Day 2

Annie, in your introductory post, you have given yourself a whole host of reasons why you shouldn’t be gambling. You’re spot on!

It’s nothing but bad news that never ends well for us compulsive gamblers.

Wishing you all the best in your recovery. Keep us updated with your progress.

Dan x

Thanks Dan. Feeling relieved that I've started a new chapter at last. X

Day 4 - all good. My first day gamble free - August 4, my last deposit August 1st.

Morning Annie. Thank you so much for posting on my diary, it is lovely to see you back amongst us.

A bit hot for running but hope you have been keeping fit and taking good care of yourself.

Whatever roads we travel and wherever we may roam let's live our lives with a cheery smile and sing at the crack of dawn....stephen x

Thanks Stephen. I certainly do feel more positive about cracking this addiction once and for all. I hope you go too. I realise that this may be because I actually have no money left and so I must be very careful around payday but I do feel that I can beat it. Yes too hot for running!

hi Annie,

well done on the days you've racked up so far. I agree we all have to be extra vigilant around payday. always a tough time but once we see the positives of not gambling all our spare money away, hopefully it will get easier. i know there are people who gamble away more than their bills and rent. but for me once everything was paid then whatever was left was mine to gamble. daft really!!

keep going, all the best.

A

Well done on reaching 5 days, Annie.

Loving the positivity in the ‘Annie’ team camp 🙂

Dan x

Thank you Init and Dan. Day 6 and feeling fine. Wishing you both well on your journeys. Xx

Nearing the end of day 8 and all good. Finished my book and started a new one. Forgot how enjoyable reading is and a great way of refocusing. Another benefit of not gambling is no longer rushing all the time due to gambling - I'd often think I'd got 15 mins to gamble before needing to get ready to go out or do something and then 15 mins would go so quickly that then I'd bargain with myself that I'll gamle til I won a bonus round then that would take an eternity and then would not be as rewarding as I'd hoped and so not only would I be running late, frustrated and out of pocket but also late to do whatever I'd arranged. So not gambling is soo much better!!

Yes I can vouch for that, Annie.

The amount of times I’ve had to make up excuses as to why I was late. The simple truth being that I’d been gambling Roulette online and that I was trying to get to a certain figure before leaving.

Those are days I never want to see again!

Well done on hitting 8 days. You’re well into your stride now.

I found reading to be very beneficial too, especially in my very early days. I would take a book to bed with me and read until I felt sleepy. I haven’t done as much reading lately. You’ve reminded me that I need to re-start that hobby again 🙂

Keep up the good work Annie! X

Morning Annie my friend and fellow traveller. Wishing you well on day 9 of your adventure.

I really identified with the last two posts. It reminded me of all the times I have been late or absent from social occasions because I thought I would have a few minutes in the betting shop on the way. I reflect on those occasions with a sense of sadness, despair and disbelief. We are in some ways our own worse enemy but it doesn't have to be that way. Maybe we can start showing ourselves more kindness, support and understanding.

Glad your enjoying your books. Many people enjoy a good read which broadens the mind and is fun. Over the last 12 months I have attended an Adult Education class on English Functional Skills. I found it strange at first being in a classroom again but it was really interesting plus I enjoyed the social interaction with my fellow students. Both English and Mathematics courses are free to everyone which is like the icing on the cake.

Thank you Dan and Stephen for your supportive posts! I haven't been late anywhere today!

Day 11 - ok but have had intrusive thoughts about gambling that I have quelled. I know I can't go down that road again. X

Indeed you can’t, Annie.

It’ll take a while for the brain to properly adjust to life without gambling, but for now it’s important to remind ourselves that gambling ONLY leads to a disasterous fall. It brings us nothing but utter misery.

Keep on winning, Annie...

Well done on getting to double figures. X