Life or Misery; that's the choice

Stephen - thank you, as ever, for the motivational post 🙂

I'm on Day 67 - as determined as ever - and on the way to my counselling. I think it's No.10 of 12 - keeping it going despite the travelling (nearly 2 hours each way!)

But do I want to give my all to enjoying a gambling free life or not ...?

Day 68 - another day living life, not misery

Thankyou for the kind words on my diary Mixer, it's good to feel we're all as one looking for our liberty. I can say in all honesty my GamCare friends have helped me enormously, supporting me with advice and encouragement in a non-judgemental manner.

As you rightly say we've got to let the past go and move on. Only natural that we should occasionally take a stroll down memory lane but we don't want to get ambushed while we're down there.

As you pointed out, gambling took up a big percentage of our mental faculties. We couldn't​ give our whole to anything because the addiction took so much from us. Even when not gambling the mind was thinking about the next episode, so we still had no peace from it.

The brain power that was wasted on gambling could be freed up and maybe could be put to better use ...stephen

Thank you as always for your kind words, Stephen.

Day 72 ... but still feel as raw as I did on Day 1. One day at a time, forever.

Evening Mixer and congratulations on 75 Days GF. As you rightly say, not thinking about gambling frees up our minds so we can live a full life. Compare that to a gambling obsession which is a sad, lonely existence and a complete waste.

You do a wonderful job with the Guru Challenge and I appreciate that. Take care ..stephen

Hi Stephen, thank you as always for the best wishes my friend, and I'm delighted to be on Day 76! You're a good man Stephen and your diary is a 'must read' to me.

Dear Diary, I had a bit of good news today; my pay-cut won't kick in for another 18 months (instead of Christmas) - a welcome breathing space. It gives me time to look for other roles and take stock. One thing's for certain - I'm going to save the extra money like crazy and will not, must not, and will not, gamble. Ever again. Life - or misery.

Morning Mixer, glad you have some good news on the work front. Wishing you a good friday and great weekend ahead ...stephen

Pay day today waited till 12.01 am moved all spare cash into partner s account felt great and have left bill money in there will be a test but can do it 18 days GF

Congratulations Mixer on 80 Days GF. Absolutely brilliant journey so far and your an inspiration on the diaries. Just enjoyed reading your 'Guru Challenge Sunday Rollcall', you certainly brighten up the recovery road with your wise words, encouragement and good humour ....stephen

Glad you enjoyed your stay in Jersey,

Thnak you so much Stephen. Most appreciated! On Day 84 now .. the same total I got up to "last time". "This time" I have no choice - if I gamble its absolute guaranteed misery. So onwards and upwards to Day 100....!

Good news about the delay to your pay cut Mixer! Just popping in to see how you're doing! Day 84.."you know the score". Well done and keep going. Your talents can be put to many, many better uses than gambling 🙂

Morning Mixer. Sorry to read your having medical issues, hope today's x rays are ok and everything works out well for you.

Congratulations on your continuing good progress stopping gambling and your excellent work with the 'Guru Challenge' ...stephen

Hello Mixer my friend, hope your ok and have a date for the scan / x- ray. Your friends on the diaries will all be sending you their best wishes. Take care ...stephen

Thank you for your kind good wishes, Stephen. My x-rays and scans will be on the 15th Nov, next Wedesnday. Until then I remain philosophical.

I'm on Day 90 - and like you, considering (once I've hit 100 days), leaving my totals off. I know I'll find them a hindrance; so long as I don't gamble, that truly is all that matters!

Thankyou Mixer and congratulations on 90 Days GF. In GA meetings 90 days is considered quite an important milestone. Take care, be happy and stay strong.