Hope

Hi SA,

Im sorry you are going through the mill so much just now. On a selfish note, Im glad you divulged what you used to do, as I have always been curious.

If it is any help, I used to work in mental health, fairly similar field, and to my knowledge no-one has ever held it against me in a job interview that I wanted to change direction and do something more lighthearted. I think most people understand that it doesn't make you weak if you cant work with front-line distress every day. Its not for everyone. Even people who thrive in these roles, rarely do this line of work for a full 45 years. You tend to burn out a bit, or become jaded/frustrated with the 'system'.

I also think that for this reason, if you get a random job in the interim, that looks a bit out of place on your cv, people will kind of accept that you know, thats what happens in a recession. I should know - I'm a lollipop lady with letters after her name! lol.

I agree, its good that you are crying. But keep talking/typing too.

Take care,

f x

Day 20 since I last gambled

Hi f... yes for sure, hope so, dunno. Fear and anxiety drive me from my pit. Ive been lying here for an hour or so having dark thoughts. I feel so alone.

Things tend to work out don't they?.. i hope so. Today I will not gamble.. one day at a time.

Crying again.

Hi Ade,

Yes your absolutely right gambling would only add to my woe's. Am not especially troubled with thoughts of gambling at the moment.. my motivation not to gamble is very strong.. am at that hating gambling stage and hating myself for succumbling to it satge. Am also fearful of my life and the future. Am tired of feeling scared all the time... I just gotta keep talking and doing positive things... and living life a day at a time only. Thanks for listening.. S.A

nothin wrong wi showing your emotions my friend....hang in there,every minute,every hour bet free is positive progress...sometimes we feel better after a good "bubble"....take it easy and have a good weekend , we CAN do this 🙂

Hi S.A

I share al the emotions that you expressed in your last post.. This gambling disease creates so many problems for us, both financially and emotionally.

It can be done, we are better than this, we don't need to go thefre ever again.

One day at a time it can be done.

Let's do it ! One day at a time...

Keep strong mate

Your friend

David

Day 21... another day has dawned gambling free... and gambling free it shall remain... thanks for listening.. S.A

Morning S.A

Keep that positive posting going.

You are doing fine.

I'll join you in another gamble free day.

Have a great weekend.

David

Day 22... another day has dawned gambling free...

Its race day... bring it on!

Hi S.A

Another good positive post from you, even if it was in the middle of the night!

Must admit I was also up and about at 5.45 this morning.

Keep it going one day at a time we can do it.

David

Thanks david.

1 hour 53 mins for the half-marathon... am happy with that.. and there's more in the bag potentially.. just a question of training. So well done to me.

Had a few beers after and i must admit a few urges to gamble. But i says to myself well its because ive had a few beers. I don't have to act on these urges so I won't... 22 days gambling free. Thanks for listening.. S.A

sounds like you are doing well SA. definately a well done to you.

youve done even better by reasoning with yourself and dismissing the urges, its a tough thing to do but once you really think about it we all know that we can destroy the urges in seconds.

keep it up buddy, keep on posting as you are an inspiration to all. we can do this.

Day 23... and I remain gambling free. Thanks Lee.

Woke up early as always.. feeling somewhat scared and fearful as I do most mornings at the moment. The mornings are the worst and I tend to feel better as the day goes on. Am actually slightly hungover and a pulled muscle from yesterdays run and feeling fatigued and tired. Not tired enough to allow me to sleep longer though.

Am going to stay indoors today.. take it easy.. recover from the run.. sort some stuff out.. and some job search of course. Its my motivation to do the things that I don't want to do or are fearful to do thats the hardest. Its all the more harder when you live on your own which i do. Nobody here to gee me along. Come on I can do it!! Positve self-talk.

Anyway, no gambling.. thats always good news. Well done to me on my gambling free time. Thanks for listening.. S.A

Hi SA,

I am crazy moving house-stress lady just now - but Im popping in every couple of days to keep an eye on you 🙂

These feelings will pass, but until then your friends on here are right behind you. Cheering you on, and watching your back! Deep breaths, take your time, things will settle for you. However, can totally understand why you are feeling less confident of this. Keep posting, and keep hanging in there. I will be back as soon as I can think of more cliches..... :-/

Take care,

f x

Thanks f... cliche as much as you want.. cliches are fine by me 🙂

Well here we are day 24 of my gambling free life.. one day at a time. Must admit to a few thoughts.. lottery mainly.. "it could be me" type thinking. But then i think what i could do with £1 rather than throw it away gambling.

One pound can buy me a fresh wholemeal loaf of bread. One pound can buy me a bag of juicy apples. One pound can buy me a bag of oats that can do me for breakfast for a whole week. Now why would I want to throw away that £1 gambling??.. it just doesnt make any sense.

Today I will not buy a lottery ticket and today I will not gamble. Thanks for listening.. S.A

Hi S.A.

Freda said it really. You have friends here that are right behind you in your efforts. I know it's not the same as having someone there with you, saying..hey you , you can do this...believe in yourself because I believe in you... but... I can do this on here....

" Hey You, S.A., You can do this, please believe in Yourself like I believe in You...."

Sending love and hugs

God Bless

Sabine xx