Evening all,
This will be my 2nd time starting a 100 day gambling free challenge.
The last time I checked in regularly I had great success - 400 days gambling free (give or take a few days)! Long story short, i made the mistake of thinking I could gamble again on a small scale around New Year and learnt a very valuable lesson - NEVER GET COMPLACENT.....I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE URGE TO GAMBLE UNLESS GIVING UP ENTIRELY!
My primary driver is not really the money aspect despite spending way more than I can afford. Quite simply put, I dont like the person I become when gambling - preoccupied with thoughts of my next bet. A general disregard for the things that matter most in my life and lost time that could be spent with the people I love.
Gamcare was a crutch that supported me hugely when I last committed to a gambling free life. As such I vow to check in every day in the lead up to 100 days (and beyond) to maintain focus.
Please feel free to share stories of your own journey, offer advice, ask questions etc.
Lets do it......
Deano
Hey! I heard a saying at an OM 'you don't have to give up gambling forever, you just have to give up that first bet'.
Hi Deano, I am just starting my 100 day first target challenge today as well after i relapsed, so let's do this together, see if we can get back on track as we have done before.
Took a wrong turn wrote:
Hi Deano, I am just starting my 100 day first target challenge today as well after i relapsed, so let's do this together, see if we can get back on track as we have done before.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, would love to have you along for the ride! 🙂
Merry go round wrote:
Hey! I heard a saying at an OM 'you don't have to give up gambling forever, you just have to give up that first bet'.
Thanks for messaging. That first bet would take usually take place sometime this evening - lots planned to occupy the mind!
Day 1 done and dusted!
Stay strong all
Deano
Day 2 complete 🙂
Dean
Day 3 out of the way. No real urges so far, focus on updating this log 1 day at a time and filling my time with activities.
Stay strong
Deano
Deano
Tougher day today with a few loose thoughts but held them off.
Day 4 complete
Dean
Day 5 out of the way.
Now for the 1st major obstacle - the first weekend! Have lots planned to keep me busy. Wish me luck!
Dean
En route to the cinema with the lad for some Father Son bonding. Removes the need to think about the 3pm kick offs while spending some quality time with family.
The 1st Saturday is always the hardest - stay strong one and all 🙂
Dean
Slightly late but day 6 complete
Dean
Day 7 done and the 1st weekend out of the way. Feeling great that these 7 days are over - the 1st steps are always the hardest.
Dean
Late check in but day 8 was a success. Late into day 9 now and fast approaching the mini milestone of 10 days. Had a few wandering thoughts but managing to keep as busy as possible and filling any time previously spent gambling.
Seems to be doing the job so far and long may it continue.
Dean
On a side note just signed up to Gamstop to support my journey. A very simple process, I'll post the link below for any visitors:-
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
