Checking in on day 70 gf still fighting the fight .... wishing everyone a good weekend.
Welcome back Mixer, glad you are back on you feet.
I'm 100 days gamble free today guys and want to thank you all for your inspiration and encouragement shown throughout this challenge. I have my next target lined up and will not take my eyes off the prize. Have a fab weekend all! I'll check in on the flip side. 🙂
Day 64 gambling free.
I had a near relapse the other day, real strong urge. Opened an old account that wasn’t on self-exclude and contemplated for what seemed ages, although it must’ve been no longer than couple of minutes. Once again, I wasn’t thinking one day at a time, but rather I cannot go back to day ZERO. I honestly couldn’t face the forum and report that I am back to squire one. It finally hit me that I don’t truly appreciate the support this place provides me with. Thank you, all, for being here sharing your stories and struggles! The account is now self-excluded to their maximum of 5 years and I am still as of this minute gambling free.
adam123 wrote: Also been to gym lots and lost a few pounds. Gonna go this weekend too its my new addiction lol
Welcome to the club. I go to the gym way too much. As a result of speaking with a few in here that go to the gym, I am beginning to think all the regulars in my gym have some secret addiction.
** GURU CHALLENGE - Latest WEEKLY FORTNIGHTLY ROLLCALL (this week only!) ***
It's Sunday, 18th February 2018
Hello everyone. As you know, I’ve been poorly but feeling a lot better now. Thank you for your kind messages – each and every one was really appreciated!
It’s been two weeks since the last update and I’m looking forward to seeing how we’re all doing, as we all are, I’m sure. These winter months can be a bit of a grind especially as the weather’s not great and motivation can, at times, be hard to come by. So, here are a few tips to keep your resolve, and gambling strategy in general, topped up.
1. Plan a trip or day out – Yep, plan an away-day, or short holiday, or just something different that has nothing to do with gambling whatsoever. The cinema, a coach ride, city break, night away, local theatre trip, something you might not usually do. It’ll be something to look forward to, and if you can share this with a loved one(s) then great for them, too!
2. Expand your horizons - Exercising, going shopping, cooking, movies, music, reading, night classes … it’s all out there. Replace those (artificial) gambling ‘highs’ with other (real) highs!
3. Remember the losses – when you feel weak, remember your worst losses. I know; so many to choose from. How did you feel? Like a right [insert your own choice of word here], I bet.
4. Keep learning – keep finding out more about this addiction. Pennies will drop when you realise (a) it really isn’t good for you and (b) with the right strategy and resources in place, you really can ‘manage’ to stop forever, one hard-won day at a time.
5. Seek group support – this challenge is one example, but Gambling Anonymous is a proven ‘meeting people’ way to help you. Don’t be shy, we’re all the same – ashamed of our addiction and wanting to stop. Don’t worry if you recognize anyone at a meeting; no-one is trying to ‘out’ you; become gambling-free, one day at a time, is much more important.
6. Hand over financial control – without means to cash or cards, you can’t gamble. It’s a blunt instrument, but it works. If you are desperate to stop (and we all are), and this is an option, and you haven’t taken it, and you’ve gambled, then - how can I put this - you know what you need to do. You can still have ‘pocket money’, but need to justify the spend. A small price to pay for your own peace of mind and you and your loved ones’ happiness.
7. Plan your finances – if you’re in debt then it’s time to take stock. Lay all of your ‘cards on the table’ and worth out exactly where you are now, and where you want to be in future. Consider Stepchange if your debts are unmanageable. If you’re holding steady financially, then still take time to work things out; the moneysavingexpert.com site is good if you need a steer.
8. Get a counsellor – This can help you rationalise your own thoughts and possibly seek out the root cause that drove you to gambling in the first place. Don’t underrate it, and it’s free, remember, through Gamcare.
9. Don’t forget your GP – your doctor is there to listen, too. You may need support; take the opportunity!
So, how are we doing this fortnight …
ROLLCALL OF HONOUR
Phil72 – Congratulations on hitting 2 whole years without a gamble! And still ‘nose to the grindstone’ taking it one day at a time. Because this is an addiction we must always keep in check. Nice one, Phil!
Marson123 – You’ve hit the ton-up and are an ELDER - fantastic result Marson!
