day 85

Hey blue in the red

How did the xmas shopping go? I hope it went well

As you can see you have plenty support on here to keep you going

Hey you,

Another supporter here hoping you got your Christmas shopping done!

Have you thought about self excluding from the venues where you shop? The money spent on passport photos is an investment as it takes away location from the Time-Money-Location triangle in your usual haunts!

Don't disappear on us...We're rooting for you!

Morning everyone,thanks for the comments guys,I've self excluded from all my locals,so only when I venture into town do I have to be extra vigilant.Shopping done,it felt great to spend that money on myfamily,good luck today everyone!

Glad you have joined the 2015 challenge mate, I look forward to seeing how you progress. 2015 is in your hands, make it your year! Well done on self excluding, thats a really positive step. I too enjoy my footy bets, but us compulsive gamblers can't have a cheeky fiver on a Saturday like some of our mates do. For us its all or nothing and we need to steer clear of anything gambling related. Keep it up!

Yay 🙂

Was worried when you didn't post last night after expressing your concerns, so very happy that you had a lovely time!

Well done!! your doing great 🙂 huge temptation when there is money available to spend on gambling so brilliant that you made the right choice, onwards and upwards mate!! merry christmas

Well done mate must of been hard walking around the town with cash on you, I'm not sure I could of resisted the temptation myself not yet anyways, I went to town yesterday I took my 6 year old son with me so I knew I would not b going anywhere near the bookies, I think I will take a wallet full of passport photo next time and ban myself from them all job done

Morning everyone,thanks for all the words of encouragement,it really does help,A LOT! yesterday I had my first real test,and I have to admit,it was touch and go.My wife's been after some new ghd hair straighteners,so I thought I'd nip into town and get her some for Christmas.I tried to get my youngest daughter to come with me but even the promise of a mcflurry couldn't drag her away from watching elf for the hundredth time.Ok I thought,I went out the day before alone and I managed ok so no problem.After about 3 hours of visiting every hair salon in town,I finally managed to get the straighteners.I also discovered two things,one,my 42 year old bladder isn't what it used to be,and two,the urge to gamble can strike hard and from seemingly nowhere.I have no doubt that had I not self excluded,I'd have nipped in to the bookies to have a pee,and I doubt I'd now be on day 6 had I done so.I urge anyone who hasn't already done it to take the self exclusion route,the initial horror of a big loss that prompts us to quit soon wears off unfortunately,and that is when you need extra help,good luck to everyone,stay strong,and give yourselves and your families the best gift you'll ever give them!

Hi Blue,

Well done on day 6 good job you got those GHDs cos nothing else would do lol.

Have a good gambling free Xmas.

Suzanne xx

Thanks Suzanne! Yes I was convinced by a hairdresser last year that the ones she was selling were better than ghds,I think my wife started talking to me again around mid January!hope you keep up the good work and have a lovely Christmas!

Well done blue on 6 days and avoiding the bookies I know i m not strong enough to walk past them at the moment..

Morning everyone and merry Christmas,I am pleased to report that the ghds went down a storm,it is now a whole week since I lost,although I did lose at darts yesterday,but no money was exchanged!I feel quite emotional today,the joy on my daughter's faces this morning was the biggest high I've had all year,and although it still cost money,it was worth every penny!huge thanks to everyone who has taken time to comment on my diary,it means a lot and definitely helps,wishing you all a great gamble free 2015!

Morning everybody,hope all had a great Christmas day,another day gone,very easy really as no thoughts at all of gambling,today will be my next test as I'm off to footy with the lads,lots of coupons and fruity playing,I will be extra vigilant and not give in,keep at it everyone,all the best!

Good luck blue. just think when did you ever really feel happy from gambling?? even after a win!!! we still think we can win more.

Morning to all,not been on for a few days due to feeling rough,but it's all good on the. Gambling front,my wife's back in work today so I'm gonna help my daughter rearrange her bedroom,anything to keep me occupied,hope everyone's doing well,keep it up!