Boxing Day 1

Hi Clare,

Just wanted to wish you a fantastic holiday 🙂

Good to see those days going up and up

Thanks very much ! 67 days ... Jetting off on holiday !!

78 days and yes I'm back on the 2015 challenge to update each week !

Just had a lovely holiday .. All in all cost a fortune but due to not gambling I paid for it all and incurred no debts because of it.

Now to save for next years holiday ! Gambling cannot be afforded even if I wanted to. A family holiday is far more important each year ! Would be very selfish indeed to gamble instead of saving up for a wonderful week in the sun. This will keep me motivated to stay stopped, for good !

Hi Clare,

Good to see you back and really pleased you had a lovely holiday.

Mark x

Thanks Mark ... It was excellent. Already saving up for next years holiday! Thanks again for updating the challenge.

Thank you Emily for your lovely post on my diary. I'm sooo pleased you're back on track and past your first week. Guess involving your sister had been a good help for you.

Well I have a tan and it was the best holiday ever. Loved it so much we want to return to same hotel next year ! Yes, the holiday was a big motivator in stopping in the first place, so even tho it costs a fortune .... It's well worth it for more reasons than one. Keeping me focused on staying stopped and saving up is almost as good as the holiday itself!!

Clare 🙂

Hi Clare, thanks for dropping by 🙂

I also wanted to say how wonderful it is to see you stepping up on the challenge...You are doing a fantastic job 🙂

Chuffed you had a great holiday 🙂 Time to start saving for the next one - ODAAT

Hi Clare

Thanks for dropping by my diary, you're doing a great job in the 2015 challenge. I'm in a different mindset from last year when online slots took over my life. I had previously been gamble free for over 15-20 years (arcade slot machines). I couldn't believe how I quickly got sucked in and the money I was losing. Thankfully have seen the light and I must admit I really don't get urges anymore .....I've seen the gambling industry for what it is though I am never complacent as know one is always just one spin or one bet away from going down the gambling path again.

Keep strong, small steps one day at a time.

Mo

Thanks I hope by keeping the challenge running it will help some people continue their efforts. I also don't get too many urges these days as I think the longer you abstain, the more you can view gambling with the logical side of your brain and see it for what it is .... A mugs game !

But I agree Mo ... Complacency mustn't be allowed in either. We all know that actually we can never be sure we are safe from returning to our gambling mindset ! Guard must stay up and I think that's why for many it helps using this site. I feel if I stay close to the site it's that extra bit of motivation and determination I need to keep strong and stay focused !

Not long till a century now and then my 120 day best to beat !

Already started with the saving up for next years hol ODAAT ! 🙂

Day 83 and all is well.

Typically I'd be on a peak spending run during the Summer, spending many evenings and afternoons per week on the online slots. This year I'm keeping busy with work and planning days out / trips away / fun things to do with family. These things keep me motivated and recognising how important money is to live the life you want. I don't have an excessive amount of money, but being able to save a small amount each month and being able to do nice things once or twice a week too is enough to appreciate the money I do have. Can't bear the thought of wasting that money. I have a credit card again now (had to close all mine down last year forced by the bank when I did a debt consolidation loan) but this one is used sensibly. It's one card with a £1000 limit. I use it monthly to buy shopping and petrol mainly. It's there as a little safety net too or for the odd extra treat when funds are low.

Ive had it over three months now and unlike in the past, I've paid the balance in full every month ! It's actually made me money as I've had three months with 5% cash back ... I've made £60! My budgeting is down to the penny. Every penny (I'm not joking) is accounted for. I always know what I can (and can't ) spend. This has really helped me stay focused this year.

Not long now till 100 days. Hopefully I'll get there.

Then my next target is to beat my previous gamble free run of 120 days.

After that I'm looking to hit six months and join the double century club.

One day at a time I'm getting there

Clare 🙂

Lovely post Claire,

I too count every single penny and know what I can buy and spend lol, makes sense, because we now appreciate every single penny, and thank our stars that we still have pennies lol.

You are doing great with the challenge thread,

Suzanne xxx

Thanks Suzanne and Emily.

87 days !

Not long now till I get back in the century club !

Staying focused now, just done the 2015 update. Great to see so many soldiers still checking in each week. This keeps me motivated to stay stopped. Imagine how rubbish it would be to check in and say I'm back to day 1! Anyway, doesn't bear thinking about. Gambling is a very negative thing, no good comes of it and it brings misery, stress and debt. Those things are not worth the rush and enjoyment of watching those reels any more.

Hopefully I've learned this lesson and can't afford to ever forget it !

Clare

88 days. 12 to go.

Day 89. All's well despite some small urges to gamble.

I have been distracted slightly by a certain lottery company emailing me with bonus offers as they've now introduced bingo and slots.

Need to block the emails but needs doing online when I'm not on my phone as it won't let me do it on my phone.

Hi Claire,

These offers are distracting, (in your mind) remember it's just those addictive destructive thoughts, I don't even read those emails now, I delete them immediately along with all the other S***e,

Keep strong and keep focused on you and your recovery.

Suzanne xxx