Day 111.
England are in a final for the first time since 1966, and I am buzzing to tell you the truth!
When I really absorb my thoughts and feelings today, the 'buzz' I am feeling has nothing to do with gambling or money...just the pure love of football, which I sense has a deeper connection to my childhood when gambling or money weren't a 'problem' in my life.
This EURO 2020 tournament has been my first football experience WITHOUT gambling involved since EURO 2012.
When the tournament kicked off in early June, I honestly wasn't sure how to approach this experience without the usual buzz of having money on each game I watched. So before it began, I took a moment to think deeply about what I used to love about football growing up, and I remembered it was all about the memories of certain games connected to the people and places I was with at that time. I made a pledge that EURO 2020 would be a tournament I build lots of atmospheric memories to fall in love with...and it has worked! I've been around small groups of friends celebrating England's progress to simply sat on my sofa with my girlfriend enjoying a penalty shoot-out!
I guess what I'm trying to express here is that I never thought it was possible to replace that 'gambling buzz' that I've connected to football over the 6 years I was a gambling addict. But here I am over the moon that England are in a final and I've got a buzz that comes from the pure enjoyment of supporting a football team progress through a tournament.
One day at a time, I grow stronger healthy habits within my life and I really feel happy when I come into conversation with anyone else who is starting their journey knowing they can go through a similar experience of realising how good life can be from the simplest of things!
Thank you for taking the time to read my post, I hope you all have a wonderful week.
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@azzabazza I must say I feel what your feeling too and it’s great watching the football without gambling! I find the current rush and buzz of this tournament a bigger high than any gambling’s that I have ever done. Maybe I should go on rollercoasters more often as I am scared of them just as much as the ball being near England’s goal.
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anyways keep up the good fight being gamble free.
dave101Â
Hi Dave,
The comment about the ball being near England’s goal made me laugh. Going to be so tense on Sunday night’s game.
It’s extremely comforting to know there is someone else out there who feels the same about the buzz of watching football again for the pure love and excitement of the game.Â
I decided at the start of the tournament to buy an England shirt from the shops - cost me a bomb in truth! - but I convinced myself that it was a reward for completing 80 days gamble free at that time, and have used it as a symbol to remind myself of how well I am doing.
Life is refreshing when I pinpoint the small things again.
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I wish you the best in fighting on your journey too
Indeed it was a tense game on Sunday, I guess the best team won but I am proud of those lads who played and all the supporting staff and of course the manager.Â
back to reality now but it was a welcomed distraction the football. I hope all is wellÂ
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dave101
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