*** Join The Guru Challenge! ***

Checking in on day 152 still gamble free

Hello to Mixer and the Guru Challengers. Hope everyone is feeling ok today. After all is said and done we might as well enjoy our gamble free adventure. People occasionally have "lightbulb moments," which gives them more clarity. If we all have one of those moments today than it will brighten up the recovery road and make our journey a lot more jolly.

Compulsive gamblers in action are under the control of an insidious addiction, whereas in recovery we are free to make our own choices as to gambling or not gambling. All fairly obvious yet we choose to complicate matters in an effort to justify our irrational behaviour.

What could possibly be simpler than making a decision not to gamble just for today. When tomorrows comes along we can make a similar decision.

I think its best not to think about money, where has it got us thinking about it, what is it really just a way to keeping people working towards keeping our country running and the people in it safe. If we try to help thru our work or volantering work then we are putting something towards the running of this country. Irrelative of how we get paid, how much we have in the bank or how much we owe we are here to live our lives and to make a difference. Why not think about what we want in life , what we want to achieve and most importantly how we can help. For one week lets not think about money lets not try to make more of it or less of it lets just think about what we can achieve. Rant over. Stephen ur positivity allways shines thru just try to enjoy ur retirement if u stumble get back up as u have and enjoy ur swimming and dancing, that's really what lifes all about..

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I feel emotionally sick. Triggered while feeling bad already. I did get to talk to the person who triggered and feel some resolve. But without being able to connect with him and calm down a bit... it feels like the end of the world. I had driven off to gamble during times like this where my ability of cope keeps getting worn down. And I also have driven off to gamble when feel immune to the addiction and very good overall, only to come home feeling like the world could end. Well, I'd rather deal with emotional triggers then a gambling hangover and total financial mess. Emotions can be dealt with and once I feel better there is nothing else to deal with but with gambling the aftermath had always been way beyond an easy fix. The effects of gambling reach far into the future. One of the reasons I'm so hurt right now is because of all those years gambling and the prolonged effects. I'm happy to be here to write this. Life is getting better odaat. gf almost 2 months! tara

Tara2 you just nailed it for me... as much as people have probably used the term gambling hangover, I have never heard or used that term.. and now am going to keep to that every time I think about gambling... “it’s been x amount of days and I can’t be dealing with the gambling hangover”... if I put that in front of me I can crack it!!

Four days ago, I made a terrible mistake and spent what could have been a perfectly fine, sunny Sunday throwing my hard-earned cash away just for the cheap thrill of the sounds and lights of an online video slot. What took me there after a month of being gamble free and feeling so proud of having achieved the Striver status in this forum? I don't even know. One minute I was doing some shopping online on my tablet - only device I own without blocking software- and the next I had logged in to the only site I hadn't self-excluded from and made a deposit, and then another... It felt almost like being sleepwalking.... A couple of hours later- and £160 poorer- I felt sick to my stomach and reacted.I withdraw the few pounds left I had and started a live chat to self exclude from there as well. It was a bad dream. Guilt took over. I posted here to apologise and admit my mistake publicly and then I tried to register with GamStop but couldn't do it online. I phoned twice and the agents promised me to email instructions to join but, as of today, I still have not received anything so I feel a bit let down.

Today I feel calmer, focused. I have not given a lot of thought to what happened last Sunday as it's done and nothing is going to change that. I want to think that it happened for a reason: to make me stronger, to give me yet another weapon to fight this addiction. Time will tell.

NEW! The first-ever MINI-CATCHUP - 11th May 2018

*** I'm going to change the format of this Guru Challenge a bit. From today, I’m introducing mini-catchups where I personally respond to everyone who posts a message here on this thread. These 'mini rollcalls' will be more frequent (every few days) and more personal. I will, of course, still keep the 'scores on the doors' in respect of our daily totals - so I'll still Rollcall everyone's GF days - but less frequently (every two weeks). I hope you like the change; and, like I say, mean I can be a little more 'fleet of foot' and post more meaningfully and more often. You're welcome to tell me what you think. ***

Hello, friends. I've been away for a couple of days but it's been really something to catch up reading the typically thoughtful and searingly honest posts on this thread. It's really helpful to share our experiences; our support for each other amazing. We're good people, all trying to break free of this sticky, maddening sellophane-like gambling layer we've all been wrapped up in. All we want to do is shine - shine for us, shine for our friends and shine for our futures. Let's never lose sight of the dream; we can achieve the reality.

