Daily Diary

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(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Topic starter
 

Morning all,

I've been gambling for the last 10 years and have lost a substantial amount of money. Looking at where I am in my life I realise now is a good a time to stop as any, as I turn 30 in about 6 weeks. I have enjoyed my 20s but looking back realise I have missed out on doing a lot of things due to lack of funds (lost while gambling). I guess deep down I have known I have had a problem for a couple years now but with no dependants and (barely) making the bills every month I have given into the gambling lifestyle of always being skint. Fortunately for me I haven't got myself into to much debt, owe about £1500 that will be repaid before my birthday.

It wasn't until I received my end of year earnings (as I have three jobs) I realised how much I must be losing, after working out the numbers I should of had over £1000 left to myself each month for the last year and I currently have a savings account that couldn't even buy me a cup of coffee. This is when I realised quite how serious this has got.

I think mentally I'm in a pretty good place as I'm not looking back in the losses to much just looking to set myself up for life during my 30s. I stopped gambling about 8 days ago and have been feeling the urge the last couple of days, after looking through some post I have self excluded, from everywhere I know. Not sur if this is the correct place to be doing this but I would like to write myself a reminder every evening as to how I feel each day. So I can look back at time of need and remind myself why I am doing this. Is this proven to help? Sorry about the essay, Argie

 
Posted : 2nd May 2016 9:44 am
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Topic starter
 

Thanks Phil

 
Posted : 2nd May 2016 9:55 am
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

Good Luck

 
Posted : 2nd May 2016 2:44 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Topic starter
 

Thanks Michael.

Just had some bad news, I've budgeted all the money I have coming in this month and was really please where I was going to be by the end of the month. Just had a job cancelled next weekend (this never happens ) so I'm going to be £350 down for the month now. Just gutted as I was looking forward to being in a certain position by next month however it's now going to be impossible to be where I wanted to be. Sounds silly but feels like a kick when I'm on my way up :/

 
Posted : 2nd May 2016 4:32 pm
Oldhamktf
(@oldhamktf)
Posts: 1789
 

Things don't always go to plan and this is out of your control.stopping gambling is now under your control.

Ok you might not be where you want to be by the end of the month but you'll be in a lot better position if you don't go back to gambling to try and make up for the shortfall.

It might take you a bit longer to get back on track but but its not a race, there's no rush or quick fix

Keep sharing as Phil said this is the right place to do that full of like minded people willing to listen and help.

KTF

 
Posted : 2nd May 2016 5:09 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Topic starter
 

Great way to look at it, thanks!

 
Posted : 2nd May 2016 6:49 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Topic starter
 

Never thought I would say this but was good to be back at work today, having a long weekend with money in the bank gave me ample opportunity and time to place a bet. I understand a lot of people say you need to eliminate the opertunity but for me I need to be able to resist the urge when the opportunity is still there otherwise I'm not combatting the problem I'm just living without the opportunity, probably sound stupid but it's the way my head works lol. Haven't even thought about gambling today and had a few nice comments from collegues and friends saying it nice to be able to chat to me without my eyes on my phone, little did a lot of them no that I was checking some Russian volleyball game from the 4th devision checking if the set bet I had just chucked some of my hard money on was coming in, like the fact it reinforces that not only will I get my finances in check but I am a better person to be around when I'm not gambling. Really enjoying the challenge of staying off and all the positive effects it's having on my life... Think we're onto a winner here!!! Love it. 10 days gamble free!

Hope everyone else is doing well and staying gamble free.

 
Posted : 3rd May 2016 5:01 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

I see where you are coming from Argie with needing to battle it your own way. 2 yearsago I self excluded and my famiy had my cars, a year later a relapse. Thise time im upto day 18 and have all my cars and cash myself, im being sensible and not carrying a lot of cash with me but its mor about removing myself from situations that would lead me to bet. If im "nipping to the shop" i dont really need to take £300 and a bank card with me to buy some groceries!

 
Posted : 3rd May 2016 8:32 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Topic starter
 

Glad someone else sees it the same way, I completely understand the idea of making it impossible and I guess if your sensible this could potentially be a life long resolution but I need access to money and debit cards. Hope your doing well KT93? 18 days is a great start 🙂

 
Posted : 3rd May 2016 10:15 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

Just dont take that access for granted.

Thanks, even when i have a bad day the next morning I feel back to myself. Some days are ten times harder than others and a few days lately boredom has kicked in. I have installed K9 even though i dont have any active accounts but its just another safe gaurd for any moments of weakness.

 
Posted : 4th May 2016 7:41 am
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Topic starter
 

Good idea! Had a good day today, nice weather and working outside all day defo helps. Due to the nice weather meeting up with some mates this evening to play some sports so health benefits physically as well as mentally! Great day today and haven't even thought about placing a bet :)! Onwards and upwards.

 
Posted : 4th May 2016 4:39 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

Lovely positive post Argie, :)) not heard that saying onwards and upwards for a while on here;)))I get what you mean

About you in control with the money side of it, but please do not underestimate this addiction, (sounds daft but it is falsely giving you good vibes) it really is a horrible addiction please take care with leaving gaps open,

Having said that well done on your positivity, it's a great tool to use every day :))

We all do our journeys differently, just wanted you to be aware of how devious this addiction can be.

Keep strong and stay focused and keep winning for real:)))

Suzanne xxx

 
Posted : 4th May 2016 4:59 pm
triangle
(@triangle)
Posts: 3239
 

Argie100 wrote:

Good idea! Had a good day today, nice weather and working outside all day defo helps. Due to the nice weather meeting up with some mates this evening to play some sports so health benefits physically as well as mentally! Great day today and haven't even thought about placing a bet :)! Onwards and upwards.

Great seeing you in the online chat yesterday. See you again soon Argie. Tri x

 
Posted : 4th May 2016 5:19 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Topic starter
 

Sorry i didn't stay on the chat long tri, had a spare 5 mins so though I would try and get the information I needed, hope your well? Thanks for the advice Suzanne, due to paying off my debts as soon as I get money I only have access to minimal amounts for the short term so without meaning to I am restricting the potential lapse. Will definetly be wearily with my money when the saving start up though as I completely understand where your coming from. Hope your doing well? Thanks all for you words of encouragement/help. Long may the buzz of gamble free life last!

 
Posted : 4th May 2016 9:11 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Topic starter
 

Day 11 and loving life. Just had a good pay rise at work, 2 weeks ago would genuinely have been pleased for more betting funds but today opened an ISA and can afford to save around £500 a month. Really hope I stay as strong as I am now because this time next year my finance could be completely different! BUZZING!!! Booked a weekend with some mate to hike the 4 peaks of the Brechin Becons so this weekend should be enjoyable and definetly gamble free! Enjoy the sun everyone and stay strong.

 
Posted : 5th May 2016 4:41 pm
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