It will be ok

Sorry to read of your relapse Annie and hope your feeling ok.

I also gambled yesterday so today is my first day gamble free.

Wishing you well..stephen

Hi Annie,

Sorry to hear about the relapse. I’ve posted on Stephens diary so won’t repeat myself and bore everyone. All I’d say though is it’s a shame, but not an amount that will hopefully have too much impact. Well done for not letting it turn into a major relapse, don’t try and win it back, and well done for getting straight back on here. I know it must be disappointing going back to zero, but you’ve still come a long way from your first diary (which i’ve just flicked back over). Just try and think about what you can do differently next time, so you don’t have to reset the counter! Rich

Thanks Stephen and Rich. I'm actually feeling positive today. Ran 12k this morning and have just worked out that if I can not gamble til 19 November 2022 then that will be 1755 days which is how long I have been a compulsive gambler for. Anyway, whether that is achievable or not we will see. I just read an interesting article in a running magazine about treating willpower like a muscle- the more you use it the stronger it becomes. Thought that this is true with gambling - it talks about if you trust your will power then when obstacles present themselves, e.g for me a few spare quid and time on my own with access to online, then you will trust your willpower to overcome. I haven't got any money til payday anyway but I don't want to gamble today. Stephen I'm so sorry to hear you have relapsed too, January is a very difficult month I think and we will soon be out of it. Don't beat yourself up and keep going forward. X

Day 4. £4 in my pot. Payday today but that feels ok. Will withdraw all surplus money after bills as cash so no access to online money. Yes I've messed up but i am ready to be gamble free.

Hello Annie. Here we are 4 days since we last gambled. We really must give it all we've got this time because gambling destroys our happiness.

Very impressed with your running. I imagine it is great fun, stress busting and it will keep you fit. I believe exercise is a great way to get rid if stress and improve our sense of well-being.

I am so pleased that I never gambled online. That must be horrendous to be pestered 24/7 by thoughts of gambling. Money in the bank for me is ideal but a pocket full of notes would be a big temptation and best avoided.I put £80 on my Asda gift card today so I don't need to carry much money around.

Take care Annie. I do so hope we can stick it out this time. Our lives will be far far better for not gambling...stephen x

Hi Annie,

day 5, well done and make a brighter future for yourself.

Wilsy

Hey Annie just wanted to say well done and keep going 🙂

My weakness is online slots and had previously been gamble free for over 2 years but now back again and ready to kick this hard once and for all ! Sunshine x

Thank you Stephen, Wilsy and Sunshine, your posts mean a lot. Day 6 and counting. Glad to get to the weekend but very aware that this is my weak time so I must exert extra willpower. Good luck all, let's keep on this road and stay gamble free. Xxx

Day 7. Can feel my willpower is weak today so I am going to try really hard to remain gamble free today. Have been visualising so blasted spinning wheels. X

Day 8. Had a 7 mile run this morning. Feeling ok. Thoughts pop in my head about gambling but they are just thoughts...,,I will not act on them.

I haven't gambled today. What a relief.

Very impressed with the 7 mile run you had this morning Annie. Do you find it helps take your mind off gambling? I love going to the gym for a swim and a sit in the steam room.

Wishing you a good week ahead...stephen

Thanks Annie for posting on my diary, I took stock over the weekend and feel a bit better. No I would never consider moving back in with my parents, couldn't think of anything worse.

Pleased you enjoyed your run and Day 9 today, well done

Wilsy

Thanks Stephen and Wilsy, hope you are both having a good Monday. Running definitely good for mental health Stephen - and certainly can't gamble while running. Day 9 - definitely had thoughts of gambling but have not succumbed. Wilsy you response re moving in with your parents made me laugh! Take care xx