Hope you feel better soon Mixer. Checking in on 81 days
Hope you feel better soon Mixer
Get well son Mixer. Day 48 gf and going strong. Keep it up everyone.!
Get well soon mixer. Day 28 checking not long till I become striver status
** GURU CHALLENGE - Latest WEEKLY ROLLCALL! ***
It's Monday, 27th November – time for our weekly rollcall (one day late)
Welcome, friends, to the latest rollcall, better late than never! I’m in the midst of that seasonal malaise, the heavy cold. I sensed it was on its way: my young son had it, my missus caught it: so there was nowhere to hide. So, full up to the gills with Lemsips, it’s onwards with the Challenge!
This is a difficult time for recovering compulsive gamblers like us. Christmas is approaching, and no matter what you think of the impeding holiday, it’s traditionally a time of stress for us if we’ve been in the throes of gambling during Christmases past. It brings back painful memories of being skint, miserable, moody, guilt (with buying sub-par presents!) and the rest of it.
Can it be different this year? Dare we be different? Do we deserve it? If you get a bonus, do you really have to fritter it away? The answers are: Yes, Yes, Yes and No.
One of the problems of our conditions is that we never seem to give ourselves a break, to dare to be ‘happy’ (whatever being ‘happy’ is). But the truth is we MUST give ourselves that break. Because it’s only one life and we simply can’t live it in a sub-par way. Gambling simply means we live a poorer life in every way, and it isn’t an option for us.
I’ve been a compulsive gambler for many, many years and am currently on Day 108 gambling free. I know, that “this time”, I have no choice. I have a family to support, a family that doesn’t need c**P from me, and the same applies to my family and friends. I’m 48, not a “kid”. Have I wasted quite a bit of my life? Yes, I have. And whilst I’m in a “reasonable” position, I could have been in a very good position. I could have retired, comfortably. Now – I am where I am, I accept that – all I ask is, please heed my story. Don’t do what I did. I implore you all, kick this habit, permanently.
Enough about me. How are you? Let’s find out …!
WELCOME!
No new members this week.
ROLLCALL OF HONOUR!
Raj has hit 100 days today and becomes our latest ELDER! Fantastic, Raj, this is a big achievement. Keep the momentum; every day is the beginning of the rest of your life!
Amt722 – You have also hit ELDER status and, as you have posted, through willpower alone. As I’ve posted before, it isn’t easy, this approach, but as I always say – whatever works! Just remember, when you hit a ‘bad day’, to be ready for it, to keep your resolve absolute. Congratulations to you Amt722. ) Thank you for your kind words, btw!
Moorey – Yes, you’re back to STRIVER Moorey and that’s great my friend. Why not have a better Christmas this year, the timings perfect. Really happy for you Moorey!
Mitch91 – You’ve hit 50 days and what a time to hit the bullseye; have way to ELDER and at the right time of year. For once, day by day, you can enjoy the next month without worry, fear or guilt. One day at a time. You owe it to yourself; and deserve it.
Our GURUs
Phil72 – 657 days – ROCKING! Always a pleasure to converse on the Chatroom with you Phil, you are leading the charge with this Challenge!
Changemylife – 395 days – ROCKING! Thank you for your kind words and delighted to see you, day by day, approach another serious milestone.
Our ELDERs
Degenerate – 244 days – ROCKING! You are, day by day, and without complacency, approaching another meaningful milestone whilst living a better life; that’s the way to be.
ItMatters – 178 days – ROCKING! Approaching the six-month mark, ItMatters; lets see you get there!
Sars27 – 178 days – ROCKING! – Thank you for checking in; I know you’ve had a few wobbly thoughts but are swatting them away as if they were irritating flies … keep it going!
Rubybaby – 121 days - ROCKING! – Here’s to you continuing to rock it Rubybaby, hitting your stride as an ELDER. This is the life!
Adamjamal2014-2017 – 119 – ROCKING! – Welcome Adam. I fully understand the turmoil that this habit can bring to our thoughts, even after 4 months gambling free, and especially at this time of year. Be strong, my friend – it’s crucial you remain gambling free. Don’t play the ‘free’ roulette again; it’s just a temptation and will suck you back in. You’ve joined this Challenge at just the right time. We’ll see you straight – DO NOT RELAPSE. You have the choice: to live a better life, or misery.
