Hi Mixer, I would like to join the challenge. I’m on day 6.
Thanks for the rollcall Mixer, great read as usual .... checking in on day 75 still on the right track where i am doing my upmost to remain.
Over 2 months since I last gambled and I’m feeling a lot better for it. Also just done 3 weeks off beer which was good to reboot the liver. Payday this week so I’ll be really happy if I’m still gamble free this time next week.
Hope everyone else is having a good non gambling week.
268 GF DAYS ! Checking in 🙂 cheers mixer my man 🙂
Morning Mixer. Hope your feeling good and enjoying the weekend. You are nearing the 200 day mark and your journey has been exemplary. You have done what you had to do, you have forged ahead with courage and given so much support and encouragement to your fellow travellers
Earlier i closed my eyes and had a 10 minute stroll through Mixer Wood. Very pleasant and I must complement you on the upkeep. Ideal habitat for both flora and fauna, well maintained and a sanctuary for animals and insects who happily go about their business in a safe and secure environment. A very peaceful setting.
Stephen the Strong reporting in with 20 days gamble free and on a mission to stay that way.
** GURU CHALLENGE - Latest WEEKLY ROLLCALL! ***It's Sunday, 25th February 2018
Good afternoon everyone!
Now, you may (or may not!) have noticed that I’ve not been very active on the forums lately. That’s because I’m still under the weather … this cold I’ve had has drained my energy more than most I’ve had over the last few years.
Maybe it’s because this has been one of the colder winters of late and there are a few more germs about; whatever the case, let’s all keep looking after ourselves.
“Never go cold and never go hungry” is a maxim I’ve never forgotten. And so long as we continue not to gamble, we can keep warm and keep well fed. Not gambling means we look after ourselves and those who need and depend on us – let’s not forget them, too!
It’s a short month, February, so pay packets are imminent (you might have already been paid). Don’t waste your money on gambling; please don’t P**s your money up the wall.
What’s the point in that? Because if you do happen to win, you’ll give it back, and then some more. You know that, I know that. That’s what makes us recovering compulsive gamblers. You are worth so much more than that.
And if you have lapsed, had a blip, you know what to do. Stop gambling immediately and get back ‘in the saddle'.
I’ve been there, my friends. Speaking as someone who has relapsed many times, I wish I hadn’t continued gambling when I did relapse because I simply got myself in deep trouble again. It’s how you deal with any relapses – immediately – that counts.
And you get full kudos from me and our group when you hold your hands up, because it shows respect for us and, most importantly, yourself. We are behind you; we support you; we want you to manage this condition, day-by-day, shoulder-to-shoulder!
Here’s a famous poem that reminds us that if we do nothing to help ourselves, nothing will happen.
If you always think how you have always thought
Then you will always feel how you always felt
If you always feel how you always felt
Then you will always do what you have always done
If you always do what you have always done
Then you will always get what you have always got
If you always get what you always got
Then you will always think how you always thought
NOTHING CHANGES IF NOTHING CHANGES
So, how are we all doing this week…
WE WELCOME
2018 – Welcome aboard! I’ve been reading your posts and great to see you’ve accepted you have a problem and are doing something about it. Yesterday, you realized the importance of time and how best to use it; with your family, not some tennis match hosted thousands of miles away that you wouldn’t have given a fig about if you hadn’t placed a bet on it. Welcome to the challenge, 2018!
WE WELCOME BACK
Determined Dan (previously Moorey) – Welcome back, Dan. You had a ‘blip’ but you’re back on the gambling-free path right away. Good move. What can you do to ‘plug the gap’ that you ‘sneaked through’ to gamble, Dan…? With you all the way, as always, my friend.
Our GURUs
Phil72 – 747 days – ROCKING! As you’ve said, you’re missing your wife like crazy. So all power to you keeping your commitment to this most important journey, day by day.
Degenerate – 334 – ROCKING! – Sometimes, being in a recovering state, as we are, makes us philosophical. We think about things. In your recent post, you referenced accountability, belief and negativity. I would say we are accountable – to ourselves, and indirectly others. Belief is a state of mind; and believing that we will not gamble today is enough. Yes, negativity is easy to propagate and ‘flower’ if we let it, but reasserting our belief, for today, will keep the gambling aspects at bay.
Our ELDERs
Sars27 – 268 days – ROCKING! – Thank you for checking in this morning and, as ever, delighted life’s treating you well. I have no doubt that, on days when things aren’t going so well, you deal with them pragmatically, realistically and it’s this inner steel that’s driving you forward. Fantastic Sars!
