It will be ok

Thanks for your post Annie, I'll be okay just got to ride it out. Well done on 18 days

Wilsy x

Thanks Wilsy. Day 18 nearly done. £18 in the pot. Day 19 here I come. X

Day 19 nearly done and dusted. Do have thoughts of gambling daily but not acted on them. Good luck everyone. Xx

Congratulations Annie on 20 days gamble free. A rock solid start to a happier, playful life of fun and adventures.

Glad your keeping fit and enjoying your running. You mentioned maybe joining a gym. If you go online most gyms will give you a free day pass to try out the facilities.

Joining a gym was one of the smartest moves I ever made. I am a member at DW gym in Hull. My membership is £29 per month and includes the gym plus a wide variety of fitness classes and a large pool, steam room and hot tub. I have got to know many people there so it also a place where I can socialise.

It is more rewarding than feeding £29 into a hungry fobt machine every month.

Take care. X

Hi Annie,

thanks for posting on my forum, your support and kind words really help me.

Congrats on a huge 20 days gamble free which really is an achievement and you are doing it, you are winning. This early into our recoveries we will have thoughts and urges, it's just important we don't act upon them and you aren't, you are ignoring them so well done.

Have a wonderful day and weekend.

Wilsy

Thank you Stephen and Wilsy. I did try a class last night that could pay for without joining and my legs are killing me today. I was exhausted before I went but as soon as I got there I felt energised - probably because I was nervous! So I think it maybe something I do join. Totally agree that it is money well spent. The last two times I gambled I lost over £400 in total and only stopped due to no more money so that would be gym membership for a year. Shows how crazy gambling is as I would have to be really sure about paying such a huge amount of money for a gym but don't think twice with gambling. Onwards and upwards!! We can all beat this. X

12k run in the sun today and no gambling. Thoughts of gambling came but not acted on. Car MOT and insurance on the horizon and need enough money to pay however much it is. It failed last year so often not a cheap affair. I will not gamble tomorrow. X

Hello Annie. So pleased you tried out the gym. If you visited 3 or more times a week it is great value for money.

Loads to do in the gym, or swimming, and plenty of classes to choose from. I tried Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Salsasize, Body Combat, Body Pump, Tai Chi etc etc. Great fun. You can try things and find out what suits you.

You get to know people quickly enough and it becomes a social thing as well. All air conditioned so your not breathing in pollutants.

Swimming around a pool, or working out, has got to be better than mindless gambling. And it is also a lot cheaper.

Wishing you a good week ahead...stephen x

Hello Annie, I’ve just been reading your diary this morning. Firstly, congratulations on 23 days gamble free. Keep it up girl.

I, too, am a runner and I can safely say that it does help massively when trying to steer clear of gambling. I’m restarting my journey to freedom and I hope to always be 22 days behind you.

I’ve set myself 5 goals for 2018. A financial goal, a running goal, a weight loss goal and a couple of lifestyle choice type goals. As well as the obvious goal of not gambling this year.

I need to give myself something to go for. Something for me to focus my mind on and take it away from the evils of gambling.

Best of luck in your journey ahead. I’ll be there all the way.

Dan

Morning Annie,

wishing you a productive and smooth week, keep doing what you are doing and well done on thinking about the Car MOT and stuff, if we were still active we'd be right up s**t creek without a paddle.

Be proud of yourself.

Wilsy x

Thank you so much Stephen, Determind Dan, and Wilsy. Your posts are so supportive and although I've had thoughts of gambling, your comments have spurred me on to a gamble free Monday and hopefully Tuesday! Can't believe you tried all those classes Stephen - they sound amazing - my legs are still a bit stiff from my Friday class. Dan good luck in all your goals - certainly running or exercise of any type is a huge benefit for my mental well being. Good luck to you all on your journeys. X

Day 24. Have to say I really want to gamble today but I will not. Going to keep myself in check.

Hi Annie, thanks for posting to me, yes mum owns a house in Toulouse, I have never been so that has to be my target this year to go and have a week away.

Congrats on Day 24, why do you think you want to gamble today, do you feel down, bored, seeking excitement or just have the urge to? I am pleased you won't and do keep a check on yourself, at least you've expressed how you are feeling on this forum, just try not to react or give into those voices.

Have a peaceful evening and catch up soon

Wilsy x

Thanks Wilsy - good question - think I'm really tired at the moment and just want to zone out a bit maybe. Have been at work til late today so definitely no thoughts today. Toulouse sounds a great holiday destination. Fantastic that you are so focused on the future. You are doing brilliantly. X

Congratulations on quarter of a century gamble free! x