*** Join The Guru Challenge! ***

Checking in on Day 75

MINI CATCH-UP!

Good morning everyone. I don't know about you, but down here in the South East the temperature is still hotter than a Brexit debate - 31 degrees and only 11am (at time of writing). However, the real heat relates to our efforts to manage our gambling problem; permanent abstention our goal, one day at our time our instruction, solid blocks and support our guidance and practical measures.

STOP PRESS!

Here are a couple of 'news' items in case you missed them.

GAMSTOP is now fixed - it had teething problems that prevented many of us from successfully applying - but it's fixed! If online gambling's your problem, then ban yourself from online casinos for 5 years - no less. It takes a minute and uses your name and address to stop you registering with casinos, and bans you from those you've already joined. There's no excuse not to join, frankly.

And another bit of news ... the Gamcare Chatline's back up and running. It's in a 'beta' mode as it gets up to speed and irons out the wrinkles ... here are the details and times etc. Why not give it a try - it's a positive and lively place to be.

Ok. How are we doing?

Tara - thank you for a great read as always. I fully take your point that the elegance and simplicity of 'one day at a time' is fundamental to stopping gambling. And I like your GA quote too! And likewise, fully with you that we need to share our problems and not bottle them up. Otherwise we get stressed and that could lead to a relapse. *49 days GF! *

Christer1 - It is unnerving to leave for anywhere without sufficient reserves of cash, especially when away on business etc. The secret is to have a lum sump emergency reserve, say £100, that you have to fully account for with a trusted loved one who's looking after your finances. Any shortfall must be explained to them. Spend any of it on gambling and you'll have broken the trust and bond with that person - their anger will be justified. Great to see you back in the non-gambling saddle! *6 days GF*

SlotFool - thank you for checking in and delighted things are going great guns - one day at a time! *260 days GF *

Egdam - That's a great idea - if any 'triggers' are making you think about gambling, then drive straight on here, the Gamcare forums. Write a post, maybe, or catch up with your buddies here on the Challenge. We'll keep you on the straight and narrow 🙂 *82 days GF*

Godoicul - glad you're enjoying the summer and for all the right reasons. Eat/Drink/Darts repeat - sounds like heaven to me! * 249 days GF *

caughtup - thank you for passing by and checking in; keep it going! *49 days GF *

Adam123 - Great to read you've joined Gamstop - a key blocker in place. You're building up monemtum again, getting that dynamo fully spinning once again. Whilst you might be in a rut, it's a path well-travelled and so long as you're not gambling you WILL get out of it - in ways that may surprise you. Because no gambling means more opportunity. * 4 days GF *

Wardal1979 - I'm glad Gamstop is working for you. There's no point in registering with any casino not yet covered by Gamstop - because when they do join (and they ALL will by next month) any deposits will be forfetted! Time for you to enjoy life and 69 days into a gambling free life, you're doing just that! * 69 days GF *

Stephen - As always, I enjoy your elequent, committed, honest posts. And I've got a Challenge for you. Think back, during the last two months, and add up how much you've lost and also the time it tool you to lose the money. As we know, gambling sessions are usually very short in duration. A trip to the bookies can be over in 10 minutes and you can easily be £500 down. Divide the money you've lost by the time it took to lose, in hours. That's how much gambling costs, per hour. If you lost £300 and it took you 1 hour to lose, that's £300 an hour. Wow...is that poor value, or what? *8 days GF*

DeterminedDan - thank you for your kind words. And hitting 75 days gambling-free today hits the spot too! *75 days GF*

RubyBaby123 - Lovely to hear fron you Ruby - and looking forward to 31st July when you'll hit a month blessedly gambling-free! Always one day at a time, always on your guard, and always remembering what drove you to go gambling free in the first place! Excellent stuff Rubes! *361 days GF - wow!*

Chartom3 - You're cruisin' through those gambling-free days, and, despite choppy seas - because this journey isn't easy - you're keeping your eyes firmly fixed on the big prize - a better life for you, your loved ones and, indirectly, everyone around you who sees the real Chartom3!

WhereIsMyMind - gambling is distracting and it holds back our careers or whatever we want to achieve in life. You're grabbing the initiative back with both hands and doing great! * 49 days GF *

Right - I just need to peel myself out of this chair and cool down with an ice cream or three ...!

Let's keep strong everyone. Every morning, say to yourself: "Just for today, I won't gamble. I don't HAVE to, so I choose NOT to."

Mixer

I think people are thinking I don't approve of not gambling if you are a compulsive gambler. I am not saying or trying to suggest that. I'm not planning on gambling nor do I want to see anyone else gamble here.

Full Moon Energy today; the moon is an intense source of energy and can effect our moods and choices. Full on recovery or full on addiction. How about a feast! I had full on disappointment over the last few days but not related to gambling. I felt like running and I had the time , I still have the time... I am alone and I have some cash and I felt and still feel like running to turn my back on feelings. Over the last day my urge to run has softened. I have some resources. I talked to friends /text (better than nothing) and I came to recovery sites. IT's all virtual yet it has a strong 'real' element as it's part of our modern day connection options. Without the virtual realm I would feel alone. The world and people are busy. I'm making the most of this day and I'm happy that my disappointment and also my pain has lessened. I can handle this. Just for today ! odaat tara2

Thanks for the cach up mixer u r so right bout limiting the money u can have available. The school hols will be good cause being eluded online and bookies i am not gonna go miles with him to waste precious time i get with him. Bring on the rain tommorow.

Thanks Mixer for the mention ..... enjoying doing things i can now afford to do now that i no longer gamble 🙂

Thank you for a Fridays mini - catch up Mixer. As always it was a great read, very informative and inspiring.

Stephen here on double figures and full of hope that my time has come. I'm on the Guru Challenge and heading for freedom.

No more fooling about, no more excuses and no more gambling. I am on a mission and nothing is going to stop me this time.

Checking in on Day 78.

I’m feeling positive about my recovery this time round. I’ve made changes, added more blocks and confided in my partner about my problem gambling.

I’m happy for her to check on my finances when she feels neccessary. At the moment she’s doing random checks which I’m happy with. I feel like a massive weight has been lifted now that I have someone else who knows about my addiction. That has made the difference.

I’ve ear marked the 21st August as the day I hope to reach 100 days gamble free.

Checking in still gf, much love and thoughts to all x

Day 10 for me. Ive got lots of spare time on my own and no urges to ruin again. In my town we have 4 lad#### shops and 2 are closing so maybe we are winning over them

I’m a newbie - just installed Gamban and Betfilter on my Mac and Iphone - wish I had done it ages ago fantastic

Checking in 63 days gf☺

Checking in day 105!

Second longest iv gone, should be moving house in next 2 weeks if solicitors get their finger out! thats helping me keep busy.

Checking in on day 53, very tired after a night shift but now I have 2 weeks off work and a week away with the kids next week. Certainly wouldn't have had the money if I was still gambling. Glad I found this thread, keep up the good work Mixer!

Checking in day 222 gamble free but one day at a time is how to build them numbers. Every day is a battle we have to win if we are going to win the war.

Enjoy the sunshine people.

Iain