Life or Misery; that's the choice

Hi Christer,

You might think they're small steps, but they're big steps as far as I see it - and hitting 20 days is really something. It's because you're navigating and overcoming possible obstacles such as paydays (whether weekly, forthnightly or monthly). You're showing determination, discipline - and character.

You're proving, step by step, day by day, you can do this and I'm following your progress, you can be assured of that.

If you think of gambling, that's fine. Just think that you don't have to do it any more! Feel relief and happy about it. You'd rather have the money yourself, thank you very much...!

Here's a thought.

Isn't it a great feeling, when not gambling, having cash in your pocket the next morning? Not having to go to the bank (and drawing out dwindling reserves). Nothing like the feeling of having a few coins jangling and maybe the odd note or two, too.

And not just that; the money in your pocket becomes the 'float' for the day. If you want a pint, or to buy something, you can. Just do it. (You'll be amazed how reluncant you'll be, actually - ex-gamblers, or recovering gambliers, are excellent money managers because the irony is - we don't like wasting money !!!!)

Keep posting Christer and I'll keep replying 🙂 . With you all the way as you get to 30 days and become a Striver. You can do this, my friend.

Just spent some time reading your diary Mixer. I must admire your strength to just keep going. This is a nasty addiction to have and your mindset could be golden if I could steal it!

How have you found the past couple of weeks? How do you cope with urges?

Thankyou Mixer . Heartwarming to see all the support and encouragement you spread around the diaries. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by many.....stephen

Very important mixer to have a strategy in place when we get urges, I like yours. My one is, every time I think about gambling I recall a moment when I have put in hundreds in a roulette machine and and that horrible gut renching feeling after that huge loss while I am walking out without a penny to your name!

ATB.

Shaun

Adam808 - thank you for your kind words. You asked how I'm finding the last couple of weeks. Truth is, I have to be determined every day. Every morning, I remind myself that I will not gamble; because it will be a path to instant misery if I do. I always leave home with pocket money, a few quid, and a tenner in reserve if I have to travel. I have no debit or credit on me card whatsoever.

There are urges but without the cash I can't act on them. The fact is, it is far too early in my lifelong recovery to be trusted with a card, and am realising and getting used to the fact I never will.

Being on this website, and the Chats in the evening also help immensely Adam. There are some great people on here, and a great underlying spirit - because we all want to break free.

I'm on the way to counselling right now, as it happens. It's a 90 minute journey each way for a 1 hour session when I get there. But do I want to be GF or not?

I wish you the best of luck too Adam, and, remember you can create your own luck to a degree - by putting in place the obstacles and support to give yourself the very best chance of a better life.

Sha999 - we all need a strategy and also our own ways of remind ourselves of the misery of gambling. That heart-renching feeling of a bad loss is certainly one way. Or, if you're that deep in, you wonder why you are desensitised to the loss as I have been lately. That's when you know you're in trouble!

Keep strong, Shaun, and do not buckle. There's a life to live, it's a golden ticket, don't waste it!

Abstainer - likewise my friend; you're a good'un. A kindred spirit and a pleasure to know. We share that utter determination to live a GF life and are passing that vibe on!

Thank you kind Sir for the word's and glowing report ( not sure if I deserve it all though ) .

I think were quite alike in the " No nonsense approach " , See it for what it is" and " Say it how it is " is the only way through life in my book , which is probably why I like your thread so much .

You put a hellava lot into helping those around you on the forum and your alway's willing to listen and adapt as you go but make sure you keep looking after you as well Mixer and don't forget it's your recovery too .

Wishing you well as always my friend, keep up the good work and keep doing what works :))

Alan

Hi Mixer. 33 days on the clock. Excellent progress in a very positive manner so well done on that. Gamble free days soon add up but it's scary how quick life passes us by, our gamble free time is really quite precious to us.

Like your profile picture, it looks rather tranquil in a woodland setting. Not sure if it's private land so thought I'd ask your permission before taking a stroll in there.....stephen

Hi Abstainer - thank you once again for your kind words.

My pic, btw, simply describes how I felt starting my gambling free life - realising I've not been seeing the wood for the trees!

I was forgetting how destructive gambling is, not just wasting time, money and becoming a more morose, pathetic character - but how I was jeopardising the future, too.

The woods remind me that there is sunlight beyond if I can be prepared to steer a path through; there is hope, we CAN cut through and create our own luck.

It's public land, so anyone is welcome to visit my woods and together stride towards the clearing, day by day, where we'll find space, fresh air, peace and a happier life. And, because it's my woods, they'll be a country pub with an exceptionally wide range of quality ales. And we'll have money - being gambling free - to sample them all 🙂

Any chance of a lock in ? :))

If one has time perchance they should

Take a stroll thru Mixers wood

Songs n smiles dispel the fears

Along with snacks and tasty beers.

Perfectly said Stephen :))

Good night Gentlemen :))

.

Hi Abstainer, Alan

I'm delighted there's interest in the new pub in Mixer woods. In fact I think it should have an official opening and have its own thread... but before we do, let's set it up just how we want it.

Abstainer, it goes without saying you'll have a great idea of the playlist on the Jukebox!

We can all take turns behind the bar (moderate the thread).

Naturally prices are good (so the £20 we're spending on the Guru thread will go a long way!)

Our pub will need a name. The Gambling-Free Arms is a bit dull..

What do you say gentleman. Shall we set up and open this pub, put it on a new thread here on the forums, invite anyone to sup our Ales and enjoy the excellent atmosphere?

Just think; when the Chatroom closes, we can all nip off down the Gamcare pub, with a lock-in if we need it Alan 😉

Let's put our names above the door as equal partners: Abstainer/Alan/Mixer; and be open for business!

And like any responsible boozer we can ban any troublemakers 😉

P.S. Loved the ditty, Abstainer!

P.P.S. We would have a dartboard, pool table, pub quiz ... but fruities are banned 🙂

Hi Mixer, I just thought I would drop by a say what a great job you are doing motivating people. Congrats on 34 days GF, and I look forward to you and myself being Guru's before long 😉

IMM