Changing for the better

Day 6

Today I won't gamble. That's it really!

M

Day 7 - Haven't gambled.

Day 6 passed fairly uneventfully. Had no urges and didn't gamble. Was a little confused last night, as I thought about gambling a lot. Not in a way where I wanted to gamble, but just the act of gambling. Not really sure what that meant. I suppose as I haven't done something that was a part of my life previously, it may be only natural to think about it.

Good to meet a few of you in chat yesterday, will try and got on this afternoon or this evening.

Thanks for all the posts thus far.

M

HI MRT

It will be normal to think about gambling, its been part of lives for many years, our whole worlds revolved around it. We cant just switch off, impossible. I wouldnt worry at all about the thoughts, urges will also come.

Im just speaking from experience, and in the early days them thoughts turned into actual gambling episodes. Dont do what i did, it will only cause upset, anger, and regret. I will be following your progress, and hope you remain gamble free. It really is not worth it.

neil

Hi MRT,

Welcome and well done on not gambling. It's difficult you know!!! Just take it one day at at time and have a plan at how you can deal with those gambling urges when they come...because they will.

Nice to meet you in chat...keep strong

Jas xx

Day 9

Still haven't given in! Today was the first day that I felt I wanted to have a go on the fobt. Had a really busy and quite stressful week, but didn't give in.

Think I only had an urge as there is a bookies next door to the barbers that I used.

Last post for a bit, going away for a few days. With the family so that will keep all temptation at bay! Only things I might stumble across will be fruities, but don.t have a problem with them as they bore me witless!

Great to meet a few in chat last night. Some good banter! Feels good to let go sometimes, but more than aware of the serious side of chat.

Thanks for all the support. Will catch up next weekend.

M

Day 15

Had a really good few days away with the family. Blessed with the best weather I've ever known in October.

Not really thought about gambling at all, certainly haven't had any urges.

Kids played for an hour or so in 1 arcade, and the Mrs played bingo in the club in the evenings. (First time for 14 years so don't think there is an issue there).

Now it's back to reality. Work, potential urges and money. (Or lack of!)

Will catch up in chat soon

M

18 gamble free days, and must say I am feeling quite pleased about that. Has been made fairly easy so far, mainly due the distinct lack of available funds. Not to say I haven't had a few quid in my pocket, but tried to put what I have got to better use.

Want to really keep this going. Just need to be aware of how I feel when I get paid, I don't waste anymore time and money chasing an unrealistic dream.

M

Tuesdays, always my worst day! Would always gamble on Tuesday as I am normally out and about seeing people. I would by lying if I said the thought hadn't crossed my mind, but I haven't and will not give in. It's surprising how the urge can sneak up on you.

I'm grateful, I suppose, that it's raining. Discourages me from detouring and getting soaked.

Not happy that I even thought about gambling, but as it was a big part of my life for a while, I shouldn't be surprised.

Day 19 - I haven't and will not gamble today.

M

Well done M, 3 weeks is a really good start.

Keep it going.

Jim

Morning mrt,

Thanks for your support and advice. Well done on the gambling free time and keep it up,

DT.

Day 20

Feeling much better after the "Tuesday blues". No thoughts or urges today whatsoever, but thought I would still post anyway. Will give me something to look back on as time progresses.

Thanks for the posts earlier, really does give encouragement.

So, for today, I will not gamble.

M

Now day 22, still going strong and feel ok.

Do keep thinking how I should have done this a long time ago. Would have been in a much better position. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Take care all.

M

Hello Mr T.... just wanted to say well done on your gambling free time... S.A 🙂

Day 25

Still gamble free. Thinking much less about gambling now, only about where I could have been without it. Still, what's done is done. I can only affect the future and that's what I am concentrating on.

Good luck to all fellow recoverers.

M

Hello Mrt,

Thanks for your thoughts on my diary. Seems like you are in a good place at the moment.. keep up the positive momentum..

I gain strength through reading your thoughts just as much as you may gain strength through reading mine. All the best to you and your on-going recovery.. S.A 🙂