For everything I did wrong, I did many things right

Hi Suzy

Slowly but surely taking one day at a time, we get our lives back, 170 days will now be hard to give up, so that makes us extra strong as we clock those days up, keep going and be very proud, well done on your achievement.

Take care and stay safe

Suzanne xx

Dear Diary

175 days without gambling.

It's a great feeling to be able to write that number. The slots were calling to me this evening as I was helping my youngest child to do her homework. She was working on shapes (maths) and it reminded me of one of those slot games full of addictive graphics. I am so grateful to this site because now I have learned that any winnings would only be gambling tokens. I will not win any money. I will lose money. Gambling fries my brain. It is not an escape, it is a torture chamber. My Xmas will be a gamble free one. I accept I will have urges but I will continue to resist.

Look after yourselves everyone ,

Suzy

Hi Suzy, 175 days clean is fantastic I aspire to that. I've gambled around 35 years and and considered myself a problem gambler for the last 5. Please don't worry about urges you kicked them into touch on day 1. Myself I did that 14 days ago. I know gambling urges are coming my way I gave up once for just over a year and thought I could flutter. Big mistake ended up deep involved again so pleased stay focused and don't look back. DUNCS is a wise old owl, forward never back I take on-board everything that fella says he's a legend. Stay strong I wish you a gamble free future onwards and upwards Ginger

Hi suzy,

12th June your last bet?

I read your post on Suzannes intro write up.

Excellent making 175 days. I look forward to being there one day

Keep up the good work

Mba

Hi Ginger & Mba,

Thanks so much for your kind comments. Yes my last bet was 12th June. I found it so very difficult at the start but it is really worth the effort. The support and advice on this site is amazing. My control button simply doesn't work anymore. My gambling escalated. It was progressive. If I start gambling , I know that I will be unable to stop. I am happier without it. Keep taking it one day at a time. Those days become weeks and your head clears. That's the best part. You concentrate on the real world . No gambling distractions. I used to be itching to gamble. The itch passes. Did some late night Xmas shopping tonight. All is well in my world . Don't scratch those gambling itches!!

Take care ,

Suzy

Hi Suzy,

Lovely to see you passing another waymarker on the right path! You're right to describe gambling as an itch, hasn't it being scientifically proved that the only thing you achieve by scratching an itch is to make more of an itch, after a brief sense of relief. Hope you enjoyed the Christmas shopping!

Ryan

Hi Suzy, congratulations on being gamble free for so long. Showing that this illness can be defeated really does inspire people who feel like giving up on giving up if you catch my drift. Totally agree with the progressiveness, of the disease, and like you if i start i know i wont stop, the secret being to stay away from that first gamble, remembering how good life has been since we've stopped.

Keep up the good work,

Gav

Hi Suzy,

179 days how fantastic is that, with your mind, family, finances, everything, real life is so much better, and the further we get away from it the real world stands out more, be very proud Suzy, because it's not always an easy journey, but you are doing it and continuing to win,

Proud of you

Suzanne xx

Hi suzy,

6 months wow. Excellent work. And it sure is work.

I look forward to reaching the 6 month milestone too.

Take care

Mba x

Hi Suzy,

6 months is a fantastic achievement and not to be taken lightly, because it is hard work at times, be very proud,

Well done

Suzanne xx

6 months since I last gambled.

I am delighted with myself.

Very aware of the gambling itch when it comes my way but continuing not to scratch that itch and it goes away.

Thank you Suzanne for your message. You are so good to us all on here and it really means a lot to hear your kind words.

Have a great Friday everyone.

Suzy

congratulations Suzy on the 6 months.....it gives me hope and belief and additional strength, even though I will hopefully break through the 10 day barrier tomorrow...although I am new here....reading things like this achievement really gives me hope and something to aspire to......6 months for me seems almost impossible right now......but I know if and when I reach 20 days....or 30 days....it will begin to feel very possible.....have a great weekend all.....I am looking forward to mine...for a change...

Dear Diary,

192 days without gambling.

Absolutely delighted with myself but thoughts and dreams are full of gambling these past few days.

I think it's the most difficult time of the year especially Xmas Eve and for a few days after Xmas day.

They are busy gambling days so I must be on my guard.

The urges will be gone again in January. Everything looks glitzy right now. Even bingo sites and amusement arcades. But I know how bleak they will seem in January. I am going to enjoy my xmas break and will have 200 days going into 2015. For me that is amazing.

Now that I have identified the strong gambling urges that hit me around xmas, I will be more aware.

I love this forum and I wish you all well.

Suzy

i for one feel the urges still suzy

i won't say its easy to stay gamble free its not

i keep getting as much support and help as i can especially over vulnerable times

well done tri

Dear Diary,

194 days without gambling and the urge to gamble is the worst it has been since I stopped last June.

It is definetely xmas related. Time off and treats. Remembering the good times and not remembering the bad.

I have been itching to gamble for the past few days.

I will be glad when the urges pass. I thought after 6 months it would get easier.

Thankfully I found this forum. Even writing down how I feel gives me strength to resist.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I will fill it with happy things. I have to drown out that voice in my head that is tempting me to gamble. Stay strong everyone.

Suzy