Changing for the better

The end of a tough week, which I seem to have survived pretty much unscathed in more ways than one!

Time now to go home I think and relax for the weekend. Final Grand Prix of the season, rugby and hopefully get to play a bit of golf with my boy. Even 9 holes would be good but the weather doesn't look too great so will have to wait and see.

All very good at present!

M

A nice relaxing and peaceful weekend. Much needed after the rigours of last week and good preparation for the up and coming festive season, which seems to start earlier every year!

Start of day 54, the longest period of abstinence for a long while, next goal is Friday, which is one complete pay cycle without a gamble.

Abstinence is without a doubt, the best way forward!

Have a good day all.

M

Afternoon!, and what a grey and miserable afternoon it is too!

Day 55 then, and no thoughts of returning to the old ways have crossed my mind. Seem to have a much greater resolve this time round and I'm not really sure why.

Perhaps for me, joining the 2014 Challenge early into this period of recovery has made me focus more on not wanting to let the existing team members down. But then, as has been said before, recovery is selfish and do it for yourself. Still, won't dwell too much on why things are going well this time, and just concentrate on making the right decisions one day at a time.

That said, three days and counting to target number 2,pay day and one complete pay cycle gamble free! Blocks a plenty in place for that day, promised funds will be released to supreme command for the kids at Christmas.

Next target after that, reach Christmas without gambling and then march on to New Years Eve.

M

Hi M,

What a positive and strong post, and 56 days clocked up, well done.

Suzanne xx

Has been a chaotic few days, but delighted to have reached the target of a complete pay cycle.

The funds promised to others have been safely moved out of harms way, so all set for the next target of gamble free at Christmas.

A brief post as lots to do, all is well though.

M

Another few days further away from the old life of chase, lose, chase lose more etc.

Wednesday will be two months clean. I feel stronger and stronger as each days goes on.

The next big challenge for me is next Tuesday. I have previously written about a customer event next week in a casino of all places! Lunch, drinks etc, and not going is not an option. Fortunately I never gambled compulsively in casinos, only on FOBTs, but I have no intention of gambling at all next week. Plans are in place to limit cash, which should leave me with the taxi fare home at the end of the proceedings. I will walk in there with a stack of cash, hand it to the organiser to put behind the bar and have good time and a laugh with some good people. I will not gamble and will not worry about gambling either! It is a difficult situation and quite possibly one of many I will have to face head on in the future, but I feel strong enough now to not let myself down or anyone else who has supported me so far.

For now though, one day at a time.

Have a good day all.

M

Hi mrt,

Well done keep going and keep getting stronger.

Have a good gambling free day.

Suzanne xx

I am left pondering how I ever found the time to waste in bookies on FOBTs. I can only assume I must have neglected an awful lot of important things.

Whilst I am only about two months in, the change in my work ethic and family life has altered beyond belief. This is the me from years ago, and I have to say, I rather like it.

I must've been intolerable in the last six or so years. Don't know for sure if many others have noticed a change in me, but I have and I guess that's all that counts!

I guess now, as I am fully back in to work mode, I may be intolerable for other reasons(!) but that is my role and I intend to fill it to the full.

Have a good GF day all

M

Hi mrt,

Well done and your positivity shines through

Suzanne xx

Time is now rattling by - 9 weeks have now passed since by last time on the FOBTs.

Had a dream last night that I had gone out to get some fish and chips and diverted to a bookies to play. Consequently woke up in a foul mood with a thumping headache! My first thought was "how am I going to report that on the forum?"!!

Thankfully it was just a very realistic dream, so no longer in a foul mood, but still have the headache.

Onwards to week 10 🙂

M

Hi M,

9 weeks is a big achievement,

Stay strong and determined and keep winning.

Suzanne xx

The previously mentioned challenge was safely navigated, which is very pleasing!

The hangover, however, isn't!!!

Have a good day all.

M