We CAN and we WILL - Join the 100 day and 2017 Challenges!

Hey Mix...

Thank you as always for keeping us motivated and on the right track to winning this battle, your daily updates are great but don't let it take over, remember to make time for yourself....

WCAWW!

M x

Hello Everybody,

Markman here. CG for about 12 twelve years but in my reality suspended conscience had the number at about for about 8 years until just now!

Main problem with sports gambling but over the past couple of years have diversified into FOTBs.

Have a caring wife and beautiful son and daughter who have all suffered as a result of my selfish and reckless actions.

Fun in gambling stopped many years ago but I continued to throw away money at it. I am bored with it and tired but still I want to do it.

I do not want to stop because of my addiction but I must stop while I still have a family, a job and a little money in my pocket until payday.

This is my boldest statement in my five years as a member but: "I vow to not gamble in any form for 100 days."

Can I join your group?

Best wishes

Markman

Checking in Day 10 gamble freeeee!

Day 57 gf

Checking in on day 40 🙂

Thank you Mixer for all your hard work and dedication

*** DAILY ROLLCALL for the 100 DAY CHALLENGE! *** - 31 magnificent hardy souls choosing life over misery, day by day. Join us if you seriously want to quit gambling forever... one day at a time. Join any time... just drop us a post!

For members of our group still Gambling Free (27 of us) - DAY 25 COMPLETE! Start date: 14th Dec 2016, End Date: 27th March 2017. We are doing well, making great progress, one day at a time.

For members of the group who've had a wobble, DAY 9 COMPLETE! Start Date: 1st Jan 2017, End Date 11th April. You are on the same path with us, just a few days ahead. We'll wait for you at the finish line because we are with you all the way. (Change - you're just a day behind on DAY 8, and newbie GI on DAY 4!)

No. Member/GF/Start Date 14/12/17 unless specified

No. Member
~~~~ ~~~~~~~~
1 babapapa ….. 33
2 Bal ….. 638
3 Barney ….. 40
4 Change ….. 8 (02/01/17)
5 Deeeaannn000 ….. 128
6 dsh ….. 26
7 DrewF ….. 12
8 fiddlesticks … 37
9 Gm88 ….. 18
10 JayH ….. 58
11 Jim24 ….. 26
12 JI ….. 4 (07/01/17)
13 Katiecoo …..41
14 klamm ….. 10 (01/01/17)
15 KP ….. 39
16 Lady h ….. 10
17 LHN ….. 10
18 M (SC) ….. 32
19 Mixer ….. 41
20 Moorey ….. 11
21 Paulgam …46
22 Rhoda ….. 36
23 Rogerson 29
24 Sam ….. 225
25 Silver …. 115
26 Skyblue …98
27 Sodawater …..18
28 Spud ….. 37
29 Start 2017 afresh ….. 10 (01/01/17)
30 Triangle 1035
31 Wardal …..44

Collective running total 2915

Good evening! And, if you haven't gambled since this challenge started, we are on 25 days. One quarter of the way there! Is it gettng easier? Well, yes, and no. Yes, because it IS actually... our brains are starting to wean themselves off this damaging pursuit. And no, because our brains are cunning, and we always need to be on our guard!

Thank you everyone for checking in, and also your kind comments. I've had another night out tonight, GF I hasten to add, and I'm enjoying a GF-free life! I hope you are, too - it's the kind of life we should ALL be living, day by day; that is, a life that's better than the alternative.

We are a very special and unique group making an amazing difference to our own lives. Whether genuinely having stopped for at least 25 days, or have admitted a 'blip' and are doing something about it, full respect to you all. 2017 really can be our year!

*** THOUGHT OF THE DAY ***

Members of our group who think they are going to hit 100 days GF ... will hit 100 days GF. Strange but true.

WCAWW!

P.S. Thank you for your post, Markman; you have asked to join our group. Anyone can join; it's unconditional. But I will be writing on your post, to get to know you a bit better. Your honesty is to be applauded. But I seriously want to see some intent.

P.P.S. I am going to have to 'rest' a number of our members in the next few days; I would rather not! If you would like to stay in our group, please let us know how you're getting on if you haven't lately - we care. If you've relapsed, let us know, and we'll pick you up; we're a team.

P.P.S. 2 days to go, Sbb .. rooting for you!!!!!

Checking in Day 1 if you will have me!

Markman

Bal in for the day gf x

Sam in for the day gamble free 🙂

I can confirm that yesterday Tuesday 10th January was gamble free for me.

I have not been in a good place physically or mentally for a couple of weeks (both outside of my direct control), however I am one hard, strong willed terrier, and after a couple more days of rest will return even stronger.

Tomorrow gets me to an amazing place, 100 days, its something I have been focussed on since I joined here.

As I have travelled on my short journey however, I have realised, that without fully understanding the nature of the beast and utilising every resource available to fight it, the chances are it WILL bite again and my day count will only be a marker between two disasters.

I have realised therefore that i cannot win, i have surrendered.

I have realised that yesterday is gone and tomorrow is yet to be, i only have to deal with today.

I have realised that gambling (for me) was the equivalent of self harming, and that its the triggers (the reasons for me wanting to hurt) that i need to address (My counselling starts in a couple of weeks).

I have also realised that my thinking 'I can beat this alone' is pure bloody-mindedness, the Gamecare community have shown me the power of sharing and caring and I now plan attend GA.

Finally (for now), I have realised that its cathartic to talk, I have spoken to those who I believe matter, have told them about my addiction and my strong desire to get well. To my surprise, a) It was a surprise to no-one, b) All couldnt have been/continue to be any more supportive.

Financially I had the first stress free Christmas in twenty years, yes my credit rating is a disaster, but I have a 12 month budget which totally clears my feet while providing for my family and realising some of the 'nice to have' things like holidays and home redecoration........all i have to do is not gamble ! Its as simple as that !

So yes im going to be proud as punch when I wake tomorrow, but i will take the energy and emotion that the milestone brings and put them in my defence bank ready to be called upon when the monster comes again.

Only next time i will not be alone.

Sbb

Brilliant post Sbb!

Checking In Day 33 🙂

M x

Checking in - Day 11 gamble free

Checking in on day 11. Struggling with my emotions and family stuff today and if I'm honest my first thought was if I had a go at the slots, I might get my big win. BUT then I remembered my partner needs my support for various reasons and I'm doing so so well...11days already! I can't wait to say on 1st January 2018, last year was gamble free. I am so thankful to have a place to air my thoughts x

Checking in day 11

​