Our exceptionally valuable & regular contributor, Molehole, sadly had a slight slip after five gamble-free years. He is feeling like any of us would feel, like he is starting again, like this is his Day 1.
Five gamble-free years is an exceptional, exceptional achievement - not only that, Molehole has been kind enough to devote many hours helping others here with sound, intelligent advice; this five years is not something that should be swept under the carpet and seen as a failure; in fact, we should put him on a pedestal and recognize the hard work and success that he has had.
So, and I hope others do, take this opportunity to say thank you and well done to Molehole, as well as wishing him all the very best for his Part Two (I really don;t believe in Day 1, and I have a sincere dislike for that term), one which I am sure will be his last and final footsteps down this dark path. I admire and respect you hugely my friend.
JamesP
Thanks JamesP - that truly is one of the kindest things I've ever read. You've made my week. Sincerely.
I'm relieved to say that Saturday night seems to have been a one-off, a moment of madness, a 'disturbance in the Force' š Maybe there was a full moon? But I'm straight back on the horse of abstinence and my resolve is now stronger than ever. (Especially now I'm even more keenly aware of my need to guard against complacency).
The negative memories and feelings I got on Sunday morning reminded me of a time I'd long tried to forget - and had succeeded in doing. I guess it's like sticking my hand into a fire years ago - I can remember doing it, but not the actual feeling of physical pain. I stuck my hand in the fire on Saturday and it all came back. So, I'm now using this fresh reminder to not do it again.
Heartfelt thanks again Mr P for taking the time to write such a generous thing. It's deeply appreciated.
My best wishes and respect,
Molehole x
Molehole mate, I echo JamesP's comments wholeheartedly. This doesn't have to be a setback, this is an achievement. You probably don't realize how much of a difference you make here - we haven't really spoken, but I have read a lot of your posts and they help a great deal. There are probably more people like me, reading and not responding, than there are people that do so there is a lot of unspoken grattitude. I am very grateful, and yep, you should be proud mate, thank you old pal, thank you.
Dear Molehole,
I actually joined to back up Big Terry and JamesP's comments here. He is not a member, but your comments on another thread actually made him think differently about a few things.
He is now eight months gamble-free, has joined the venture scouts as a troop leader, which has given him more pleasure than gambling ever could.
You may well have saved our marriage Molehole - how can this be your day 1 when you have come so far, achieved so much and inspired strangers to change their lives. I can never repay you for that, but I want you to know that I agree with every good word said about you here. Thank you and well done, from the bottom of my heart. Laura Jackson xxxxxxxxxxx
Molehole, what lovely tributes to you on this thread. I have only been visiting the site for the last month but your name is one of those I always click on to read as you have been such an articulate and inspiring contributor.
Heartfelt good wishes to you.
Joanna
Thanks so much guys, your words have overwhelmed me. I promise you this - I won't let you (or myself) down again.
Be well,
Mx
Hi Molehole
To go 5 years is amazing and definitely something you should be proud of. I am sure those of you who know you well (as I haven't yet had the pleasure of posting on your forum) will tell you that you have not let them down and you have not let yourself down.
5 years ago you started an amazing journey to become gamble free (well I don't think we ever become free of the shackles) and I bet you thought it was an impossible journey. If somebody told you that you would have one blip in 5 years time you would have probably bitten their hand off because for me on 8 days I see 5 years as being the biggest challenge ever and if you can promise me I will be gamble free for 5 years and have 1 blip I will bite your hand off here and now.
So be proud of what you have done and as so many of us are doing start from day 1 again and every day fight the gambling demons.
Take care
Craig
Best wishes
Hi there bud I've copied a post admin put on one of my post where you can exclude from all uk casinos in one go. I thought you might find this useful.
Thanks to you both for highlighting your experience of these recently developed schemes for self-exclusion; I thought I would bump up your thread so it continues to get attention.
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