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One week gamble-free, so well done to me!

"The longest journey begins with a single step" and all that.

Two weeks gamble-free!

It's working well for me not posting here everyday. I find keeping a daily diary of this nature depressing at times - too much introspection is not always a good thing.

I closed down another 3 online sites yesterday that I'd forgotten I had. I'm trying not to stress too much about my debts, and I'm even thinking about treating myself to an extravagant purchase but need to save a bit more before taking the plunge.

Three weeks and no gambling.

I'm very pleased with my efforts so far. I'm paying more attention to my hobbies and aren't obsessing over debts as much as I have in the past.

All online gambling accounts are closed/self-excluded.

Four weeks without gambling.

I'm only writing in my diary on a weekly basis and my posts aren't very insightful, but I'm visiting the site 4 or 5 times a week and reading plenty. Seems to be working at the moment.

I don't have any desire to undo my recent hard work so gambling isn't an option. I still think about it but through strength and willpower and I choose not to gamble.

Five weeks gambling free!

I feel like I'm on a roll now.

I've been productive this week. I closed down an online account that had become active again thanks to a 'cooling off period' expiring. I am now self-excluded from there.

I also closed a credit card that had over £2000 available on it. Little point having something as tempting as that with my track record - despite me telling myself it was for emergencies only.

I'm steadily paying debts but also allow myself enough money to follow hobbies, eat out and go out with my friends. I don't have a lot of money but I have enough to get by.

Well done Paul, keep doing what you are doing, it's working. Be proud

Six weeks and no gambling problems.

Thanks, Wilsy - I am proud of my efforts so far and don't wish to undo any of my hard work by gambling again.

Although the biggest damage to my bank account was from roulette (online and bookies), it's become clear that the 'weekend' football bets I used to do would invariably lead to roulette. The fact that there's no football on at the moment is making things easier, but I need to be on my guard when the season starts again.

Not much else to say, just need to keep on keeping on.

Just checking in...

7 weeks now, which is the longest I've gone for a while - certainly the longest this year.

8 weeks gambling free!

That big purchase I mentioned a few weeks ago - well last night I took the plunge and treated myself. It was with the help of a 0% credit card which to be accepted for was a success in itself. I can justify this purchase as a reward for not gambling. I will be able to make the payments so long as I don't start gambling again.

I've got into the habit of posting here weekly, which seems to be working just great. I do come here two or three times a week to catch up with people's diaries - namely S.A, pellekanin, Michael35 and Wilsy. Thanks for the encouragement you guys, even though you don't know it because I rarely post on other people's diaries...!

'til next week.

fella

a massive well done on your 8 weeks abstinence.

regards your purchase another well done.

for me recovery becomes more enjoyable each day we make the right choice.

at last we become winners, you fella are on an 8 week streak, feels good, and so it should.

Duncs stepping forward never back.

Thanks for the support, Dunc.

Nine weeks without a bet now.

Finances are slowly recovering but I'm still in a precarious position - and any return to gambling would mean disaster.

More than 10 weeks since that last bet.

I find it hard to imagine myself doing what I did which shows how far I've come.

Zero urges to play roulette again. I'm starting to enjoy having a little more money in my pocket and the options and opportunities that brings.

Weekly check-in.

11 weeks + gambling free! 78 days.

Paul.

Great to see your still gamble free.

Well done.

Keep making the right choice

one day at a time.

Duncs stepping forward never back.

12 weeks and no gambling.

Things are really looking up financially thanks to this long period (relatively speaking) of abstinence.

I'm starting to treat myself a bit more, and although I'm strict with paying my debts I'm not fretting about them so much. If I need an extra £50 for a day out or a treat I will take that from money put aside for debts. Obviously this prolongs the time it will take to pay off but it gives me some flexibility. As long as I don't start gambling again the debts will clear eventually.