Sars27 - Thank you for checking in my friend. No worries you're only here from time-to-time; it's great that you pop by. I give you and your lovely family my best wishes, as always.

Serendipity77 - I'm sorry to hear you've had a relapse; I hope it wasn't too painful financially and also hope you've looked into what happened and put into place remedies so that you can't gamble even if you wanted to. When I've relapsed in the past it cuased a mini depression; I withdrew a bit and wasn't in a good place. I hope you're Ok and you're with friends here, Serendipity, Ok. And, like you, I've found Gamstop a bit of a pain to join because of the teething troubles; but do persevere. It's so worth it - and nothing good usually comes easy!

Ineffable - Thank you for letting me know you'd like a break from our group and, of course, thats no problem and you never have to explain. Keep strong my friend.

Stephen67 - As always it is a pleasure to read your exquisitiely worded, caring posts. I know you've been on a rollercoaster health-wise lately and glad to hear you're in good spirits. You listed some key positive things that Ineffable has achieved and they're worth repeating here because they are some good maxims to live by : "Handing over finances to his sister, blocking gambling sites, swimming, cycling, healthy eating, moderate alcohol intake, professionalism at work and social interaction with work colleagues."

Jeffutd - Great to see you've hit 2 weeks gambling free. And great to see that you're on full alert when outside the gambling zone - these can lead to moments of weakness. Good to see your missus was keeping you in tow 😉

Xangel1x - thank you for the update Xangel. Good, good, good, great progress 🙂

John64 - Yes, we need to be on full alert, John, but, with good blocks in place and respectful of our situation, we are doing a good job. Steady as we sail, that's the way to be.

Mitch91 - Delighted to see that you're taking possible steps, in all kinds of directions, as you start to defiantly veer away from the destructive life of old. Whilst your credit score is a bit battered right now it can be improved and brought back up to par - and there you have, right in front of your eyes, a strong motivation to continue this infinitely better new life.

Tara2 - thank you for your kind words. I like your anology - gambling is the spider and it's always trying to hook us into it's sticky web; and it never stops trying. Hence why we always need to remind ourselves daily not to gamble, and remember why. It's because it makes us sad. And we don't want to be sad. But I realise that you are going through a reflective spell right now and sorry to hear that you are going through the wars. We're in a similar age bracket, Tara, and you keep dreaming, because, god willing, we're here for a long time yet and those dreams you have can come true. We can create half the luck that comes our way, I honestly believe, and with your non-gambling conviction it will be better luck coming your way, that's for sure! It's interesting to hear of your "gambling hangover" phrase and it's true ... it's as bad as an alcoholic one. A good thing to remember should tempation every cross our path. Keep posting Tara - it's a real pleasure reading them.

DeterminedDan - thanks for checking in, Dan, and good to see you've hit a double-figure GF count. One day at a time, promising yourself you won't gamble, with solid blocks in place, is what counts.

Athena - Helllooooo stranger! It's great to hear from you again and really lovely that you've got back in touch. Looking forward to catching up and delighted you've caught the GF bus once again 🙂

Slot Fool - Fantastic to hear you're debt free; what a great feeling and also passing the six-month GF milestone too. You are richer - in so many different ways.

Boxingdayfresh - Of course you're welcome to rejoin. I'm nodding when I read your words - we're rational, so why do we gamble when we know it's bad for us? Sadly, we're 'wired' a bit differently and because of that we have the bug, I'm afraid. That's not an excuse to carry on; it's simply a way of recognising we do have a weakness and that we need to seek a remedy. And we can; and keep trying if we fall off the wagon. Welcome back BDF!

4D - Thanks for checking in, 4D! They say the fourth dimension is 'time'. I think the 5th is 'peace of mind'. One day, I might change my Gamcare name to 5D!

