JW's Recovery

Hi JW

“An extra 6 months will allow bookmakers to make an extra £900 million”, just shows how corrupt and rigged those machines really are.

Bad news to the bookies from you and me though, THEY ARE NOT HAVING ANY OF OUR MONEY!

Keep up the fight and well done.

Shaun

Day 80

I'm at the point now where some days I don't even think about gambling at all, and when I do it's only to reflect on all of the bad times there are never any thoughts of going back to it.

I am absolutely delighted to see some new members on here who are either reading or about to start reading the Allen Carr book, I will be eternally grateful to that book for completely changing me as a person and the way my brain works, will never be able to recommend it enough.

Keep up the good work everyone.

JW

Day 81

After a very long time on the waiting list I had my fist counselling session this morning.

Initially when they called me yesterday to ask if I was free I was slightly hesitant as, without sounding ignorant, I thought to myself "I'm 81 days in now I don't want to waste anyone's time."
However I am so glad I bit the bullet and went. I have never felt so comfortable with someone from the off and just felt like I was able to talk freely about everything to do with gambling. I really enjoyed it and am already looking forward to my next session in 2 weeks.

Just on a different note I haven't really mentioned anything in my diary since the very early days regarding my relationship ... Things are going quite well and I have been spending a lot of time at her house, staying over etc. She's already brought up the conversation about me moving back in however I feel that I really need to stick it out in the flat for the time being, certainly for the first 6 months at least. I think I just need that reassuring feeling of independence and paying my own way for a while, as I've never had it before. It seems to be helping me find my feet for now.

Finally, the last few weeks I have now been able to put a small amount of my pay each week into my savings account and am thoroughly enjoying seeing it slowly build up, for the first time in my life I have savings! Keep up the fight everyone 🙂

JW

Day 85

Just finished a long Nightshift weekend and managed to finish reading "The Gambler" by Fyodor Dostoevsky, a fascinating read that I thoroughly enjoyed, a book that only reaffirmed the new way in which I look / think about gambling. I'm feeling keen to read more and more at the moment.

Anyway, time for a relaxing couple of days off now.

JW

Hi JW

Thanks for the recommendation of the book, will look on eBay/Amazon shortly to see if I can pick up a copy.

Well done on your continued gamble free journey, by not gambling, you are winning every time.

Shaun

Thanks for the tip re the book. I will have a look. All the best for your continued life free from gambling.

Day 91

A rare full weekend off work for me. Had a brilliant day yesterday firstly with the kids football in the morning, then watching Newcastle grab a much needed win and finally staying up for the boxing last night.

As for today there are 5 live football matches on TV from the PL and MLS and I fully intend to sit here and watch the lot with a few cold ones, really looking forward to City v United. How much better a weekend can be with no gambling!

JW

Day 100

A milestone that I probably never really believed I would ever achieve. In 8 years I have never come anywhere near close to 100 days without gambling.

I am certainly seeing the benefits now and financially things are ever so gradually turning the corner for me, in another month or so I'll be in the best financial position I've ever been in (In terms of money in the bank not my debt).

Today I feel quite proud of myself.

JW

Congrats on 100 days, well done.

Never give up giving up.

Shaun

Thanks mate!

JW

Day 103

Just treat myself to a couple of online Black Friday bargains and looking forward to a nice day out with food and cocktails tomorrow.

Can not stress enough how much better life is without gambling.

JW

Day 111

Nightshift weekend again, seems to come back around far too fast. Anyway I stayed up after my first one last night as the kids football team I manage had a game early on so only managed 2 hours sleep this afternoon before having to come back to work. Can tell this is going to be a long night ... but the kids won which makes it all worth it!

Hope everyone is still winning their individual fights, keep on that gamble free path.

JW

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Day 125

Have been trying to update my diary for 2 days now but unfortunately have had trouble posting on the site, anyway it all seems back to normal now so here is the post I was trying to make ...

Day 123

Was supposed to be having my 3rd counselling session this morning but have had to send my apologies and ask to reschedule as I am now back in bed feeling rather ill :-/ I am disappointed as was quite looking forward to it.

On a brighter note I am now finished work for Christmas and not back until January 12th! A whole month off! Trying my best not to think about the fact that me and my girlfriend should have been jetting off to Australia this week to spend Christmas with my dad were it not for my meltdown in the summer. It just makes me more determined than ever to make sure I am definitely there next year, and now I know that gambling cannot prevent that from happening anymore, can't believe how much different my life feels from 123 days ago.

JW

Day 129

Just arrived back Newcastle after a last minute spur of the moment trip to Amsterdam with a mate. Booked up Friday night and by Monday afternoon we were on the ferry. Something I have never been in a position to do due to gambling and for that reason I enjoyed the trip even more.

Just remember, once you say goodbye to it all for good, the possibilities are endless.

JW