Life in all its Fullness

Markman

I wish you well,as I do everyone here.

Fella we have been a long way together, from cricket scores to that book that every comprehensive school child should read.

Regards Duncan Mcquilken recovering compulsive gambler.

Edited.

Duncan

You reading "that book" means more to me than you could possibly know.

Am I one big "wally?"

Mark

Is it too soon to take the mick about getting a post in quick 😉

I'm only South in body Markman, I leave my heart North of the Thames so your side is my side, everyone knows West is best 🙂

Not sure it was a lapse more an unadulterated decision to quit the fight to continue to live my gambling dream (read nightmare) but yep, I'm over 6 months really (no lottery) clean now & funnily enough, as had been pointed out (cheers Dan) it was quite simple to leave it behind! I have just pondered the transient addiction theory in my head & dismissed it concluding it was more stubbornness aka gross stupidity that kept me clinging on. I have previous for that but I recognise it now & that's half my battle.

Yesterday I realised I am a serial interrupter...Today, I didn't wait the recommended 5 seconds between someone else stopping speaking before I started (is that not in a torture manual somewhere) but I was aware of it & was able to make a conscious effort with it & so mini fist pump to change!

We're all humans, we're never going to get it right all of the time (except me, of course, because I'm marvellous) but recognising that sometimes the miscommunications is our own doing teaches us way more than we may realise @ the time! Thank you both for this exchange.

Interrupted away. Take the mick all you like Kelly.

Like the great Alan Ayckbourn slash that tension with a knife. Distract us all with a sublime comic interlude.

At least you stopped short at saying get a room!

One of my flaws is that I can be sensitive and take things personally - sometimes incorrectly and if I am in incorrect here I will sleep more soundly tonight.

My father was a violent and ruthless man. I will never unsee the atrocities he committed before my very eyes. Before he died however we made peace. Never was there a truer repentance. He said "it takes a man to admit that he is wrong" and I live my life by that maxim.

Never raise my hands in anger. Always ready to raise them if I err.

It also takes a very strong man to forgive & the little I do know, I am amazed that you were able to do so & I doff my imaginary hat to you!

Nothing wrong with sensitivity Markman & from what I saw of the exchange, you will be currently snoring your head off now...I shall warn the NM not to worry about any localised tremors as he goes about his night shift.

I'm thinking I read St Ives is on your radar & we've been ordered to Porthmeor cafe by one set of olds next time we get down...I'm wondering if you have any other recommendations? I'm not sure I 'got it' last time we went, felt too busy to be real Cornwall (what am I like)?!?

Hi MM

It seems that over-sensitivity is a personality trait of addicts. Certainly applies to me, so you're definitely not alone. Fear of being rejected being the underlying thing.

The sad irony is that being oversensitive can push people away, which is the last thing we want.

Like ODAAT says, being sensitive is a v good quality imo so not all bad. Developing self awareness to question myself before going down the oversensitive rabbit hole - is helpful.

Congrats on your gamble free days

Louis

"Thank you very much Louis".

Very rare for me to say that. Louis is my 9 year old son's name and I am normally screaming at him as opposed to thanking him!

You have it the nail right on the head though. I harboured the belief that Duncan had rejected me and hope that I have not pushed away someone I consider a friend.

I am grateful for the congratulations. Each day I move into a new territory.

I am truly grateful for all I am blessed with.

Markman 175 DGF

Hello Mark . Congratulations on your 175 Days GF , absolutely brilliant example to people like myself , truely inspiring . No doubt you have overcome a lot of upset and heartache getting this far , you have my utmost respect .

As you rightly say , to give yourself up to the night skies and breathe in the wonder of the universe , it is a feel good adventure and great therapy .

I am fortunate in being only 20 minutes from the riverside and marina . On a clear night with the stars out and moon in the eastern sky , lights of ships , refineries and other things glittering in the distance , it can be so peaceful and awe inspiring . Get the occasional fisherman who don't seem to mind whether or not they catch anything , maybe they feel the fishing justifies their presence on the riverside ! Whatever , they still soak up the peace and tranquility .

A religous teacher called Eckhart Tolle stated" You are not in the universe . You are the universe . " ....... Now thats a tricky one to get your head around . Wishing you happy days ahead . Peace and contentment on your journey ...... stephen