JW's Recovery

Day 15

Into week 3 now, having a hard time trying to deal with other things but gambling is not one of them.

JW

Hi Jw

Congrats on your progress so far!

I joined back in June but waited a while before posting, I was like you just reading about other people's experiences and I was pretty shocked at how many of us so easily get pulled in by this monster. You did right coming clean with your ex and even though you are not together you are still taking the right steps and putting blocks in place, you never know, her seeing you commit the way you are might keep that door open!

I also read Alan carrs book, I was amazed how much sense it all made and although everyday is a struggle I still remember what he said and relate.

There are so many helpful ppl on here so keep updating your diary and gaining more strength to beat this!

Dx

Day 16

Thanks for taking the time to comment Donna, it means a lot!

I actually went to see my ex yesterday and you're right the door is not fully closed yet she wants to help me but we both know that there is still no quick fix and that it's going to take time. But if I'm true to myself and stick to everything I've said so far I should be absolutely fine. Looking forward to what the future brings 🙂

JW

Keep up the good work, gambling isnt the answer to our problems , will still have our original issues PLUS the pain of gambling !

That's good to hear about your ex Jw, hope this keeps you on the path you are on and gain her trust back over time.

Keep up the splendid work 🙂

Dx

Day 17

Thank you Gav, Reminder and Donna. It's amazing how good your comments of encouragemnt make me feel. I think I need to start commenting on other people's posts more!

JW

Day 19

Was back at football training last night, thoroughly enjoyed it again. 1 hour away from finishing work until Monday morning and my ex has asked if I'd like to spend the day with her and our dog on Saturday ... It's promising to be an amazing gamble free weekend! 🙂

JW

hi jw,

congrats on the days racked up mate! also pleased for you about the ex situation, that will improve with time hopefully.

appreciate you dropping in on my diary, enjoy your gamble free weekend.

cheers,

A

That's great to hear Jw keep up the great work! Every day counts 🙂

Dx

Day 21

Thanks for the comments guys, encouraging as always!

3 weeks down now, started to feel slightly impatient over the last few days that my count isn't going up as quickly as I'd like. No urges or temptations though I just need to remember not to focus so much on my numbers and just enjoy each day for what it is.

Had the best day with my ex and our dog yesterday, went to the pub for food and a couple of drinks. I paid (for a change) and it felt so so good. She got a bit upset when I told her I'm moving into my flat on Friday as she thinks that it'll push us further apart but I don't think it will, overall I think I'm in a good place with her right now.

Spending my sunday chilling out at home watching the football with a few beers. Looking forward to another gamble free week and hitting the one month mark.

JW

JW

I understand the impatience but you are right, enjoy your days for what they are!

Keep it going, remember...strength will come as each day passes 🙂

Dx

I recommend this book also 🙂

Dx

Day 24

Hi ALN that's absolutely brilliant to hear! We're all fighting the same battle and if my recommendation has helped anyone in anyway at all it makes me a happy guy.

Not much more to report on myself been quite busy with work and football (hence why I haven't posted for 3 days) which I guess is a good thing.

2 days until I get the keys to my flat and I'm just counting down the hours now, the fact that in just 3 weekly paydays I've managed to get the money together for a deposit and first month's rent is already showing me just what I can achieve in a life of no gambling, feeling stronger than ever!

JW

Forgot to mention ...

Yesterday when getting ready for football I picked an old jacket out of my wardrobe I hadn't worn for about a year and upon putting my hands in each pocket felt 2 scrunched up pieces of paper and knew immediately what they were.

2 losing betting slips from over a year ago reminded me of how I used to be so desperate for my match to finish on a sunday morning so I could rush off to the bookies with whatever change I had scraped together to stick an accumulator for that afternoon.

Had a little smile to myself as I threw the slips away knowing that I never have to return to that place again.

JW

Day 25

I would definitely agree with you there ALN. Yeah you're right, even having just one or two things to do every single day gives you a bit more purpose and focus.

Had a bad day at work yesterday, I'm actually due to be off all of next week but had recently been asked if I would like come in and work the whole week on overtime which I was really looking forward to as it would have been about an extra £800 in the bank altogether, perfect when I'm moving into my flat tomorrow. But found out yesterday they've knocked all of that on the head now and it left me feeling down as I had already paid off more debts than I normally would in my head with it. I think this frustration must have been playing on my mind when I went to bed as in my dream I went to the bookies and put my flat deposit on a bet. Of course it lost and not long after I woke up and was genuinely terrified for a few seconds that it had been real. Hopefully that was just a reminder of what will happen if I ever go down that road again, even just one bet. Feeling more determined than ever this morning now.

JW