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

Another weekend circumnavigated, without any desire to gamble.

I am beginning to make my own luck, and have started to notice things going my way.

Its almost as if life is starting to reward me for returning to it and staying strong.

Really beginning to enjoy this journey, my competitive spirit has turned it into a battle and Im not going on to the ropes let alone going to hit the canvas.

The prizes are these great feelings of pride. passion and positivity.......i really forgot they existed.

Having had a flavour of them now for 33 days, i want them forever!

Stay strong all.

Sbb

So invited to a mates house to watch the England Scotland match, numerous old buddies will be there, the booze will flow and the conversation will be like the old times.

However today I have heard there is a poker school planned for after the game!

Have gone straight back to the organiser and advised ill be heading to the pub after the game because i cant be around the gambling.

I have also explained why, and he couldnt have been more supportive - honesty really is the best policy!

I feel I have to do what I have to do, most people will understand, those who wont dont matter 🙂

Stay strong everyone

Sbb

Had a right good session on Friday, and actually managed to openly tell everyone, that i was not wanting to play poker. I explained why, and couldnt have recieved any more support than i did. I compensated with copious amounts of guinness obviously 🙂 The urge really has subsided to a level where despite having cash i have no desire to bet at all. The stress levels are subsiding and i am starting to enjoy my life again. I know there will be many rivers to cross in the days and weeks to come, but every gamble free day day will make me stronger and better equipped.

Looking forward to so many things right now, my love of life is returning 🙂

Have a great GF rest of day all!

Massive congratulations on being over a month GF now. I too am a compulsive gambler and have been for the last 5 years. I however cannot control the urge to bet and even if I go a few weeks without a bet once that urge thats too strong comes a long I will do anything to put that bet on. I was wondering if you or anyone else reading this had any advice on how to control these urges? I have tried almost everything and I always give in and find a way to gamble. I have almost lost all hope for life and for my future. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Milestone achieved....over 1000 hours without gambling. Feels so good. Next goal - 50 Days.

Good to see your honesty with others in your last few posts SBB , or does help I believe as the addictions nowhere to hide , your obviously in a far better place these days and that's always great to see :)) congratulations on your 1000 hrs of being gamble free . Keep doing what works my friend ! Best wishes Alan

Now openly able to discuss my challenges with gambling (which i really think is key). I still find my mind occassionally thinking 'thats a good price' and am still aware of the odd tiny inkling, but i have developed strategies to blow these out my mind. Thoughts of sitting on Baga Beach in Goa three months from now, sipping cold beer, all paid for by not gambling is more than enough motivation.

However a far happier atmosphere at home, no more sleepless nights, bills being paid instead of juggled or missed as well as making it a half century, then a centrury are all driving me forward.

Roll on Wednseday, im going to be stoked when i make it 🙂

Have a great GF Sunday everyone.

Sbb

A maiden half century for Skyblueblue.

He handled everything that was thrown at him with ease and aplomb.

He looks more than capable of staying at the crease and looks to be savouring every second.

This innings is going to last a lifetime.

Stoked, and totally in control for the first time ever. #Awakened

Sbb

All months bills paid within first half hour of being paid.

This morning at Christmas Fair with wife and littlest one, before a sneaky bar lunch.

Few pints with mates this afternoon and a movie and take away this evening with family.

Tomorrow im hitting the 'pay' button for my Feburary trip to India 🙂

I have at long last the money to do these things (still have gambling debt but am chipping away at it nicely).

What is just as important is that i have both the time and the energy to enjoy these moments again, no longer thinking constantly about sports and odds, no longer consumed with gulit and wracked with worry!

My life has turned around in less than two months, thats how quickly things can change.

I also know fine well it only takes one wrong choice to obiterate EVERYTHING.

I really am done with gambling, I can feel it deep in my heart.

Thank you to everyone for their support, i walk with you all.

Sbb

Its so wonderful to have cash in the bank, the bills getting paid, making plans for family holidays, no worries over the cost of Christmas, holding my head high (and being successful) at work, relationships coming together again.......

I have had my epiphany - Luck is not something that just happens, its something we all have the power to control.

Since I became GF good fortune has followed me, that may be because im giving off different vibes, but i really thing its simply down doing good things, making good choices and being honest with others as well as yourself.

Life is as good as it has been in such a long time........and Gamcare and the people on here are a massive part of my success so far.

Thank You - Lets get stronger (and happier) together.

Sbb

Now in my tenth gamble free week, and feeling stronger by the day.

My awareness of who I am, and what things set me on the wrong path are becoming more and more clear.

1) Conflict in any form has driven me to gamble.

2) Stress in any form had the same outcome.

3) A lack of goals/purpose have had the same again.

4) Relationship issues brought me to gamble too.

For me I have realised that gambling was a reaction to the things above, on other occasions it could have been booze or recreationals or any two or all three from three !

Of course I need to concentrate on the gambling, but it is looking at coping strategies for the root causes that are paying dividends.

Whilst i dont profess to have nailed them all, I now have a transparent financial plan in place which has family holidays as goals as well as moving towards being debt free.

By being open about my addiction i have found others have been more open too, and relationships are gently developing again.

For Conflict, I am leaning to walk away and when Stressed I am reading (which i never did) or exercising (which i never did).

I have read about others on here choosing to get fit/stop smoking at the same time as dealing with the gambling demon, at first i thought 'one is enough', but now totally get it.

This is about life changes for me, not just gambling.

Heading confidently towards my maiden century, stay strong all!

Ssb

Hello weekend my new found friend,

Financial losses at an end.

I had been chasing rainbows all my life,

Now its friends, children and wife.

No mindless splurges, loathing and deceipt,

No house full of plastic pens and crumpled receipts.

No more need to duck and dive,

Its Saturday morning and i feel alive!

Plans to make and places to go,

Feeling joyous, rather than low.

Losing that feeling of being alone,

No more overdrafts or payday loans.

This morning's sky my be cloudy, but my thinking is clear,

Because i really want it, i have nothing to fear.

So Saturday and Sunday have returned to being mine,

And my passion for life is returning with time.

Taking steps on the road to who i want to be,

A father, a husband, a friend - Gamble Free

Sbb

Sbb, I salute you and what an enjoyable, uplifting, determined diary too. You are heading towards a fantastic Christmas and wish you the very best as you continue this life journey.

Thanks for your kind words on my diary SBB, it's appreciated.

Enjoy your weekend.

When i awake i will have smashed 70 days or 100,000 minutes without even a thought or urge to gamble.

The transformation has been incredible, and my wellbeing is far better for it.

I am feeling stronger by the day and plan to make 2017 the very best my family and I have had.

Onwards and upwards

Stay Strong all.

Ssb