From here to a year

Morning Stephen, you know me too well!! When I read this post, it sums me up really. Have been so busy working this month but a)Haven't thought about gsmbling except here b (Haven't spent any money except bills etc. Much of me bring able to slowly turn things around is support from your good self and others on this forum and the lightening bolt of realisation that gambling isn't forever but breaking the cycle us the hardest step and coping with the aftermath of regret. So on this wet Sunday I urge anyone who thinks there is no way out there is, it won't be instant or easy but we can do it and live the lives be deserve, Happy Sunday Stephen and thanks again for spreading encouragement and kind words Sx

Hello Sharon. Thank you for posting on my diary. I always try to take on board your advice, you have a good understanding of what we are up against.

I know I have said it before but I am feeling very confident about my recovery. Maybe now I have what it takes to stop gambling. I have seen and read enough to realise how destructive gambling is for me.

Most of the time I feel strong enough to overcome the urges. I will just have to be on my guard and ready for those occasions when I feel i am losing my resolve. When that happens I intend to stay focussed and go forward one step, an hour or a day at a time. Whatever I feel I can cope with.

Friends like you are quite an inspiration to me. Like guiding lights, up ahead, on the recovery road, shining brightly and showing the way . If I stay strong and have a bit of courage than I can come and join you all.

Take care Sharon. Wishing you peace, contentment and happy days ...stephen x

Hello Sharon. So sorry to read of your school friend passing away. Hope your feeling ok.

Bereavement is always a sad time but when it's a friend than it is heartbreaking. It really brings home to us how vulnerable we all are.

Sending you my best wishes and a hug ...stephen x

Hi Sharon , stay strong and sending you hugs

Day 314

Thanks Stephen, bit of a double-sided coin isn't it? Here we are trying to be strong and stay resilient again gambling, but also hits home that life is precious and fragile. Possible brain overload at the moment! Lucky to have a great support network here, do feel sometimes in 'real life ' I am expected to just cracking on. Possibly though because I am admittedly not good at asking for help. Have a good Wednesday my friend x

Sars Thank you too for your thoughtfulness, am just sad to be going to a funeral of someone my age who had so much more to give and live for. So cheesy but true, let us make the most of everyday. Take care Sx

Take care Sharon. It will be a traumatic time for you and all concerned.

A few years ago I was on a walk and in the company of a man and his two young children whose wife had recently passed away. My nephew and his wife were good friends of this family. I will never forget that poor man and his children as long as I live.

Stephen x

Well done Sharon, I only managed just over a year but then had a relapse recently. I think it's what you do with your time that matters, as long as you keep busy then it can only get better.

Good luck

Thanks Stephen, you are v.kind abd compassionate. Hope you've had a good day S:)

Thanks Jayden, indeed! Staying occupied and taking odaat is the way forward 🙂

Hi Sharon. I haven't been very active on the forum of late especially with no chat rooms but I have read your posts and have ultimate respect for how far you have come and the different tones of your posts. We all have a different perspective of ODAAT but I admire your resolve and also thank you for the supportive posts from you on my diary.

Keep the good work up and best wishes, Phil.

Thanks Phil, I always appreciate your sound advice a perspective on recovery in general. Hope all is ok with you? S:)

Not bad thanks. Almost off the Valium which I think you know about? Making plans. Wife is going away for a month on Thursday which worries me a bit and of course I am going to miss her a lot.

Hi sharon, just popped by to say thank you for your continued support, not only for me but for many of us on here.
You should be so proud of yourself - over 300 gamble free days - such a massive achievement! I'm hoping I can follow in your footsteps so keep guiding the way, (no pressure! lol!) x

Day 318 Thanks Little miss lost, you are v.kind! Life is up and down(who's isn't !) but a whole lot sweeter minus being trapped by gambling. I do work alot, but a job I really enjoy so feel privileged. Today though I have all the dull housework but then realised one of my favourite films is on this afternoon so will make sure it's done by then. So a) this is do much better than wasting time and money b) taking time out and watching that film will make me happy. Little moments and steps work for me rather than huge futuristic goals. .but that's just me. Happy Sunday Sx

Hi Sharon, hope your happy and well. I really like the 321 days on your profile page, it looks really good. I will be celebrating that in November. That is a long long way away but time does pass us by so quickly.

I saw this quote by another Sharon who is a well known actress...."You know, sometimes I feel well and vital in the world, and sometimes I just feel so distressed I want to pull my hair out by the roots.".... I imagine you have felt like that a few times during the last 321 days. Take care...stephen. x

Day 325 Haven't posted much recently but still try and check in every day. Am in no way letting things slide just really busy! I can relate to so many behaviour patterns and thoughts on others diaries that it's still good to know I'm not alone. Happy Sunday S:)