Good Afternoon Everyone,
For the past 2 years an annual bet free thread has been available on the site. 2012 moderated by NT and Freda and last year moderated by myself. In 2012 I think 5 people achieved a bet free calendar year and last year 7 people accomplished this outstanding feat.
As has been proven some people find the focus threads very helpful. Currently there is a very successful 90 day thread operating moderated by Dave999. For this reason I think it would be a shame not to offer a 2014 focus thread.
I have copied the rules set for the last 2 years as a bet free 2014 means just that.
1. Not a single penny spent in any bookmakers.
2. Not a single penny spent on fruit machines.
3. Not a single penny spent on any form of online gambling.
4. Not a single penny spent on scratchcards or on any form of lottery. This includes syndicates.
What I suggest for this thread is it remains open for the whole year. The main reason for this is many people will adopt the philosophy of one day at a time which clearly works. Committing to a whole year may be over committing.
However, providing people meet the prerequisite of not gambling at all in 2014 they can be added to the list at a later date. So, if you get to May and think ok I feel I am ready to look further ahead then you can join the list then as long as you haven't gambled in 2014 to that point. The whole point is to provide help and focus and not pressure. Hopefully this will assist.
My commitment is to moderate this thread in 2014.
For the past 2 years the check ins for this thread were rolling. A new date was set after a check in. So, I suggest the same format but have check in weekends for added flexibility. Not everyone logs on everyday. A new check in date will be made on a Monday after a check in weekend.
First check in between Friday 24th and Monday 27th January.
Ok this is now live. If you feel you can really commit to a bet free 2014 sign up and I will get the list going.
2014 - Face Forward, Make it your year!
Flagg
Those making 2014 their year:
Flagg
Duncanmac
Delboy79
Talbs
Irene
Feb2013
ChicagoGuy
Paulds
Flagg
fella I don't know if you are aware that there is a 2014 gamble free thread running on the overcoming problem gambling section, run by Mr brightside.
I believe there is without doubt a place for a thread of this type on the forum and hope it has the growing success of last year.
I myself would like to be added to this thread as I am a believer in any medicine is great medicine and total abstinence is at the forefront of my mind.
Again thanks for taling the time and effort to moderate such a thread and hope to see a growth on last years successful contributers.
Regards Duncs
Stepping forward never back.
count me in as well guys, appreciate the efforts.
del
Hiya Flagg. Thanks for taking the time to set up and monitor the thread. I now know it's take a fair bit of time to really keep up with so fair play for doing another thread especially a year long one. I think I'm ready to commit to a year long thread. It's something I really want to commit to and I feel I'm better prepared than ever. I know it'll be tough - really tough. But I hope I'll be ready. I certainly look forward to the challenge.
Alright guys. I'm throwing my hat in the ring as well.. Flagg, kindly, please add me to the list.
-joan
Yes, I'd like to join. (Thanks Flagg!) Currently day 66 gamble-free for me so I'm feeling calm and stable. Dave999's 90-day thread has been a great help. I do take each day at a time but I am also feeling more able to take a long view as I rebuild my self-trust and am deepening my commitment to living gamble-free and to living a better life generally. 🙂
I can see some "red flag" times up ahead (probably April/May) when I am likely to get the opportunity and the money to gamble at the same time and I may well have become seriously complacent by then (at the moment my circumstances mean it's relatively easy to stay away from my poison). So getting into this thread now will be a great focus for me.
FF
I am new to gamcare and the recovery diaries. I would like to join this 2014 challenge however i had a slip on the 06/01/2014.
i know this would technically mean that i have had a bet in 2014. But maybe i could piggie back my own personal 365 day challenge onto this thread?
Hi
Can I join too please? I've found previous threads really help my motivation to stay focussed.
Thanks Flagg.
Take care
Irene
x
Just a quick update on progress, I think today is day 11 which feels great. I have managed to survive my first pay day of the year and feeling pretty strong for near future
Keep it up team
Hi Flagg,
Although i dont post much on my diary now I would love to join the thread, helps keep me focused and keeps my commitment of logging on the site and reading new members diarys to remind me of where i could be if i make the wrong choice.
Take care
Blondie x
Count me in. A bit of self recognition and from/to each and every member will work wonders for their confidence and continual fight against this addiction.
JimmyC - 10/01/14
Hi Flagg,
Count me in please...the only reason I was doubting my ability to join this tread, was buying occasional lottery tickets. Went without them for a good 5 months, and ready for 100% recovery.
Thank you for your time.
2014 is the year for us all !!!
Sandra x
Hi Flagg. With regret I am going to have to be removed from the thread. Although I have not caused any major harm I did have a small bet yesterday so will have to give up on this being my first calander year gamble free. Not to wish my time away but roll on next year!
Best of luck to you all. I hope to see all your names on this list on 31st dec 2014. I hope the threads a great success.
Hi Flagg. Basically Dave said everything I'd like to say. I don't know what happened to both of us yesterday but I gambled too. After 2 months clean I am not devastated but very disappointed. But efforts redoubled again as usual.
Please remove my name from the list and I will be supporting you all as I continue one day at a time.
FF
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