Mixer - 108 - ROCKING! - Sticking with it: never forgetting: life or misery?
Amt722 – 102 – ROCKING! – Delighted to see you hit this status. It’s good here, and will get better, too.
Raj – 100 – ROCKING! – Welcome to the ELDER ranks!
Our STRIVERs
Chartom3 – 92– ROCKING! As you’ve written, you’re finding it hard, and being gambling free can be difficult. Sometimes, thoughts like this warn of a relapse – don’t do it Christer. Hit that 100. No pressure, one day at a time, claw with your bare knuckles to the top of the STRIVER mountain and be an ELDER. DO NOT RELAPSE – we are with you. Beware the signs.
4D – 82 – ROCKING! Thank you for checking in; keep living the better life you’re living 4D J
Athena1991 – 74 – ROCKING! I hope all’s well Athena, keep it going: have a Christmas to look forward to this year; it’s all possible, we just have to say “I won’t gamble today” every morning. Do that, and success is guaranteed!
Adam808 – 62 days – ROCKING! I’m glad you’re bust Adam; they say the devil gives work to idle hands so that’s a good thing. Strange: when you go gambling free, after a while, you DO become busy as more rewarding non-gambling pursuits hone into view, and life – be it work, family, friends, hobbies, whatever – takes on a new interesting, worthwhile dimension.
Geo – 58 days – ROCKING! You’ve hit payday and prepared for it. That’s more than half the battle. This is the 2nd payday you’ve been gambling free – you’ve done it once, you can do it again.
Boxingdayfresh – 57 days – ROCKING! This is good, Boxingday; keep it going. Spending money on ‘stuff’ rather than gambling is infinitely better; you get something for your hard-earned money!
Mitch91 – 57 days - ROCKING! – Keep in going Mitch, never forgetting the choice: living life as it should be lived, or misery. No contest!
Paulll – 54 days - ROCKING! As you’ve written, being busy is good but moderation is important, too. We need to relax, take stock as part of a balanced, rewarding life. This ‘quiet time’ helps us to sink in that gam bling is no good for us; it always helps to change our mindset into what we know, deep down, is the right direction.
Velvet7 – 48 days – ROCKING! – Thanks for your best wishes Velvet and great to see you’re making great strides with this Challenge. Don’t stop now!
Moorey – 36 – ROCKING! – Once again, you’re a Striver Moorey – let’s see you go one better this time to ELDER, one day at a time.
Our NEWBIES, and those of us who have relapsed, and restarting the Challenge (kudos!)
Marson123 – 29 - ROCKING! – Leading the NEWBIE pack Marson and – even better – payday’s here and you’re ready for it. This time, don’t give a penny to those thieving bookies or online slots; just leave it. It isn’t worth it; you know that.
Antics – 27 – ROCKING! – This is good; payday’s upon us all once again so here’s the test. Don’t let yourself down.
Veebee – 19 - ROCKING! – A warm welcome Veebee and hitting your stride with 19 days gambling free. You’ve done this before, back in 2013, and all the wiser now as you dig in for a gambling free life once more. Don’t worry about the exam; you’ve probably done better than you thought!
guestaccount (previously HowSoonIsNow 1983) 24 – ROCKING! – Welcome, Guestaccount, although haven’t heard from you since the 12th November; that’s either ominous or you’re ‘flying’! Do get in touch.
Christer1 – 20 – ROCKING! – You’re keeping a good momentum here Christer and it’s good to see. Let’s see you hit STRIVER once again next week.
Slotfool - 18 – ROCKING – Thank you for your kind message Slotfool and good to see you building a new gambling free total. Let’s get you to STRIVER – it proves you can deal with a payday.
Abstainer (*ELDER status achieved*) - 11 - ROCKING! – Hi Stephen, and thank you for your best wishes. You are well and truly back in the saddle and gritting your teeth as you take the right road once more. Life’s a journey, and this road is part of this journey. It’s as fun, as enjoyable a journey as you want it to be. And I’m with you on that journey!
–Curled Web – 8 – ROCKING! - Welcome, our newbie joining us last week and delighted to see you are taking action as you go gambling free. Don’t forget you can book a counsellor free via Gamcare; give them a ring and take it from there. Meantime, don’t gamble: you know that won’t help!
