of course!
ItMatters – 156 days – ROCKING! You are right to feel sorry for fellow gamblers in your acquaintance, some of whom would undoubtedly be compulsive and living a life of misery. These people were us until recently, after all. When they are ready to listen, we’ll be there for them.
Sars27 – 156 days - ROCKING! Brilliant stuff Sars, the main man! J
RubyBaby – 100 days – ROCKING! Our latest ELDER joins great company.
STRIVERs
Mixer – 86 days – ROCKING! I’m personally pleased because my previous attempt was 84 days, and really needed to pass that milestone. One day at a time, with little to zero cash on me, I simply can’t gamble even if I wanted to, but there’s NO complacency: I review the positon every day.
Amt722 – 80 – ROCKING! Your posts are a great read, and, indeed – where does the time go? I’ll just say this – time flies when you’re having fun…!
Chartom3 – 70 – ROCKING! I hope you’re enjoying your holiday which not only benefits you but your loved ones too – if there’s just one reason not to gamble, there it is.
4D – 60 – ROCKING! Keeping going despite bad times at work (hey, know the feeling, 4D – some of my bosses are, how can I put this diplomatically… s**t !) but we must not ever resort to gambling which just makes things worse.
Athena1991 - 59 – ROCKING! Fantastic Athena, my partner-in-crime running this challenge. A solid total building up all the time. Just the tonic!
Adam808 – 40 days – ROCKING! Building on the Striver status acquired last week, great to see you marching on, one day at a time.
Xenedra – 39 days – ROCKING! - I was soooooo worried that we hadn’t heard from you awhile, but you pulled a ‘rabbit out of the hat’ with a storming post describing not only that you’ve been paid but how your gambling-free life is turning your life around for the better, seismically! Brilliant to read Xenedra – keep it going J
Geo – 36 days – ROCKING! Your active participation of GA meetings proves your intent; if you put the hard work in, you get the result. Always day to day!
Boxingdayfresh – 35 days – ROCKING! Yes, this is good to see BDF; and heading towards a great Christmas (for once) with your solid day by day approach to this.
Mitch91 - 35 days - ROCKING! – Thanks for posting Mitch and it is very hard, this. But at moments of weakness, DON’T gamble, but post on here instead. We’ll put you right!
Paulll - 32 days - ROCKING! If you put in place a good strategy – like banning yourself from bookies – it ‘pays off’. I suggest you phone up and ban yourself from a few more – widen the net!
NEWBIES
Wallyweird – 28 days – ROCKING! – A very good move, as I touched upon last week, shifting financial control to a loved one. It has to be done sometimes – I do this myself. Don’t lapse it, especially in these early stages – you KNOW what will happen otherwise. You can’t kid a kidder!
Velvet7 – 26 days – ROCKING! – Wow, you’re active on the thread dispensing great advice; karma that will pay you back in spades. Keep going!
Helpless (Previously ‘Next Steps’) - 20 days – ROCKING! This is the right trajectory, really want you to hit Striver, Helpless. Then change your name J
Slotfool - 18 days – ROCKING! – You are right; you’ve got to be strong. If there is a chance you might gamble, then put steps to make sure you can’t. Like handing over financial control to a trusted friend or loved one. Leave yourself no excuses. If you can’t help yourself – then what can you do?
Moorey - 14 days - ROCKING! - You've GOT to hit STRIVER, Moorey. You simply MUST give you, and yours, a better Christams this year. Enough 'false dawns'. That's an order 🙂
Christer1 – 6 days – RELAPSED – Ok; you relapsed but were honest about why and have since put in place extra steps to help prevent a reoccurrence. We’re all with you as you set off again to the life you, deep down, know you have to live. Gambling is not an option. Onwards back to Striver!
Antics – 5 – RELAPSED - Thank you for the update; it’s not easy having to start again but know it’s the only way to rebuild and rebuild stronger. Looking for a really good effort this time, Antics, you’ve done it before, let’s see you surpass it. But first, let’s get you Striving again.
HowDidIGetToThis – 3 days – RELAPSED – Kudos for your honesty HDIGTT; it’s a long sway down BUT you know you can’t do this again and admirably straight back on the straight and narrow. We are all rooting for you.
Ineffable - 0 days too - RELAPSED – You’re going through the mill Ineffable which is no fun whatsoever. Do contact Gamcare, post away, use Chatline, and trusted friends etc. because you know you’ve got to get out of this destructive cycle. It’s only one life – don’t waste it away. We’re here for support on this thread too!
RESTING
Raj – 78 days – RESTED – I have to rest you Raj; I hope things are going well for you. Keen to find out how you’re getting on my friend.
Tooshie - 28 days – RESTING – I have to rest you Tooshie. Do get back in touch if you’d like to rejoin us on the Challenge. We wish you well.
Mayfair Ave – RESTING – Have to rest you, I’m sure you understand why. You’re welcome back anytime.
STATS FOR NERDS: We have ‘rested’ 3 members of the Challenge; that leaves us with 2 GURUs, 5 ELDERs, 11 STRIVERs and 9 NEWBIEs – so 27 in total.
Let’s keep strong; keep sharing and keep strong!
Mixer and Athena, your hosts for this challenge
Hey Mixer, could I please be re-instated to your rollcall? 🙂
I’m 14 days gamble free. Still fighting hard. I guess you’ve accidentally missed me off.
No worries buddy 🙂
Cracking rollcall as ever though.
Moorey
Please accept my apologies, Moorey - an 'admin error' on my part! I'll make a retrospective change tomorrow. Sorry about that 🙂
No worries Mixer 🙂
Hope everything goes ok tomorrow mate. Will be thinking of you.
Thank you for the kind words and encouragement mixer, keep up the good work your doing a great job.
Thankyou Mixer for all your hard work, another brilliant Sunday Rollcall. Sorry your having medical issues, hope everything will be ok for you ...stephen
Hey Mixer,
What a brilliant thread. Have been continuing to write my diary after a recent relapse but would love to join you all in this GF Journey. Currently 3 days GF.
Hey Mixer.
Thank you for the Roll Call mention and your Sunday updates are the best. Wishing you well and hope the medical issue isn't going to cause you too much worry. Congratulations on passing your previous milestone of 84 days - not long to Elder status for you now.
Checking in on day 36. Still feeling positive and busy spending or planning to spend on Christmas ! No pennies or pounds will be wasted this year on gambling, that's for sure.
Best wishes to everyone this week.
Boxingdayfresh
Thank you for your kind words everyone; just to update, my x-ray/scans etc. have been put back a few days (would have been today) so waiting to hear from the hospital when that will be. (I won't dwell on it!)
Moorey - as promised, I've changed the Rollcall to resurrect you back into the Challenge, so all good!
HowSoonIsNow1983 - Welcome to the Challenge. This is serious - YOU are serious, so let's see you get to STRIVER. Nothing less will do; do drop our thread a line if you need support or advice. Welcome aboard!
Boxingday, Abstainer, HDIGTT - thank you for your kind words and support and nothing makes me feel better personally than you good people racking up some great consecutive GF day counts. Keep going !!!
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