Gary's diary of (continued) recovery

Lovely post Gary, your commitment to your recovery is an inspiration to us all.

Suzanne xxx

There's some great little booklets from GA for those that don't attend you can find them online along with some audio stories and alao stuff on you tube which is worth a look

You've been a great addition to this forum keep posting Gary

Picked up lets talk Gary will have a look over next few days

Day 651...funny how in the early days I was counting hours and days, then months and now it's all pretty inconsquential as the last gamble day (3/4/14) seems a dot in the rear view mirror.

That said, am still massively conscious that a bet is only a bad decision away and could bring everything crashing down so am keeping my guard up - GA meeting tonight will re-inforce what I need to do to stay safe and keep in a safe lane (another motoring analogy there!).

The financial problems have all but gone now - they used to cause me endless sleepness nights. I used to think I gambled to sort the finances. How wrong was I? The illness wanted to give me reason to bet.

At the moment, I'm in control of it. It will not isolate me. It will not leave me desolate today.

JFT

Another strong GA meeting tonight...24 members and all through the week without a bet.

Uplifting and reaffirming my continued recovery...some brutally honest therapies.

Hadn't planned to but ended up opening up about my dads Alzheimer's; difficult to watch him deteriorate but glad I'm in a position to support and help. If I were still gambling, I'd be trying to leverage that for my own gain.

JFT

Sounds good Gary strange places them rooms don't know why maybe it's the sanctuary of being with like minded people. 24 GF now that's winning of the best kind

JFT KTF

Shoot Gary,

I could never imagine anything harder than witnessing your dad's deterioration to Alzheimers.
A genuine strength to you. And courageous to open that up to 24 people...

On a lighter note, am not sure whether your on the red side of the mersey but think they've stumbled on the German Shankly. Unfortunately though I think the gooners are about to embark on world domination..

Strength and honor.

Cheers Volcano (and thank for the reply Oldham)...it's a strange one, I kind of just get on with things with him when "in the moment" but always a bit upsetting when reflecting back on things.

I'm of a blue persuasion so try not to think or Herr Klopp too much. Will hold fire on the Gooners, they tend to find a way to make the easy difficult.

Another great day in recovery with no gambling thoughts or urges.

Slightly disappointed to see Everton concede a last second equaliser but, in the grand scheme of things, not massively important.

Nipped into the city, bought some Dirham's for our upcoming holiday (never had ANY money when gambling) and treated the missus to a Tapas tea. Sat at home now, watching bad television, and enjoying a bottle of Pinot Noir.

Life is good at the moment.

JFT

Hi Gary,

It is great when we can actually spend money on positive stuff, more so for our family than us, I luv the way you are dedicated and committed to your own recovery, and the rewards you are getting. and I luv in the same way you are staying committed to your recovery by choice, by holding the 2016 challenge up,

Enjoy all your achievements, you have worked so hard

Suzanne xxx

Thanks Suzanne...I remember clearly at my first GA meeting a wise sage telling me to put as much effort into recovery as I did gambling. That struck a massive cord with me.

Day 655.

Not too much to report..nice, productive day in work and home to a couple of promising letters from the ombudsman about some payday loan refund complaints.

Keeping in my safe lane and working on daily progression.

Good news Gary, pleased to see you slowly driving down the safe lane:)))

Suzanne xxx

Not checked in since the start of the week so thought I'd give a little update on day 660.

Had a challenging week in work - lots of projects on the go and many deliverables. These busy times used to give me the reason to run away to the solace of the roulette wheel of the local betting shop. Now though, things are different. Face the challenges head on and deal with them in a professional, mature manner.

Went to my usual GA meeting last night - 21 in attendance with 1 new member. Everyone else had successfully been bet free for the full week...it's an immensely strong group and we're planning for an upcoming open meeting where 8 members will be celebrating a year gamble free (either their first or in addition to other years). Truly worth celebraring.

Keeping on the right path, barriers in place and coninuing to work on recovery.

Wishing you all a peaceful weekend ahead

Sounds good Gary let me know when the open meeting is and I will see if I can make it.