Dmpowell81 - thank you for your positive post, and welcome to the forums! Delighted to read you've hit Day 20 - that's excellent stuff. And heads held high indeed. Let's move forward with pride in ourselves - we want better lives for ourselves. Let's be proud of that!

Chartom - great to read you've smashed through the 150 day barrier. It's really great to read of how you're getting on Chartom.

Adam123 - Hey Adam, hope all's well with you my friend. I really like your idea about not thinking about money, but thinking about what really matters, the priceless things, people and moments that can really make this a better life for us all. Interesting how, as gamblers, we don't really respect money, yet, as non-gamblers we treat it with great care. A parodox that gives us yet another good reason to stay on the right road. I agree with you that Stephen's positivity and caring posts are a real boon for us all.

Take care everyone!

Mixer

boxingdayfresh wrote:

Good Evening

I’ve had a turbulent couple of months returning to gambling and found it difficult to stop.

I’ve wasted a fair bit of money again but I’ve finally decided enough is enough and I’m here to give it my best effort again. Hats off to you Slot Fool - your post makes me want to follow in your footsteps. I’ve plenty of debt but when I’m not gambling I pay it off regularly each month. But when I am gambling I’m also adding to my long term debts.

Wish I could listen to my rational self all the time and realise I cannot win. Gambling will only cause me pain and misery, anxiety and disappointment and more debt !

Best wishes to you Athena and I’m just one day behind you in your fresh start. I look fwd to following your journey one day at a time.

Mixer I hope I can rejoin ?

BDF

Thanks BDF, it hasn't been easy for me but I really am proud of how far I've come, a couple more hundred quid to go and I'm all square!
Sorry to hear you've had a difficult couple of months. You've done the right thing by coming straight back on the forum and back to racking up GF days. Well done and good luck

Checking in 288 days gf 🙂

Hi mixer hope all is well x

Life is pretty hectic at the moment! 3 teenage daughters, parents and a hubby to look after as well as work, but being busy helps me to stay focused.

My friends tell me to slow down have a break/ holiday but I worry if I have too much time to myself would I be able to stay focused and ignore the urges?

I worry I'm just running away from it and one day it's going to catch me up 🙁

Just the thought makes me feel ill.

Welldone rubybaby, nailing the keeping busy approach and enjoying being gambling free for a long period getting close to the year well done

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I'm doing some counseling online through email, got a deal and have about 3 weeks left. The counselor is a kind person. He said that considering all the hardship I've encountered, dealt with ( or created? ) throughout my life, he said that I sound exceptionally positive and hopeful. That's a good place to start with goals and ways to acheive them. OKAY, I'm up for that. If I'm actively working on designing my life ( inside and outside) with what ever resources I have, then old habits may fade?! Images of slot machines were in my head yesterday and I tried to let them pass and fade away. I wonder if I wake up with headaches and feel stress and nausea due to withdrawal from gambling... I think this is partially true. tara2

345 GF DAYS ! checking in mixer 🙂 I’m pumped up and ready for a a whole year GF!

Sars

Checking in on day 142.

BREAKING NEWS ..... Guru Challengers, spearheaded by the Mixer the Fixer, declare independence and demand freedom from gambling addiction.

Private Stephen 67 ..... 8 days away from his last skirmish with the gambling demons. Still bruised and battered but he sees victory in sight.

Guru challengers throughout the land are prepared for the battles that lie ahead. Bolstered by solidarity there is a sense of calmness and determination is in the air. The collective aim is to vanquish gambling addiction and end it's tyrannical rule over the gamcare community.

We shall fight them in cyberspace, we shall fight them in the bookies and we will fight them in the bingo halls. We will not rest or falter until our dream is realised. With stout heart and eternal hope we shall go forward together. It may not always be easy but we shall keep our resolve. We will not surrender or abandon our ideals. With gritted teeth or smiling faces we will keep moving forward with our heads held high.

Only 9 days gf but i feel joining gamstop has stopped alot of my urges cause theres no where to. Look now. Daughter is still not in a good place at moment