Change in 2018

Hi Change.

Read your diary and can identify with most of your gambling habits. Keep going and well done!

Myles

Day 20... decent initial stint but let’s keep going. Got a bus lane charge this week and my initial thought was to bang some money on a short favourite to pay it... I let it simmer and just paid the fine and forgot about the rest. First little win.

Brilliant reaction to the fine. Exactly the same thoughts would have come to me but as long as we remember we'd lose in the long run. 3 weeks now? Myles

Thanks Myles. I had so many urges to gamble today whilst watching the footy. I even tried to log in to an account but I’m blocked. I went for a 10k run at 6pm knowing when I’d be home I couldn’t make it to a bookies to try and place a bet on the late game. I then ate and went out with a mate to watch second half and keep me straight. Got through Saturday but not without challenge.

Change, thanks for the shout out! All is well in the Markman corner. Just very busy with work and family. I am still 100% gamble free. A big well done on your run of abstinence and also your run! I am very envious of your being able to run 10k. Very proud of you.

Best wishes,

Markman

Hi Change,

Thanks for posting on my diary, the support means a lot. Well done on your run, keep strong and don't give in.

Paulds

Up to day 26. Was away on work this week with a bookies right opposite the hotel. I just got my a takeaway, went up to room, watched the Belgium Japan game and I forgot it was even there.

Day 32 now! I’ve had some thoughts of gambling along the way but managed to distract myself sufficiently at the correct times. It’s so close to going bad at any point so got to stay strong.

36 days and I’m buzzing off it. No gambling on Wimbledon whatsoever which is amazing progress for me. Keep the faith.

Day 39 and couple of things I've noticed change in me - few examples:

- Mrs bought some stuff for house and put it on credit card and asked me for the cash. This time I transferred her the money straight away. Normally I'd say "I'll log on and do it in a few days" and I'd procrastinate probably 2 weeks whilst I tried to win the cash. Mrs was taken aback this time when she didn't need to ask twice and really thankful. It kind of shocked me into realise what a complete idiot I must have been in the past... would seem like I'm power tripping and holding the cash back that I owe her.

- I got an email saying my broadband offer was ending and charges increasing etc. I looked on line and could sign up again and save a couple of quid but I thought I'd phone up and haggle a bit... I've got the patience and free time now. It took me a bit of waiting on line etc and a few awkward silences but I basically halved my charges and saved close to £300 a year with a new deal. I probably would have been so far in a daze in the past that this would have passed me by and I was easily gambling £300 on a tennis match so saying that over a year meant nowt.

Just a couple of really simply examples but not sure if I was the same person a few months ago and would have acted as I had done this week.

Change, just keep doing what you are doing. You are already a different person to who you were five weeks ago. I am sure time has flown for you like it did for me and look at the rewards. If you have it spare, keep a few notes in your pocket - nothing makes you feel more like and man and provider when Mrs or the kids needs some cash and you can just whip it out! Love reading the optimism emanating from your post. They do me the world of good. Just keep it up!

Best wishes,

Markman

Cheers markman!

Day 44 and can’t believe it if I’m honest. Something has changed in me and don’t know what it is. Just not interested in gambling. More focused on decorating and making a home. Feels good. Just watching the darts and it’s nice to be able to watch it without an agenda.

Well done Change, stay strong, nice to enjoy sport for what is is.

Paulds

Thanks Paulds. Getting near to 50 days and feeling good. Things are just getting better for me. Feel like I’m doing more jobs at home and more focused at work. Much happier.

49 days!!!