Rubybaby – 212 days - ROCKING! – Almost seven hard-won, hard-fought, gambling free months Rubybaby and a better life as a result. Sure, they’ll be slings and arrows you’ll need to fend off; life does what life does, but you’re in a much better place.
Mixer – 198 – ROCKING! My recent cold and chest infection has drained me, but, one important flip-side, has kept me out of temptation so I remain gambling free, looking forward to my first “200 days G/f” for many, many years. I have no choice; either a better life or utter, utter misery down the road. These are tough times – why make them tougher?
4D – ROCKING! - Welcome back, I’m sorry I had to rest you. Thank you for getting back in touch and delighted you remain GF and, most importantly, enjoying life!
Boxingdayfresh – 147 days – ROCKING – I haven’t heard from you for a little while, BDF – do let us know how things are going.
Marson123 – 119 - ROCKING! – You’re doing great Marson and hope you’re keeping the faith, keeping going – this is a short month and payday around now; let’s keep building on the success and proving you want that better life.
Slotfool - 108 – ROCKING! – Loving your attitude and approach Slotfool. This means something to you. You’ve dived into the gambling-free swimming pool, and more than just treading water. You’re starting to swim about, still splashing about a bit, but you like it, and want more of it!
Our STRIVERS
Chartom3 (*ELDER status achieved*) – 71 – ROCKING! You’re exactly right. We are weak and willpower isn’t enough (that describes me, by the way, to a tee). It’s all about the effectiveness of the blocks we put in place. And your blocks are not just holding; you’re continuing to build. This is the basis of a good, solid strategy that will continue to put you in good stead. This isn’t easy – it is a struggle – but you’re doing great Chartom.
NiceNormalFamily - 72 – ROCKING! – You checked in last week and hope that everything’s still going great guns in your world!
Godoicul – 58 – ROCKING! – You’re having an all-round detox and that’s just great. Off the gambling, check. Off the booze, check. As a result, you’re thinking clearer, feeling better and able to really take stock. Keeping at it, with a steadier drinking pattern – less binges the better – will really set you up long term. The progress you’re making is actually the making of you.
Adam123 - 64 – ROCKING! – You are an absolute diamond Adam because I know how much you’ve struggled and know that you don’t find it easy. But you are really digging in this time. It is noticed and we are all really behind you. 64 days not gambling is excellent. Keep it going Adam. You’re doing great, my friend.
Ineffable – 57 – ROCKING! – You wrote that a creditor is starting to ask for more interest but I would push back on that; they’re trying it on. Damned cheek! I’d look at MoneySavingExpert and do something; could save you hundreds. Aside from that, you’re dealing with life, and it’s easier to do without the complications and irritations of gambling getting in the way. Keep going Ineffable! Thank you for your kind words in your update.
Leeders100 – 46 – ROCKING – Keeping it going, Leeders, all good stuff. Last week, you followed the football and your team lost. They might’ve won yesterday but the point is we can’t bet because if we do win, we eventually lose it and then lose some more. At least you can enjoy the game itself now; whatever way to goes.
NEW & re-RESOLVED MEMBERS
Stephen the Strong - (*ELDER status achieved*) – 20 - ROCKING! – We share something in common, Stephen – it’s porridge. I have a bowl every morning, with a banana. Works out about 25p and that includes milk. And as you say, infinitely better than the ‘porridge’ we could be facing if we continue to gamble with inevitable consequences ‘at the end of the road’. A really powerful analogy that, Stephen, and am glad you enjoyed you stroll around Mixer Wood earlier - you are always welcome, my friend!
Christer1 – 24 – ROCKING! – You have referenced a diary you’ve found really useful – Neveragain42 and it contains, as you say, some really good tips and advice. Certainly, a recommended read! Meantime, you’re heading to Striver again, one day at a time!
Lea samp – 15 days – ROCKING! - Hi Lee and hope all’s well with you! I wonder, did you go to GA? It would be interesting to hear how you got on. Meantime, two weeks under your belt gambling-free; great start!
RESTED THIS WEEK
I was chatting to a mate recently who used to work in a pub behind the bar. He told me that an elderly regular used to disappear over the cold winter only to start visiting the pub again on the 1st March where he would triumphantly announce: “I’ve survived February, son, so I’ll last out the year!”. He repeated this routine every year, always on the 1st March. Until one year, when, on the 1st March, he didn’t turn up. It turned out he died on the 15th February. He didn’t last the end of winter, couldn’t get past the cold, cruel February weather and hence prophesised his own passing.