Slotfool – You have also hit triple-figures and are an ELDER too. A milestone well worth passing; intent clear to see.
Leeders100 – You’ve passed 30 days not gambling and henceforth have hit STRIVER status – proof that you’re really going for this. Fantastic, Leeders!
WE WELCOME
Lea samp – welcome aboard, good to have you with us. Pleased to note you’re hitting the ground running and attending a GA meeting next week; you’re welcome to share with us how it went.
Our GURUs
Phil72 – 740 days – ROCKING! A wonderful milestone hit last week (2 years = 730 days) and hopefully we’ll chat again when the Chatline reopened very soon.
Degenerate – 327 – ROCKING! – I’m sorry to hear you’re a bit down lately Degen. If you feel that the gambling-free day count is potentially turning into a ‘millstone’ and a negative, let me know; I’ll remove them. As a visitor to your thread wrote: "Don't count the days, make the days count!"
Our ELDERs
Sars27 – 261 days – ROCKING! – It’s fantastic to read your motivational upbeat posts liberally sprinkled throughout the forums. Karma will continue to reward you, my friend!
Rubybaby – 205 days - ROCKING! – Thank you for checking in Ruby, very glad life is treating you well.
Mixer – 191 – ROCKING! I’m seeing improvements to my finances and, just as well; there’s a major reorganization at my work and I’ve got big decisions to make, most of them likely to leave me poorer. So just as well I’ve stopped gambling which will have just made a challenging situation worse.
Raj – 183 – ROCKING! – I hope you’re keeping strong Raj and avoiding temptations like trips to casinos. Why torture yourself.
Boxingdayfresh – 140 days – ROCKING! Thank you for checking in and hope your holiday prep is well underway. Wow – stop gambling and you can start to see the world. Gambling confines us in more ways than one.
Paulll – 137days - ROCKING! Haven’t heard from you for a little while Paul; do let us know how you’re getting on if you feel able to.
Marson123 – 112 - ROCKING! – Absolutely delighted you’ve hit the Elder milestone, Marson, this is really good stuff. This is a struggle, there’s no doubt about it. I still think of gambling every single day of the week! But, I know, in these uncertain times, it’s simply not a ‘go-er’. Keep strong!
Slotfool - 101 – ROCKING! – This is great stuff Slotfool. I’m so glad you’re not taking your eye of the prize which is an infinitely better life than the alternative.
Our STRIVERS
Chartom3 (*ELDER status achieved*) – 71 – ROCKING! You know exactly why you’re doing this. For a better life for you and your family. Perfect.
Addictlondon – 98 days – ROCKING – Do say ‘hello’ and let us know how you’re getting on!
NiceNormalFamily - 65 – ROCKING! – You’re doing really great, NNF, with your two lovely dogs by your side, unconditionally supportive of you as always, but secretly happy you want a life for the better. Interesting reading about your 'near miss' - tempations are never far away - and delighted you held firm.
Godoicul – 58 – ROCKING! – You’re working hard and playing hard BUT not recklessly giving away your hard-earned to you-know-where. I like the cut of your gib, Godoicul; there’s no BS about you and you know what this is about.
Adam123 - 57 – ROCKING! – Very, very, very happy to see you really going for this, Adam. The gym’as great, too, you are getting stuck into that and you must be feeling the benefits. Clearer-headed, fitter and increasingly appreciative of what really matters in life. Keep in going, my friend – no reason not to!
Ineffable – 50 – ROCKING! – Congratulations on hitting 50 days Gambling Free! As you’ve written this week, it’s a strange feeling shutting down online accounts but cathartic too. As you say, it’s tempting, the ‘cunning’ bit of us, to keep a gambling ‘back door’ open, but we can’t, of course. Slam every single door shut. It’s the only way. Imagine the sound of the door slamming, like some massive, heavy prison gate. Imprisoning that gambling demon.
Leeders100 – 39 – ROCKING – Our latest STRIVER; congratulations! Why not ban yourself from the bookies; easy done by phoning this number (working hours, Monday to Friday). Why risk a temptation?
NEW & re-RESOLVED MEMBERS
Stephen the Strong (previously Abstainer) (*ELDER status achieved*) – 13 - re-RESOLVED – Nothing wrong with a name change, Stephen – it’s all about tweaking our strategies to help improve our changes of a gambling-free journey. Nothing’s simple, nothing’s easy; but you keep on trying and that matters a great deal. Always with you Stephen.
