Give peace a chance

Thanks Alan and Mixer I've perked up a bit now.

Taking one day at a time ( one hour at a time when necessary ). I know my life is a lot better than it was146 days ago and i'm getting some self respect back.

No more the fool i'm gonna be cool .....

Dammed right you're cool Stephen. Your the dude from Hull who makes people laugh and brightens their day. Your the guy who can twist and turn on the dance floor as if you were 20 years younger. And your also the guy who has a big heart and a lot more to give. Keep going strong mate.

Ha Ha thanks for that last post changemylife, it's certainly raised my spirits.

Hi Diary. I have a theory why I felt so miserable this morning.

For 146 days I have said no to the gambling addiction and tried to ignore it. Consider the addiction to be a group of misguided neurons who don't like being ignored, than they might respond by trashing my brain and making me sad.

Seems to be 2 responses for me ; either 'Do something positive to distract them ( ie go for a swim )' ...OR ... 'Just put up with them until it passes'.

So is " Night Swimming " a big thing this time of year in Hull then Stephen ? :)) LoL !

Thankyou Alan that brought a smile to my face. It is many years since I last enjoyed late night skinny dipping', now just distant memories of happy days in warmer climes. It's not a popular pastime on the banks of the Humber in October, the occasional drunk ventures into the city centre docks or the 'Queens Gardens' duck pond, but it is frowned upon. I feel a oneness with the sea, every visit to a coastline or riverbank is a unique experience which thrills to the bones. On clear nights' a dazzling moonlit river can be an enchanting experience offering peace and tranquility.

My music choice today is ... Let the river run by Carly Simon .... We're coming to the edge - running on the water - coming through the fog - your sons and daughters .....

Congratulations on 147 days Abs. You are doing great and it really pleases me to see you doing so well.

Best wishes,

Markman

Hi Stephen sorry to hear you were not feeling great y'day, but as predicted you take it all on board, think it through and remain strong.I must say it's been a funny old week, have been a bit of a sounding board for peoples problems. Especially yesterday to my sister who ranted for approx an hour then asked 'oh how are you?' Only to start again lol. But hey ho happy y to listen. Have also read a few diaries here of relapses or newcomers who are struggling so try to send positive thoughts and comments but although I have racked up my days I'm aware of sounding patronising but I guess any help is better than no help? Aaah great choice in Carl Simon amazing voice and narratives aaaah I listened to Adele last night, legend then watched an interview with her on Graham Norton inspirational, Hope you have a great day today and will leave you with Billy Joel- River of dreams, take care S:)

Hi Mark .... thankyou for the kind words, I've replied on your diary .

Hi Sharon ....I imagine your a good listener so your sister probably felt at ease hogging the conversation. Talking about listening, i'm seeing my counsellor tomorrow. A lapse of 7 weeks since my last session due to holidays, have found it beneficial but think i'm ok now just to do my GamCare thing. Going to make tomorrow my last one.

Like your music picks, Adele is something quite extraordinary . I remember some time ago she sang a beautiful song but in the interview afterwards she said something a bit gross which left me confused. Charlotte Church used to do the same thing with her angelic rendition of a beautiful song followed by colourful language in her interviews.... Billy Joel is good, i'm about to listen to River of dreams on youtube.

I have always followed your posts and taken on board your wisdom and advice. What I really admire is your down to earth approach to recovery. You know your hurting inside, you know you've made mistakes , you know your facing a massive challenge to get your life back. But you don't moan and groan, you just knuckle down and got on with the job . Whilst your doing this your also helping your fellow travellers, including myself. The message you send out is good but whats even better is that it comes from your heart. Take care Sharon and thankyou....stephen

Aaah I was just going to post and you beat me to it!! Thank you for this v.complimentary post Stephen, sometimes I feel I haven't got much to say about gambling now but hopefully now and again the odd comment will help someone or give them more food for thought. I think it's because I'm in a different mindset from the early days when I was 24/7 consummed with guilt, self hatred and the fear of being suckered back in. Now I feel alot more 'nornal' whatever that is lol. Really enjoying swapping music choices as I tend to listen the same tunes. I'very always like Billy Joel, would love to see him in concert. Did you see the moon tonight? I think it was a harvest moon, stunning. Hope you've had a good day, take care S:)

Morning Sharon and thankyou for that illuminating post on my diary. The Harvest Moon last night was truly spectacular and clear skies over the UK meant meant it was visible everywhere. Being the first full moon in autumn it seemed to be really big, bright and beautiful.

My music choice today is Harvest Moon by Neil Young.....Come a little bit closer - Hear what I have to say - Just like children sleeping - We could dream this night away.

Thanks for the post. I was thinking sure there's a song called harvest moon!

Hello Diary ... 9th counselling session went well today, finding it therapeutic and the lady is very pleasant.

My friend Nina treated me to the theatre tonight for my birthday present, it was a good play calked Kings of Hull which was quite funny. Also went for a meal before that which was nice. Birthday is not until 17th October when I will be 67.... It's only a number.

Thankyou for that post Volcano and big congratulations on your 170 Days GF. I pressed the link you recommended but my tablet couldn't​ find it. Take care, wishing you a great weekend of fun and adventures. I have posted on your diary(hope I got the right thread).

Morning Diary. 149 Days on the recovery road - Yihaaaa Woohoo yabba dabba dooo - still clutching my one way ticket to freedom - friends to the left of me, friends to the right, and friends up ahead showing me the way. God bless you all.

My music choice today (courtesy of MerryGoRound) is Running by James Bay ....When my heart is ready to burst.- When the world spins in reverse - I'll keep running - To the place where I belong

It has been noted and flagged up that Abstainer has given no music selection of the day. Very disappointing to say the least.

So take this post as a kindly reminder that DJ Abstainer has a contractural Gamcare obligation to full fill with his daily musical selections .

To help you on the way and inspired by the name of your pal, and also a song that's quite appropriate with re(dis)covery and realising that we have a life after all away from the madness - I present the quite fantastic Nina - https://youtu.be/L5jI9I03q8E

Correction Stephen, I missed your selection from yesterday morning.

Have a good day