I mention this because we’ve had 6 of our group ‘rested’ from the Challenge this February. It has been, indeed, a cruel month.
But on the flip side, if you have seen out February you should be able to see out the whole year!
And if February has bitten you on the a*se, then come back and join us. You can see out the whole year, too!
Raj – RESTING – I haven’t heard from you awhile, Raj, but hope all’s while. I’ve felt you’ve been, like many of us I guess, on the ‘tightrope’ for a while and your recent visit to the casino wasn’t a good sign, I think that’s reasonable to suggest, ‘outsider looking in’. Being GF is tough; we’re here for you Ok.
Paulll – RESTING – Do let us know how you’re getting on. This isn’t easy and the ‘road of life is strewn with pebbles’ – not plain sailing. Do get back in touch if you’d like to.
Addictlondon – RESTED – We haven’t heard from you and so have to rest you from the Challnege. But you’re welcome back anytime!
Amt722 - RESTED – After a long gambling-free ‘streak’ I’ve realized your struggling right now and taken you off the challenge as haven’t heard from you for a month or so. Just let us know if you’d like to return, meantime understand you may want some ‘space’.
STATS FOR NERDS: 1 new member, 2 who have rejoined us and 4 rested this week. We currently have 2 GURUs, 8 ELDERs, 6 STRIVERs and 4 NEW/re-RESOLVEDs; a net total (inc. our newbie) of 21.
*** JOKE OF THE WEEK ***
I don’t know about you, but people loudly on their mobile phones on trains can be mighty annoying. This joke made me laugh…!
After a tiring day, a commuter settled down in his seat and closed his eyes.
As the train rolled out of the station, a woman sitting next to him pulled
out her mobile phone.
She started talking in a loud voice: "Hi sweetheart. It's Sue. I'm on the train".
"Yes, I know it's the six thirty and not the four thirty, but I had a long
meeting. No, honey, not with that Kevin from the accounting office. It was
with the boss. No sweetheart, you're the only one in my life.. Yes, I'm sure,
cross my heart!"
Fifteen minutes later, she was still talking loudly.
When the man sitting next to her had enough, he leaned over and said into
the phone:
"Sue, hang up the phone and come back to bed."
Sue doesn't use her mobile phone in public any longer!
🙂
Keep strong and keep smiling everyone!
Mixer
Thanks for the welcome back, Mixer 🙂
Checking in on Day 7
Hope you’re feeling better soon, buddy! It’s been a particularly nasty winter. Lots and lots of people have been struck down with what they have described as “the worst cold I’ve ever had!”.
Hope you’re feeling more like it soon. Take care
Cheers Mixer. That old guy ain’t kidding February really is a b***h!!
Good to see you back here Mixer, i defo noticed you wasn't. You are a big voice on this forum. Hope you feel better soon mate =)
Hi Mixer and fellow challengers. I can only apologise for being quiet. Day 119 and looking back over the last 4 months looking how far I have come. I still think everyday of the damage gambling has done to my life and that keeps me strong, every time I even think of it i just remember the sadness and the anger at how bad I let myself go. Moving forward now and feeling good. Ive achieved so much in the last few weeks all through hard work and by staying focused. This challenge keeps me on the straight and narrow knowing that 1 slip up will not only let me down but also my fellow challengers. Mixer thanks for another great roll call hope the cold goes soon I have had the same just trying to shake the last bit of it off now. So well done to all challengers wherever you are with your battle but remember we are all here for 1 reason and by determination, honesty and hard work we will continue the battle and live life for us!!!
Have a good week everyone.
Mick
Cheers mixer another week down and I can gladly say I'm no longer struggling. Haven't set foot in a pub for two months now and i don't intend to go into one in the future .
​
Thank you Mixer. Great weekly rollcall which was thought provoking, informative and light hearted in a serious way. I liked the poem which I thought was quite clever.
Sorry your still not feeling 100% due to cold/flu syptoms, hope it clears up soon.
Wishing all the Guru Challengers a good gamble free week. Contented and happy.
Hi Guys, checking in still GF...been really busy recently work home- few normal night outs-no casinos! Keep strong and GF..you are all doing well
Good roll call I've have a lot to take my mind of gambling as my 15 yr old daughter overdosed so I am spending time with my fam more than ever
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