Amt722 – 5 – (*ELDER status achieved*) - re-RESOLVED – Keep at it, Amt722; fully understand you’re going through the wars, mate.
Christer1 – 17 – re-RESOLVED – I hope you enjoyed half-term with your kids; what a great time it is. They’re back at school next week and I daresay you’ll be back at work (like me; my illness coincided with holiday leave, worse luck). Spring soon; better weather and better times ahead!
LEAVING THE CHALLENGE
Any of us can leave the challenge at any time; we come and go. Our mantra's always the same: “Whatever helps”. Changemylife, we all wish you well.
RESTED THIS WEEK
4D – RESTED – I have to rest you 4D, but hope you’re Ok. Do let us know how you’re doing; we care.
Clarence123 – RESTED – You’re welcome back any time Ok!
STATS FOR NERDS:
We welcome 1 new member, rest 2 and say goodbye to 1 member this week. We currently have 2 GURUs, 8 ELDERs, 7 STRIVERs and 3 NEW/re-RESOLVEDs; a net total (inc. our newbie) of 21.
*** JOKE OF THE WEEK ***
Three male dogs are walking down the street when they see a beautiful, enticing, female Poodle.
The three male dogs fall all over themselves in an effort to be the one to reach her first, but end up arriving in front of her at the same time.
The males are speechless before her beauty, slobbering on themselves and hoping for just a glance from her in return.
Aware of her charms and her obvious effect on the three suitors, she decides to be kind and tells them “The first one who can use the words “liver” and “cheese” together in an imaginative, intelligent sentence can go out with me.”
The sturdy, muscular black Lab speaks up quickly and says “I love liver and cheese.”
“Oh, how childish,” said the Poodle. “That shows no imagination or intelligence whatsoever.”
She turned to the tall, shiny Golden Retriever and said “How well can you do?” “Ummmm...I HATE liver and cheese,” blurts the Golden Retriever.
“My, my,” said the Poodle. “I guess it’s hopeless. That’s just as dumb as the Lab’s sentence.”
She then turns to the last of the three dogs and says, “How about you, little guy?”
The last of the three, a Britsh Bulldog, waddles up, scrunchies up his little wrinkled face, gives her a smile and a sly wink then turns to the Golden Retriever and the Lab and says...
“Liver alone. Cheese mine!"
🙂
Keep strong and keep smiling everyone!
Mixer
I’m sorry to say I gambled, Mixer. I’ve changed my name from Moorey because I wanted a completely fresh start.
Could I rejoin the challenge?
Checking in for another week.
Yesterday was tough went to the capital to watch my football team (lose) and seemed to be a bookmakers on every corner was so tempted to pop in put £20 in the machine and try and increase my money for spending so glad I didn’t.
I have self excluded from all of the bookmakers locally using that function but to be honest I’ve been back in and they haven’t said anything to me at all.
It’s really about me and my battle with the mind about stopping this I feel really confident at the moment but Cheltenham is around the corner and that will be my true test.
Thanks for all you help and comments.
261 GF DAYS !!!!! Let’s goooooo! All the day long baby ! Cheers mixer , I’m sticking to my word ! I ain’t gambling and telling yahhh 🙂 happy days people
Sars
Cheers for the update mixer much appreciated.
​
Hey Mixer and fellow challengers! Sorry not to have checked in for a while.. Was having a bit of a break from everything! I didn't realise it had been so long since I logged in! All is good though and no gambling I'm glad to say :)) living such a different life these days!! My blocks are in place and I prefer it that way, I can't gamble any more so why worry... any problems or thoughts I know I can bring to my group...and the rest of the week is my own so I'm doing OK. Keep strong everyone x
Hello Mixer glad your on the mend.
Another great Rollcall. Very informative, excellent advice and good humoured.
Wishing you and all the challengers a week of peace, contentment and fun.
Yes I had lovely week back to work ton though. Upto 19 days today hopefully one fith of the way to my next target
Yes I had lovely week back to work ton though. Upto 19 days today hopefully one fith of the way to my next target
Checking in 103 days gf
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