A thought a day...to keep me away.

Got through the whole of Saturday without temptation and feel really good today because of it (i even came home with enough cash in pocket to buy a kebab).

One thing i found weird was that people obviously know me as a punter, and asked me about my thoughts on prices and bets all evening.....I know this was because footie was on, but I am obviously that shallow that all they have to discuss with me is gambling - what an indictment ha ha (I am mostly jesting).

I am starting to feel a little bit more alive already, have a clean and happy Sunday all !

Day 6....no problems.

I suppose its easier not to gamble when you have left yourself and your family with little or no money, so I am not getting too cool about it....but for me 6 days is a big step in the right direction.

I know my pattern around pay day, but with that being near the end of the month i have plenty time to reflect and to develop coping strategies.

I am a Compulsive Gambler in recovery and realise that its only the next bet I have to avoid.

Feeling stronger (but not complacent) with every day that passes.

I have turned my back on the past.

Roll on tomorrow.

It's great that you have made a start on your road to recovery. Well done! Having been here a number of times before, I always find starting out to be a difficult decision to make and it's so hard to get into the recovery groove, but it's very true that things get better on a daily basis, once you get over the initial few weeks or so. All the best in your recovery. Weldy

I have made it through a full week, I really cant think when the last time I managed that was....it could be all of 25 years!!

This time last week I had just splurged £400 in 15 minutes of madness, and another cloud of self loathing was hanging over me.

Last night for the first time ever I admitted to a friend the extent of my problem, and it felt cathartic.

I am just on the start of a long road to recovery and have one or two big bullets still to dodge, but goodness knows how much better I feel than this time last week.

Staying strong and still lost my appetite for sport.

Have a good evening all!

Hi Skyblublue

Congratulations on your progress to date - make sure you keep going and stay positive. I have done a month and a half gf and feel like this is the start of a good life a one i can enjoy much more.

Athena

Thank you to Athena and Weldy for the positive comments.

Today I felt like a man possessed at work.

Its only my ninth day of being clean, but I am already far more focussed on goals and doubly industrious.

I still have no real money to speak of and appreciate that i am at my worst around pay day, so my bigger tests are still to come.

Nevertheless things are begining to seem possible again and I believe I can attain them.

Stay strong everyone.

That's good news mate and very true about being broke right now, so make sure you have a good plan for pay day - a good thing to do maybe, is pay all the necessary bills you can straight away, even if it's earlier than usual - then it will settle your mind and reduce any risks as much as possible?

Weldy

Weldy i am on your wavelength as i spent yesterday building a spreadsheet of incomings and outgoings right through to next August. This spreadsheet covers of every bill and commitment first and foremost each month......but also shows me what I can now have, the thought of a family holiday a second hand car and a nice Christmas far outweighs the thought or need for another bet. Things are becoming clearer. Have a positive day everyone.

Two weeks !!!! So much more aware of my responsibilities.

Focus remaining very strong - long may it continue 🙂

Hey skyblue, congratulations on two weeks, great achievement! Stay strong, stay positive it's totally worth it! C x

Well here I am at day 18 and about to walk into the ring like a Christian to the lions.

I have had hardly any thought or inclination to bet, but today I am going to put myself to the test.

In half an hour i am on a Stags day out, its a mystery tour......but i have heard from a good source its to Kelso races 🙁

It going to be difficult and will cause conflict if i make excuses not to go, so if that is where we end up, i am just going to have to tell the group that i am a Compulsive Gambler and ask them to respect my decision not to partake.

I am sure there will be some pubs and interesting people to have a beer with while they are at the racecourse.

I am not worried, i am focussed and feel more than strong enough to get through this, but what a strange twist of fate to test my mettle.

I am not going to let myself or my family down and am going to be back here tomorrow to record my success and pride.

Walk in the park, over the moon...to have come through such an environment makes me feel so strong and so proud......................never ever again...ive got this !!

Well done Skyblue, a good test to have come through

As payday approaches I know i am about to face my toughest test to date.

If i was to plot my monthly money loss, it all kicks off not long after midnight on payday and deteriorates from there.

Self exclusion will very much put a stop to that piece of madness come the wee small hours of this Friday!.

Today i have gone through my finances and contacted all those companies i have been ignoring for months (if not years), and made commitments to put a little dent in what i owe.....it wasnt at all painful, and to be honest it feels like another weight has been lifted. All were understanding and fair.

I can now make genuinley achievable plans for Christmas and the things long having been needed done around the house.

Yes they will take time, but by planning a few months ahead i can visualise what i can achieve when gambling is not in my life.

I have one major issue still to address but god willing that large boulder will disappear and my road will be truely clear to move on before the week is out.

Is just beeen really refreshing and i feel im starting to feel better mentally and physically....early days of course but feeling better with every day.

Stick in all, we can beat this!!