Focus on the future, because in the future you haven't gambled

66 days free of gambling
41 days to go (450 to pay off before end Nov.)
528 pounds saved.
773 paid off (long term debts)
0 spent on gambling
Money +- in last 144 days = 1132

So one last day to nail this exam, I would be lying if I wasn't panicking after all the help I've had this time round and I've not even had gambling as a distraction so surely I'll pass...
Will update tomorrow evening on how It went.

Thanks for your encouragement stew, hope you getting over gambling too. Mugs game. I have 66 days of winning, and tomorrow may be the biggest of the lot.

67 days free of gambling
40 days to go (450 to pay off before end Nov.)
536 pounds saved.
773 paid off (long term debts)
0 spent on gambling
Money +- in last 145 days = 1140

So to update, exam went pretty well, put it this was I didn't want to walk out half way through like last time. Hopefully done enough for a pass. Will be very disappointed if not and will definitely reconsider if this qualification is for me.

Back to work, have also been paid today including my bonus, but no intentions whatsoever of gambling, just what to spend my hard earned money on and which credit cards to chip a little bit off.

All in all I'm feeling really good.

68 days free of gambling
39 days to go (400 to pay off before end Nov.) 50 paid
544 pounds saved.
883 paid off (long term debts) 110 paid
0 spent on gambling
Money +- in last 146 days = 1148

So despite being paid I have no sudden urge to gamble. I want to use the money in my account for things that I want. It is starting to be programmed in my head that I cannot win.

Hi Rst,

Well done on 68 days and no urges to gamble.

Stay strong and keep going

Suzanne xx

Thanks Rst xx

69 days free of gambling
38 days to go (400 to pay off before end Nov.)
552 pounds saved.
883 paid off (long term debts)
0 spent on gambling
Money +- in last 147 days = 1156

So am off out shopping today which will be a test as although I've just been paid twice what I usually get I still hate the thought of spending lots of money while in debt.

It has often led me to gamble again so the things I've bought are free. But I know that it usually ends up being a 500 quid tshirt. Sorry a lot of this may be me thinking out loud. I can treat myself every now and again can't I?

Will let you know tomorrow how I got on.

70 days free of gambling
37 days to go (400 to pay off before end Nov.)
560 pounds saved.
883 paid off (long term debts)
0 spent on gambling
Money +- in last 148 days = 1164

10 weeks since I lost 800 quid in a matter of hours, still remember it very strongly sat in the same chair just clicking deposit again and again knowing that I will win soon. But I never did. I never will, and I'm getting used to that now.

I am approaching a very dangerous period of abstinence right now as I have 30 long days to 100 days and at least 24 until my next pay day. It helps that the last one was a good pay day and shopping yesterday was ok, spent roughly 120 on a few things, forgot how expensive shopping was, if I wanted a couple of outfits I'd be easily touching 2/300. Crazy that I would think nothing of 2/300 on a bet, now I think if I don't bet for 24 days next payday I will have earnt a good set of clothes for the Christmas period.

Ramblings of an ex CG on a Sunday night, looking forward later to cheering on my American NFL team the Arizona Cardinals take a further step towards the superbowl tonight.

71 days free of gambling
36 days to go (400 to pay off before end Nov.)
568 pounds saved.
883 paid off (long term debts)
0 spent on gambling
Money +- in last 149 days = 1172

So very sad day as I attended my great aunties funeral, good chance to catch up with family and hopefully more catch ups planned around Christmas on a more celebrative occasion.

Had a chat with my cousin who is off to Spain to study a masters next year and sounds amazing, it's something I really could have done if I had more money but staying clean until March next year and I will be in a very healthy position financially. Maybe I'll do something major toward the end of next year. Fully ready for 365 days next year of staying clean.

Hi RSt

Sorry to read about your Auntie, but pleased to read you are determined to stay gamble free, one year free of the addiction can/ will change our lives so much it's got to be worth it.

Take care

Suzanne xx

72 days free of gambling
35 days to go (400 to pay off before end Nov.)
576 pounds saved.
883 paid off (long term debts)
0 spent on gambling
Money +- in last 150 days = 1180

So after 150 days I've had one slip up costing me 800. If I hadn't had that I would have been 2000 quid better off. As it is though I learnt a lot from that weekend.

Thanks Suzanne, well done on your continued abstinence, I can't wait for next year, really is going to be a year for change.

Right, back to work, will keep my mind busy anyway.

73 days free of gambling
34 days to go (400 to pay off before end Nov.)
584 pounds saved.
883 paid off (long term debts)
0 spent on gambling
Money +- in last 151 days = 1188

So I spent last night researching working in Australia for a year, probably not be able to go until Aug next year but it's something to keep me motivated in staying gamble free so I can save enough money. Also I think I need something fresh to challenge me as seem to be stagnating a bit here.

74 days free of gambling
33 days to go (400 to pay off before end Nov.)
592 pounds saved.
883 paid off (long term debts)
0 spent on gambling
Money +- in last 152 days = 1196

So a strange thing happened last night, well I say strange but it should be a normal thing. I subbed my mate 30 quid, just because I could, not worrying like usual that I will need that to pay x bills or buy shopping etc..

I am still worrying a bit about money in that I want to be able to be putting some away for savings like other people my age but it is what it is, no point moaning I have enough for what I need right now. The savings will come next year.

Hi RST,

Very well done on your continued journey and that little first milestone is clearly in sight.

I guess money will always be a worrying thing for us cg, but little by little we can manage to save up and spend it on much more important things in life than gambling.

You're doing great, another day of winning, keep them coming and reap the benefits this recovery offers.

Stay safe and take care

Sandra x

75 days free of gambling
32 days to go (350 to pay off before end Nov.)
600 pounds saved.
1160 paid off (long term debts)
0 spent on gambling
Money +- in last 153 days = 1204

Small milestone, 3/4 of a ton. Think I'll celebrate by paying off a bit of a credit card.

Thanks Sandra for your encouragement.

76 days free of gambling
31 days to go (350 to pay off before end Nov.)
608 pounds saved.
1160 paid off (long term debts)
0 spent on gambling
Money +- in last 154 days = 1212

Another day done, out tonight for a couple of drinks but spent less than I thought so have some left for tomorrow night. Always a bonus. Better than any bonus a gambling site has given me.