Diary 2

Thank you. It is a really good feeling not to have "the monkey on my back".....one day at a time. One other quick point: I do not believe that recovery has to be a "grit your teeth" experience if you know what I mean? You can be happy/happier in recovery in my view than you ever were watching the 2.50 race wherever if you listen and learn and again - my view - make that 100 per cent commitment not to gamble whatever it takes. Every journey is individual so whatever route you choose if it works for you continue bur never be complacent - another personal opinion. Phil

talking about individuality I was just thinking about how we all have the same problem but different methods of gambling appealed. For me horse racing, for others machines which never attracted me at all. Anyway the main thing is that one day at a time the journey continues and life gets better. I still feel c@@P in some respects but I'm hoping my self-esteem will improve over time. Have a good gamble-free day. Phil.

Hi there. I haven't posted much recently but things are going well....one day at a time. It's a good philosophy for me when it comes to gambling and also in other areas of my life. Anyway just checking in and hope fellow recovering CGs are doing ok. Phil

Wow.Just been reading a few posts were people are saying they don't want to quit all forms of gambling - just some. Non-judgementally and I'm sure a lot of people will agree with me and this is ABOUT me but I CAN'T and do not one day at a time want to bet on any form of gambling. Horses, machines, scratch cards, lottery etc etc. No way. The journey is still in its early stages but I know day by day I'm getting stronger, more confident, more respected and have the trust of my wife coming back. I feel when you get a bit of perspective - months whatever - you see it is an illusion. I thought sometimes it was giving me a buzz but was it really? Wasn't it more of a distraction from other issues in my life? I'm not sure but just some thoughts I was having. Best wishes, Phil

I still get butterflies in my stomach at the thought of the consequences of betting again. My measures are all in place and my one day at a time philosophy is working for me but I think maybe it is natural to feel that fear sometimes?

Morning. Non-boastfully and with total non-complacency another achievement one day at a time on the journey - 300 days! I never thought I could go three days let alone 300 but with lots of measures in place, a change of attitude and support from forum members etc I did. So thanks to those who have supported me and may the journey continue.....best wishes, Phil

Congratulations on your 1st 300 days Phil 🙂

I see you're still very self conscious about your achievements? As Martin says, you don't need to be! You did this, you took the necessary steps to start recovery & ODAAT for 300 days you have continued to take them. I understand not feeling proud, kicking myself repeatedly for allowing addiction to have controlled me for so long but the reality is, we must give ourselves credit for making changes, take back control from our addicted brain that told us only gambling could make us happy.

Recovery is a journey you control - ODAAT

Thanks ODAAT!

I think it is weird that non-gambling friends think now that somehow "I have cracked it". I know that for me this is a day by day journey maybe for the rest of my life. If that's the way it has to be, so be it.

Hi been a bit quiet of late. An example of the insidious nature of this problem - I talked to a guy whose issue is machines I know last night in a pub about OWN experiences one day at a time. I gave him quite a bit of my time - when we went back inside after a smoke he was straight on the fruit machine with his eyes glazed etc. I never want to live like that again.

Hi. I was just thinking about the challenges which I have nothing against and of course it is horses for courses but for me taking it one day at a time is what is working plus change of mentality, honesty etc but good luck anyway!

Merry Christmas everyone and thank you to all those who supported me during my one day at a time journey this year. Phil x

Merry Christmas Phil
Have a good one

I read a post which implied that all CGs are the same and something else which I won't go into. I disagree - we may all have/had the same problem but we are still individuals with our own personalities. I believe everyone's path is or can be different - with or without GA for example - not that I have a problem with GA. We're not all the same but hopefully our shared destination is.

Evening. Just reading different posts which I have no problem with as every journey is individual. I just feel like for me the one day at a time attitude has been working without pressure in terms of setting a "challenge" days. All the best to everyone but for me ODAAT is my path + the money has gone, the mental and behavourial issues have to be addressed etc. Just my view but I wish all the best to those who are doing what they think is best for THEM. Cheers, Phil