06/11/17 (Previously ‘’Adam123’, Helpless‘& ‘Next Steps’) - 6 – RELAPSE I’m sorry to hear of another relapse. You’re honest about it, full credit there, but it’s heartbreaking to read how difficult you’re finding this Adam. Always happy to talk about this here on this thread or in the Chatrooms. Do phone Gamcare; it’s time to give yourself the best possible chance of success because your approach right now, to be blunt, isn’t working.
RESTED
It's always with sadness we have to 'rest' members from the Challenge; it's normally a sign of a relapse. Anyone rested is always welcome back. It's tough this; relapsing is, for many of us (myself included) part of the journey. Remember: so long as we come back stronger, by putting as water-tight strategy in place, we'll do much better next time. And if we think of the 'next' time as the 'last' time we have every chance of success.
HowDidIGetToThis (*ELDER status achieved*) – 14 – RESTED – With regret, I have to rest you from the Challenge, HDIGTT. Do get in touch if you’d like to rejoin us.
Xenedra – 61 days – RESTED – I haven’t heard from you for a while Xenedra; do get in touch to get restored to the Challenge. I hope all’s well.
We’re approaching the moment of truth for many of us; the Christmas period. Remember, we don’t have to gamble. We don’t have to waste our money. We can live a better life. We deserve a better life. We always lose more than we win, that’s why we’re here. If we win, we give it back, and then some. Let’s enjoy this time ahead, just for once.
STATS FOR NERDS: We have ‘rested’ 2 members of the Challenge. 2 GURUs, 8 ELDERs, 10 STRIVERs and 9 NEWBIEs; a net total of 29. n.b. 32 last week, 2 rested, 1 member double-counted.
Let’s keep strong; keep sharing and keep strong!
Mixer and Athena, your hosts for this challenge
Brilliant as always, Mixer. Your well written Rollcall’s are a delight to read. A superb leader and team player.
Well worth the extra day’s wait...
Well done to everybody who amassed another 7 days (or rather 8 days) gamble free!
Loving being part of this journey.
Genuinely looking forward to Christmas this year and I know there’s only one thing that can spoil that dream!...
Pay day for me on Wednesday. Making sure all the blockers come out for then including making sure my weeknights are filled with stuff to do/friends to see.
Hope you’re feeling better, Mixer.
Moorey
Checking in new start
Great update once again and thank you for the time you put in to writing those. This challenge is keeping me focussed and really pleased to be a part of it.
Checking in Day 37
Striver status is back for me good write up again on Xmas I look forward to it this year I'm in a better position than I have been for years
Checking in 21 days
Checking in on Day 39
Hello everyone and thank you for checking in; here's hoping, at what can be a difficult time of the year for recovering compulsive gamblers, that you're keeping strong and remember what this is all about.
Ultimately, this holiday season approaching will be what we make of it. Will we gamble, and be financially poorer? Will we have to lie to others, and the misery we give ourselves, pass on to others? Will we take the steps necessary to restrict (as much as we can) our gambling, so if we do have a weak moment (and we do), we've got it covered?
It's in our hands and the help and support we choose to take up. Where our gambling has underlying related medical conditions we can seek support initially from our GP.
Sometimes gambling is a form of escaping, running from our troubles or what we think is a 'dreary' life (but when going gambling free we gradually realise that life is anything but dreary - gambling has simply closed down our options).
Counselling can be very helpful, and it's available free, from Gamcare. Just phone up and ask. It's not the normal 'there, there ...' counselling either. Gamblers don't need this sort of counselling; it's a specialised form of counselling this: designed for gamblers who want to stop, or because their debts or relationships/work/life problems have hit the limit they have no choice.
Is it ever too late to stop? No; it's never too late but why wait till you're in the gutter?
Everyone reading this has stopped before things are impossible; that's why we need to look up, make the most of the life we have been given, we are all miracles of nature, so let's remember WHY we are going gambling free - it guarantees us a better life when compared to the absolute misery, and gutter, that continued gambling will bring.
Let's have a great weekend and allow ourselves the peace of mind, the relaxed outlook we all strive for, and see 2017 out gambling free.
Mixer
Early check in because I have a busy day planned tomorrow - 183 days GF.
Checking in.... Day 67!
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