A New Beginning

Thank you sjw and hope you have a great weekend too.

Went to the gym in the afternoon after I woke up. Gosh leg day is a killer lol. It's good that I'm putting my energy on getting back to shape not gambling. Had a nice bath before netflix and chill with the missus. Happy weekend everyone. 264 days GF.

Pras

Spent whole day yesterday at my cousin's. Had a great catch up. Today, I went to the gym and did some chores at home. Watched F1 in the evening. Weekend went pretty quick as it usually does when I'm not working haha. Wishing everyone a great week ahead. 266 days GF.

Pras

It's been a very busy week. Only 1 day off yesterday and that went really quick with chores, gym, dog walk etc. Working all weekend too. Picked up 12 hours overtime today so that's all good. Payday today and the money is safe in missus' account. 3 more months and I'll be 1 year gamble free. Happy weekend everyone. 271 days GF.

Pras

Many thanks for posting on my diary Pras and congratulations on your great progress.

Since day one you have shown courage, determination and a great attitude to recovery. You have stuck to your resolve whilst showing love, respect and consideration for yourself and your loved ones.

Wishing you happy days ahead, contented and at peace with the world around you...stephen

Thank you for your kind words as always Stephen.

Another long day at work. Clock goes back tonight means an extra hour in bed. 2 more shifts and few days off. Can't wait. 272 days GF.

Pras

Moving ever closer to the 365 mark :o) Keep going man. You're doing so great.

Will you celebrate when you get to 365? A while ago I remember reading a diary about someone who celebrated a period of abstinence with a trip to the casino with friends and just watched?

I remember reading at the time and thinking that the person was playing with fire... However my main thoughts were happiness that they ran the gauntlet and came out unscathed. You should defo celebrate the 365 when you get there anyway! Maybe not at the casino though even if just watching ha ha...

On a serious note though now you've got a period of clean time under your belt do you agree that avoiding gambling establishments at all costs for the foreseeable is part of the lifelong commitment we make to beating this? Or is that a bit OTT and being able to venture into a gambling establishment and not gamble should be viewed as a success? Just playing devil's advocate here really...

I don't think I could do it... I mean I probably wouldn't gamble - it's just the residual effects of being in that environment that may catch up with me later on... Anyway keep up the fight dude! :o)

By the way I find your philosophy of living life simply, honestly and respectfully to be a really inspiring and uplifting sentiment. Thanks for posting that. I've probably just answered my own question about the casino visit now haven't I :o)

Hi Signalman

There are a few threads in our 'Debates' section where users discuss total abstinence, and whether there are activities that could be as you say 'playing with fire'. Have a look at the following threads:

https://www.gamcare.org.uk/forum/zero-tolerance

https://www.gamcare.org.uk/forum/grand-national-0

https://www.gamcare.org.uk/forum/video-games-and-compulsive-gambling

https://www.gamcare.org.uk/forum/youtube-channels-gamblers

If you don't see a thread that answers your question for you, you'd be very welcome to start one of your own.

Best wishes

Deirdre
Forum Admin

Thank you for your support Signalman. To answer your questions...Yes, I think I'll have a little celebration with the missus for reaching 365 GF days and no trip to casino definitely not haha. Yes, I agree that avoiding gambling establishments at all costs for the foreseeable future (if not forever I may add) is part of the longtime commitment we make to beat this addiction. I would stay miles away from them because prevention is better than cure. I believe in my continuous success of avoiding gambling establishments both physically and virtually at all costs rather than viewing as a success in visiting them and not gambling.

I think waking up at 4:30 for last 4 days has taken it's toll. one more hour and a bit and it's home time. Not back to work until friday evening so looking forward to few days off. Taking one day at a time. 274 days GF.

Pras

Nice one Pras. I really hope you have some lovely, relaxing time off. Enjoy it :o)

Thanks dude. Spent the day today like any other day off with chores, gym, dog walk and studying. Simple living high thinking is the way forward. I did not gamble today. 275 days GF.

Pras

Another productive day and I did not gamble today. 276 days GF.

Last rest day spent with gym, dog walk, sleep in the afternoon (night shift tomorrow hence possibly staying up all night) and course study in the evening. Happy wIth the progress I'm making so far. Time to book my first assessment soon. Exciting times ahead. Another productive day and more importantly a gamble free day ticked off. Taking one day at a time. 277 days GF.

Pras

Hazard2myself wrote: I will be doing more house chores, reading and other creative things to keep myself busy especially when I'm off work.

I just read your first post again. It doesn't even feel like the same person posting today. You've just done so amazing... Really you have.

I highlighted the bit above from that post simply because what I admire more about you is that youve followed through with the goals you originally set yourself. Not many people do that you know... Not many at all. In the heat of the moment with gambling still coarsing through our veins we say all sorts of things... Youve honoured the promises you've made to yourself. You should be proud. An inspiration within these forums :o)

Signalman, thanks a lot a mate means a lot to me. I'm just keeping it simple taking one day at a time. The missus is always behind me and reminding me what I can achieve so yeah a huge credit goes to her for helping me stay gamble free and helping me to be on the right path.

Working nights this weekend. No gambling urges or tempations to report. All guards in place. 278 days GF.

Pras