I am stronger than I thought!

hey charlotte

the doctor.

Hi Charlotte,

I often have a very strong reaction when i gamble as well. The feelings self-loathing run deep. Its almost as if i go into shock. I think its partly the speed with which I lose agreat deal of money in a very short space of time and the incredullity that i could do that and all the consequences that come from doing that.

However i find that those feelings soon pass and then i start to feel better about myself once again. I know its not easy in practice but try to go easy on yourself. Whats done is done. I can tell by how you write what a kind and loving person you are. Your ok! Onwards to better times as i work on doing the same. Warm regards.. S.A 🙂

Hi Charlotte,

Sorry I have been a stranger recently just sorting out my life work sense. It is sorted now and I am officially debt free and in a full time job and still gamble free.

I came close though to gambling a couple weeks ago but somehow found a way to fight through it.

I see you have had some hard times recently all I can say is don't give up now look how many days in total you have racked up to the gambling ones in the last year and tell yourself your not a fighter. Because you know you are and you got to keep strong for you and your family more importantly your daughter because it is what you do that decided her future.

I can't think of any tips on how not to gamble because you can't ban yoursel from pubs but just think about your bf and daughter. For me I think and tell myself that if I gamble again I am not just gambling me and my wifes money away but a future with my wife also I think how I would probably lose everything if I gambled again because If I did it once more I would get sucked right back into that dark place.

Keep posting Charlotte and hopefully catch up in chat I got a few movie reviews for you.

Sorry if any of the above offends You I don't intend to come across I am just trying to give some advice as a friend on here 🙂

Take care and hope you had a better weekend

Ricky xx 🙂

Hi charl, sorry i have been a bit quiet, ive been real busy and not been on here to much of late, so i was gutted reading your post about your slip and sorry i wasnt around to offer my support. I am so glad tho there was another post 2 days later, it would be awful if you left these pages. You our a massive supporter to so many on here. Your such a lovely person who doesnt deserve this horrible addiction but you have got it and you have to live with it. We all make our mistakes and have our slips. If you fancy a read, try my diary - full of slips to tell you truth but with each one im getting stronger and more determind and each one has less and less effect as i know its wrong and i get right back up ready to fight and thats what you need to do, dont beat yourself up, remember your doing a really good thing and a really tough thing fighting this addiction and you will keep getting stronger and life will keep getting better.

Take care charlotte, you are bloody lovely, i feel like i know you and i really want to see you succed and i know you can.

Charlotte

so glad to see you decided to keep with the forum.

i take great strength from this,from me a huge well done.

duncs stepping forward never back.

Brand New Me- Alicia Keys

It's been a while, I'm not who I was before

You look surprised, your words don't burn me anymore

Been meaning to tell you, but I guess it's clear to see

Don't be mad, it's just the brand new kind of me Can't be bad, I found a brand new kind of free

Careful with your ego, he's the one that we should blame

Had to grab my heart back

God knows something had to change

I thought that you'd be happy

I found the one thing I need, why you mad

It's just the brand new kind of me

It took a long long time to get here

It took a brave, brave girl to try

It took one too many excuses, one too many lies

Don't be surprised, don't be surprised

If I talk a little louder

If I speak up when you're wrong

If I walk a little taller

I've been on to you too long

If you noticed that I'm different

Don't take it personally

Don't be mad, it's just the brand new kind of me

And it ain't bad, I found a brand new kind of free

Oh, it took a long long road to get here

It took a brave brave girl to try

I've taken one too many excuses, one too many lies

Don't be surprised, oh see you look surprised

Hey, if you were a friend, you want to get know me again

If you were worth a while

You'd be happy to see me smile

I'm not expecting sorry

I'm too busy finding myself

I got this

I found me, I found me, yeah

I don't need your opinion

I'm not waiting for your ok

I'll never be perfect, but at least now i'm brave

Now, my heart is open

And I can finally breathe

Don't be mad, it's just the brand new kind of free

That ain't bad, I found a brand new kind of me

Don't be mad, it's a brand new time for me, yeah

Thanks all 4 ur support. It means a lot xx

I have had such a busy wknd, I have been feeling a little stressed 2day!

We took Maddison 2 see Santa again 2day cus she loved it the 1st time and she went on the little christmas train she enjoyed that. Then we went 2 my parents 4 a roast dinner which was nice!

Most of my family that will not be seeing Maddison on Christmas day want 2 see her b4 Christmas.... Aunties, Uncles, Cousins etc... I am not sure when we r gonna fit it all in. We have visited some family this afternoon and dropped of some presents. Maddison has been given money by quite a few ppl in our family, I have given this all 2 my bf 2 put in her savings acct... I would never spend this money. We had 2 pick up some tables we ordered from the pine shop and we got soaked taking them back 2 the car. It just feels like I have had no wknd... But I am sure we will get everything done and I am just stressing about nothing!

Feeling much more postive on not gambling atm, but maybe that is cus I have not had netime 2 even think about it this wknd!

I hope everyone is ok xx

I am glad your here charlotte...am leaning on you folks right now to keep me going...

Anger flare up over and back now to the path...

hugs and jingle belles..

R and D xx

hey char

The doc

Hi Charlotte 🙂

Thanks for replying. Ye I know it had been to long luckily now I have a lot of time at work to come on here and catch up properly which is nice. SOunds like you had a lovely day yesterday with your family. I worked all weekend. But got from tomorrow 3 days off which will be nice. I got to wrap all my presents for my wife that I bought.

Right some film reviews, lol here goes I have only seen 2 films recently at the cinema.

The first is Life Of Pi- I Would say this one is 7/10 in 3d I was disappointed because it was to hyped up. But the story was amazing a really nice story. Maybe worth a watch when it comes out on dvd or you may like to see it at cinema.

The second film we saw was- The Hobbit-

I would rate this 9/10 Really good movie lots of action a great story and very long so you get your moneys worth lol. Well worth a watch.

I am seeing Jack Reacher tomorrow so my review might be a bit biased because I am a massive fan of the book series this film is based on.

Hope that was useful.

Keep thinking positive Charlotte My wife told me once, that if you think negative thoughts negative things will happen but if you are positive then good things will happen for you. I found that out the other day and I am so happy at the moment. Things are really looking up for me and my wife 🙂

Take care Charlotte and keep in touch

xxx

Hi Charlotte

I know what you mean about the weekend flying by I guess it is the Christmas rush and only get worse until it is all over and our bellies are stuffed with Turkey lol

Good to know you still off the gambling and I wishing you the most amazing Christmas ever you deserve it girl with everything you been through

Take care and stay strong, just for today I will not gamble

Hugh

Hi Charlotte,

thanks for your post on my diary. It really helps to know that you are all out there and that I am not alone. joanxxxx

Thanks for your post Charlotte, means a lot ! i am pleased you are feeling positive about being gamble free, keep it up, we are all with you x

Struggling 2nite with urges 🙁

Hi Char

Sorry to hear that things are difficult 2nite- sometimes I feel I can't offer the right words to help.

I do know however, that you love your family so much and no urge can ever be as strong as that love for Maddison. Keep busy/diverted whatever it takes.

As you've told me loads......I'm so proud of your fantastic effort. Keep up the great work.

Irene

x