2017 My Year

Actually Stephen you don't have to 'do' anything about the gambling - that means: try not to think about gambling. Focus on other things - stuff that you are interested in, in which you can invest your time and energy. If you're looking for excitement - watch a good movie. If you need a new challenge - find a suitable hobbie, or learn a new skill. Life doesn't have to be just work-sleep-eat as there are fresh opportunities open to everyone. I know that gambling will probably always be at the back of our minds, but we don't have to go down that route again.

Hi, just catching up, hope your feeling better, well done on your gf days they are mounting up. hope the exam went well x

back in work today after some study leave.

Exam went terrible, lots of stuff that came up i hadnt seen before, ill be lucky to pass.

Gambling wise the head is messed up. Just dont know what to do.

I want to get a phone because ive been about two months without one, i want to get a bus pass, join a gym, normal stuff. But im afraid to take the money out. I might just do nothing i dont know yet.

I do know i dont want to gamble though.

Hi Stephen

If the exam has not gone well don' t let it drag you down. Try and learn from the questions you could not answer and put in to do it again asap. "If at first you don' t succeed, try try, ...." and all that stuff. You are rightly thinking about positive things that will help you like getting a bus pass, the gym. There is nothing wrong with spending your money on this and if you go to the gym and bus company they will go through payment methods with you. Maybe it is a good idea to give a Gamcare counsellor a call again just to have a friendly chat to so you can get a little more support and advice. I worry that you have no support at home and there probably are local organisations that Gamcare can suggest but you need that incentive to try them out. Always remember YOU are the one aiming to be in control of your life - NOT the gambling companies. Plenty of support for you on here so hope you keep posting. Try eating regularly and healthily, cut down on alcohol which can be a catalyst for gambling, get exercise - a long walk or short jog costs nothing, Find a local park that's got free outdoor gym apparatus, and local swimmming pools are really cheap. Loads of stuff where you do not have to put your hand in your pocket to spend. I know it is an effort for you at the moment but just try for a few days and see if any of it makes a difference. Also start ticking off the days you are gfree again and write a list of things you think you can do to help your recovery, like some of the above. Will stop rambling on now! Take care.

Checkin in.

I use this thread to vent my sadness, anger and mostly negative stuff.

But i have been feeling really good the last few days. I havent drank since xmas and i think that helps.

payday is next week and the difference now is that im not trying to "negotiate" with gambling. I wont be putting on a few bets, i will avoid those places.

I suffer from headaches and im on the waititng list to see a neuroloigst. But the last two weeks my head has really improved and i havent been suffering from them. So thats a great thing too

Hi I'm pleased to see such a positive post and that your gf days are mounting up, stay strong and positive x

Keep going Stephen, we're all rooting for you.
It would be fantastic to hear you've spent next months wages on caring for you and your needs rather than the bookies.
Look forward to hearing from you xx

You are on the right track again Stephen - good to hear you sounding a little more relaxed. Have a good weekend. Take care

Stephen2105 wrote:

Checkin in.

I use this thread to vent my sadness, anger and mostly negative stuff.

But i have been feeling really good the last few days. I havent drank since xmas and i think that helps.

payday is next week and the difference now is that im not trying to "negotiate" with gambling. I wont be putting on a few bets, i will avoid those places.

I suffer from headaches and im on the waititng list to see a neuroloigst. But the last two weeks my head has really improved and i havent been suffering from them. So thats a great thing too

You are thinking the right way and are already starting to reap the benefits - its great to see.

Keep focussed fella, you deserve better.

Sbb

Three weeks gamble free.

Have got paid. I have urges to gamble.

Rather than waiting till i gamble to vent and look for sympathy its better to use this to say i have the urges.

I know once i pass the first month things will get easier and its about breaking the routine along with the urges.

it was the first lunch time in months that i had gotten paid and not gambled. So today has been a big achievement. Important now to keep it going.

The job is looking for people to do overtime. That will be a handy way to keep busy

Brilliant news Stephen, fantastic - well done!!!!
Massive achievement and a great start for a month where you can use your wages to make your life easier.
Enjoy your money. Spend it on yourself, don't hand it over to the bookies. You work hard. You should reap the benefits, not them. All they do is make you unhappy.
Keep it going, let this month be the start of many. x
LML

Thanks LML, still doing well. Keeping my guard up because payday is when i gamble

When it comes to payday Stephen just try and tell yourself that money you worked so hard for is for you to make your life easier and not to put in the pockets of the gambling company owners. You sound so much better in yourself and keeping yourself busy is good and I have a feeling you might just get through this payday ok. Keep talking to people on here that day if you need to. Good luck and well done on the number of gfree days.

Hi, your doing so well, keep it up, and your right as the days mount up it gets easier x proud of you