Stephen.
I hope you are very well, enjoying life and seeking inspiration for quality experiences and meaningful relationships.
I've just read through your diary from the beginning of the year and what strikes me most is the warmth and goodwill from other GC. members. This in turn is a reflection of your own dedicated input on the forum with an honest desire for helping others, whilst continuing to rejoice in the opportunity of life.
You have made a clear assessment of your gambling history, and have noted the repeating patterns of relapse and subsequent re-freshing of your diary.
It's a tough one this. Because you are not convinced that you can ever remain GF besides the bright outlook that you convey on your diary. Music, exercise, dance, yoga, cinema, friends, restaurant, poetry. But it's not enough...
I get it. I really do. I'm not endorsing it - but I understand why.
Some people talk about the need of the buzz and excitement of gambling. Or the boredom of the moment, or anxiety, or the desire to feel different physically, through actions of the mind. It's part of being human that we simply cannot be happy all of the time and we often make a grab for a quick fix, such as alcohol, drugs, s*x or gambling.
But ultimately, this really is just a weakness in our character. Everyone has to learn coping skills for life and how to be the master of one's own destiny.
Best wishes to you 🙂
In 1965 'The Animals' recorded 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood.' A great song which just got me thinking about compulsive gamblers. Some of us might well consider ourselves to be misunderstood!
Compulsive gamblers in recovery! Is there a need for one to accept responsibility for one's actions or is it best to just brush it all under the carpet?
I occasionally read the diaries of addicts who seem to be singing their own praises and when faced with unpleasantness choose to focus on the inadequacies of others rather than face up to the real issues!
Some gamblers seem to wear blinkers and consider themselves to be misunderstood or maybe they see themselves as the victim of some unholy conspiracy.
Are we deserving of compassion, support and unconditional love?
Do we need an iron fist or the caress of a velvet glove? ....stephen
Nice words Stephen.
'Are we deserving of compassion and unconditional love?
Do we need an iron fist or the caress of a velvet glove.
I love your poetry man.
Don't let me be misunderstood - 1965. The year I was born. Also the year that Britain obbolished the death sentence. Yes people are often misunderstood, particularly addicts.
Thanks for the lovely poem Stephen and acknowledging my 40 days and for stopping by my diary, I did reply to you there just now, glad you enjoyed the cinema 🙂 what have you got planned for this week?
Hey Stephen
Do you know if you set up a Playlist people can add to it anom so everyone could send you a song via Playlist.
What would you call a Playlist.
We'd have to have Hotel California.
I'm going to sleep in my bed tonight not sofa.
I cooked a meal on my cooker today.
Things are improving.
How's life treating you?
Goodnight sweetheart
Bella xx
Self Sufficient Stephen wrote:
In 1965 'The Animals' recorded 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood.' A great song which just got me thinking about compulsive gamblers. Some of us might well consider ourselves to be misunderstood!
Compulsive gamblers in recovery! Is there a need for one to accept responsibility for one's actions or is it best to just brush it all under the carpet?
I occasionally read the diaries of addicts who seem to be singing their own praises and when faced with unpleasantness choose to focus on the inadequacies of others rather than face up to the real issues!
Some gamblers seem to wear blinkers and consider themselves to be misunderstood or maybe they see themselves as the victim of some unholy conspiracy.
Are we deserving of compassion, support and unconditional love?
Do we need an iron fist or the caress of a velvet glove? ....stephen
On Spotify look for a Playlist called
'CGF for Stephen'
I've even added Chasing Rainbows by Shed Seven... Now that is a apt song.
Many thanks for posting on my diary....
Martin ...Congratulations on being a child of the swinging sixties. 1965 was the year Mary Quant introduced the mini skirt and where would we be without that. Liverpool won the FA Cup and West Ham triumphed in the European Cup. They started using substitutes in the Football league and cigarette advertising was banned from television. 70 MPH limit was introduced on Uk roads and Ronnie Biggs did a runner from Wandsworth Prison. A few other characters were also born in that year such as Vinnie Jones, Piers Morgan, Jeremy Vine, Will Carling, Lennox Lewis and goodbyes were said to Winston Churchill, Somerset Maugham and Stan Laurel.
Lisa ...I am pleased you enjoyed your little break in the Campervan and glad your home safe and sound. I was relieved to read that the heating was working so it was nice and cosy. My niece and her family are always off camping for weekends in the summer and they love it.
Bella ... I am so pleased that you have finally got the mattress and cooker sorted out. Thank you for the music recommendation, I liked the song 'Chasing Rainbows.' I don't think I can access any playlists but I don't pay anything to listen to Spotify so maybe that's the reason why.
Everything ok with me...Stephen x x x
I don't pay for Spotify. So look again. Or you create a Playlist.
Good stuff I'm pleased.
Bella xx
Thanks Stephen, I’m songlad you’re doing ok 🙂
Thank you Bella and Lisa for visiting my diary.
Haha Lisa I am indeed "songlad" with all the free music available to me on Spotify. Haha, I am like a child with a new toy.
I am happy and feeling very proud today because my good friend Sharon is 700 days gamble free. Her recovery has been has been quite an inspiration to me and I dream of following her wonderful example by staying gamble free.
Sharon's Day One was on the 16th March 2017 and since that time she has battled bravely against everything the addiction could throw at her.
My music choice today pays tribute to a true Gamcare Warrior and is called ...."Rose Of Sharon" by Mumford & Sons.
Stephen x x x
Skipping along quite merrily 'cos nothing bothers me
My conscience now is bright and clear for I am gamble free
Whatever troubles come my way I'll take them on the chin
I'll sing and dance or laugh out loud 'cos that's the mood I'm in
I turned my back on fobt machines and all that it entails
No more risking life and limb on "Is it heads or tails?" ...Stephen
Haha my typo worked out well! Happy weekend Stephen!
Self Sufficient Stephen wrote:
Skipping along quite merrily 'cos nothing bothers me
My conscience now is bright and clear for I am gamble free
Whatever troubles come my way I'll take them on the chin
I'll sing and dance or laugh out loud 'cos that's the mood I'm in
I turned my back on fobt machines and all that it entails
No more risking life and limb on "Is it heads or tails?" ...Stephen
Always a pleasure to see you poetry in motion.. Keep smiling sunshine.
Bella xx
Dear Stephen I can't thank you enough for your kindness and encouragement, means so much ! Continuing to GF is partly Dow to the support overtime of members if this forum. I'very said many times that knowing I'm not alone is do important. This jour has taught me more in 700 days than possibly the rest of my life. Valuable lessons learnt and tools to stay GF. Thanks again Stephen and everyone here , may it be a diary I have read or kind words spoken. Take care S x
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