Day one.

Cheers Duncs.

Yea got to say the Sticky toffee was a tempter, but one or maybe that should be 100 too many over the last while.

I agree with you re telling people. I don't think it will really be a problem for me. I just really see most of the guys out here as work colleagues rather than mates, but there are probably a few i will tell.

Day 9 today. Had no real thoughts of gambling except when i was told i would probably be going on a training course in Aberdeen soon. I always associate Aberdeen with the Casino as when i'm usually overnight there that's where i head to for a game of poker. I'm actually probably well up in live poker over the years(probably the only part of my gambling that i'm up in). as soon as i was told i'd be going i instantly thought of that. It's amazing how you condition your thoughts and you have associations with certain places and cities that are to do with gambling. Anyway, straight after thinking that i thought of the misery and pain i have felt over the years through gambling and determined that when i go to Aberdeen next i will try and make the most of the place rather than spend my evenings in a windowless soul sapping Casino.

Another day further away from the misery of gambling. Hope everyone's having a great gambling free day.

Day 10. Double figures. Crazy busy day at work . No thoughts of gambling. Happy. Full of hope. Tired. Good night folks. Hope everyone had a good gambling free day.

Day 11. No gambling, no thoughts of gambling. Work crazy busy just now. These 15 hour days are wiping me out. Plus side is, the busier i am the less i think of gambling. Need my bed. Hope everyone's had a good gambling free day today.

Day 12.

Got paid today. No thoughts of gambling. Really happy. Looking forward to getting home next week. Starting my life afresh. Looking forward to seeing my partner and spoiling her and putting her first instead of bl***y gambling.

Really enjoying not being consumed by thoughts of who to bet on , which games to watch and most of all not chasing my losses. I'm continuing to beat the bookies by not gambling.

Hope everyone's having a good gambling free day.

dgr

fella you are doing something amazing and from that you will get to keep your hard earned.

Enjoy it.

Duncs stepping forward never bac

Hi Davie,

Thanks for writing on my diary, just thought I'd have a read of yours and see how you were getting on.

Firstly well done for telling your wife, such a brave move. Secondly well done on not placing a bet on the football, it can be so easy these days to think one small bet is fine but we CG all know that is never the case.

Finally, Pay day!!! Its a much happier occasion when you no longer gamble it all away. It is money that you can use to treat yourself and loved ones, no more lies, no more turning down offers of nights out or trips away. Treat yourself. Well done on 13 days, I look forward to seeing you progress and how your life will turn around.

Thanks Duncs and rst. Really appreciate the encouragement and support.

Haven't really had the chance to write on anyone elses diary the past week because of work, but when i get time off from next midweek i will.

Another day down and another day gambling free. Just watched A Madrid win the La Liga. Chuffed for them. During the game there was a couple of times where little thoughts popped in to my head about betting, BUT i chose to dismiss them. My mind was so programmed into betting that i realise that temptation is always going to be there. It's how i react and deal with the thoughts that's going to make or break me.

I suppose my timing is pretty good for giving up gambling as the footy season is just about over. However if people had seen some of the ridiculous obscure teams i've bet on in the past just to get a bet on then anything's possible!!

Feeling positive. Hope everyone's having a good gambling free day.

Davie

Day 15.

No gambling and no thoughts of gambling today. Been too busy. Feeling positive and looking forward to getting home to see my lovely partner on Saturday after being away for a while.

I bought some clothes online yesterday and it was a lovely treat. It's amazing how much we miss out on and neglect ourselves to feed that horrible addiction. I would think nothing of gambling hundreds at a time, but would dither over spending smaller amounts on clothes treats etc.

I remember once spending about 10 mins in a shop dithering over the price of a sandwich right after betting a few hundred quid. Absolutely crazy behaviour. I am determined to start being able to live a "normal" life in so much as being able to save up and treat my loved ones and myself to the things that everybody who doesn't gamble takes for granted. Hope everyone is having a good gamble free day.

Davie

Day 15.

No gambling and no thoughts of gambling today. Been too busy. Feeling positive and looking forward to getting home to see my lovely partner on Saturday after being away for a while.

I bought some clothes online yesterday and it was a lovely treat. It's amazing how much we miss out on and neglect ourselves to feed that horrible addiction. I would think nothing of gambling hundreds at a time, but would dither over spending smaller amounts on clothes treats etc.

I remember once spending about 10 mins in a shop dithering over the price of a sandwich right after betting a few hundred quid. Absolutely crazy behaviour. I am determined to start being able to live a "normal" life in so much as being able to save up and treat my loved ones and myself to the things that everybody who doesn't gamble takes for granted. Hope everyone is having a good gamble free day.

Davie

Well done davie, keep it going. I myself am on day 48, and my GA meetings have been really good and are helping me Big time. Keep strong mate and together we can live a normal life...

Hi Davie,

Just dropping in to say hi and to congratulate you on your fortnight - brilliant start sir.

Thanks for popping onto the 2024 Challenge Thread - I've left a message for you on there - on the very first page of the thread - would be great for you to join us!!

Keep going mate!!

Mr Brightside

Thanks mrb. appreciate it.

I will most definitely be joining the challenge.

Day 16. No gambling.

Again i was so busy at work i didn't even have a thought about gambling.

Getting off the Rig tomorrow. So tired. Looking forward to getting home on Sat.

Looking forward to spending a bit more time on here as well. I really appreciate all the kind words and encouragement i have had so far and want to start repaying it by doing the same.

Hope everyone's had a good, gambling free day today.

Well done on making 17 days, don't drop your guard now your home, keep yourself busy and think of the benefits and why your doing this. Lets turn this 17 days into more. Next stop 1 month free, for me that would be a whole pay day when I've not gambled in between.

Hey Davie, hows it going fella. Hoping your stil with me celebrating 20 days of freedom at the end of today.

Day 20 gambling free.

Haven't checked in since Wednesday. Been travelling home with a stop at my Mums then my Dads. No real internet access till last night. Had a great few days spending time with my folks. Prob had a few vinos too much, but very enjoyable.

Being back in the land of the living was interesting. Sat in a pub having a pint and my eyes were drawn to the Puggy for a split second then i just smiled and thought how much nicer life has been over the last few weeks not gambling and looked away.

Then yesterday i walked out of a shop and next door was a bookies, again for a split second i felt a draw. Ironic really , because i didn't really go into bookies to gamble. Again i just kept on walking and instantly forgot about it. Felt great.

I got home to my lovely partner today and was so good to see her. New gambling free start for us. Lots of catching up to do, but first We're both going out tonight. Me to my rugby club dinner and her out for food and a catch up with friends. I'll give my liver a rest tomorrow. Honestly!! Hope everyone's having a great gambling free day.