Louise's Diary

Hey louise

Firstly well done on reaching 50 days! I'm right behind you!

Secondly, I felt the same as you with regards to the amount of people in this situation and also the amount of relapses. It's tough but it's happening and you don't have to say anything but you have helped me along enormously with your comments on my diary and I appreciate that very much so just keep doing what you are doing. Sometimes it just nice to say that you know how someone else feels because that can go a long way!

Well done again hon! Now onto 100!

Linda xxx

Hey Buddy!!

It's been another quiet week for you girl.....a big week though for us!! I know you're struggling with all the new names and faces coming in so may not want to post.......and I don't know what you mean about not having anything to say - you always say the right things to me!!

You need to check in on the Challenge thread girl - we need you there!! I can't bend the rules even for my partner in recovery!

Hopefully you'll get this and get the finger out!

Take care you,

Mr Brightside

Hey Myself, Mr B, Linda.

So this afternoon was my first counselling session with gamcare. I totally recognise that I gambled to escape, and am really s**t at showing /displaying emotion.

In the waiting room, there was just me, and then there were 3 guys within 3 minutes. I didn't know,what the scoop was. Do you say 'hi' or not? No one spoke, and counsellors arrived to meet us, the clients, individually. But I really wanted to talk to the others in the waiting room and kind of share the strength that we are building on the forum.

Anyway, all in all, an enlightening day and lots to think about.

Keep strong everyone.

Louise

Louise,

Massive congratulations for surpassing fifty days gamble free. Great result to your marvellous commitment to your diary.

Happy that you have had your first counselling session. I hope that this provides you with the answers you are seeking, which in turn makes your recovery stronger.

I am fifty days gamble free today. We are on the correct path now and just need to stay on this road.

I wish you well. Keep up the good work.

Tomso.

Congrats Tomso on your 50 days!

Feels pretty good, doesn't it!? I have managed to pay off a bit of debt and even had a weekend away.

Keep up the good work,

Louise

Hi Lou just read your diary it all sounds very familiar to when I started gambling at 14 and realising how gambling gives us the escape well it feels like it congratulations on facing up to it like me I've found it hard and struggle with anxiety for suppressing for so long but we can work through it 🙂

The bear x

So, I am gamble free for over 50 days and clearly the online casino I used is missing my cash- fabulous!

I have just been invited to an 'exclusive' long weekend, to a private Irish castle...along with my partner. I just checked the venue out on line and it can only be hired privately. Of course, it is super swanky. Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals and drinks are included. It's where Posh and Becks got married, so that gives you an idea of the venue...

So, do I

1. Decline the offer.

2. See this as a great 'freebie' and fill my boots at their expense, eating and drinking as much as physically possible?

If there is any form of gambling, I absolutely would not take part and my partner would make sure of that.

Thoughts much appreciated. Has this happened to anyone else??

Hey there, just been reading your diary, well done on getting so far.

i am currently on day 28 and feeling so much better already.

a luxury trip away to a castle in ireland sounds amazing! My opinion is that so long as you can be assured that there will be no gambling involved at all then you should go for it. take advantage of the holiday, see it as a reward for doing so well!

A treat for you and your partner!

Mmmm, so decided to turn down the 'free VIP trip' to Dublin in April. Right decision methinks.

Have had a very busy week, so not many gambling thoughts, but very proud of Linda keeping strong after the worst few days.

Hey Lou,

Good to see the diary getting updated Mrs - 70 days this week huh? Won't be long before you're congratulating me on 100 days and I'll be reciprocating the day after!!!

Hope all ok with the better half and the business - must be good if so busy!!

Look after yourself Lou - think about you often buddy!

Mr b xxx

Hey Louise

Well done on turning down the trip- I would have done the same in your situation!

I really appreciate you posting on my diary and sending me some strength- i needed it today so thanks xxxxxx have a great weekend x Linda

So I have reached day 79 and have had a pretty full on week already. Session 4 with the gamcare counsellor was on Monday.

I have discovered that there are 2 of me, as I suspected. The sensible half that runs a business and also had a highly successful career in the armed forces prior to that.

The other half of me is 12 years old at the point where my father died. The 12 year old 'me' is the one that takes over and hides emotions & feelings that the real me doesn't want to feel and that's when I gamble.

So last night, whilst explaining to my partner, I had a total meltdown...a proper wailing cry that I should have had when my Dad died, but couldn't. I am still very tearful, but think it's a major breakthrough in my understanding and another step along this long and rocky road has been taken.

Well done for addressing the demons and background. I strongly believe that those who do so have a far better chance of long term recovery without relapsing.

Keep up the good work.

Hi Lou

well done on your breakthrough- it may be hard over the next few days but it is something that will help you in your recovery.

sending over forum hugs!

Linda x

Hey Lou,

Just me checking in on your diary......something I've maybe not been as good at doing recently.......just so busy at the moment it's ridiculous. Sounds like you're in the same place huh?

Also sounds like you've had a really tough week as well.......with both parents but for obviously different reasons. Thoughts are with you on both fronts buddy. At least there's one significant thing you've achieved that will support you on the recovery - no more lies or secrets required with your mum.

Anyway - all of these things are sent to try us Lou - you are doing so well and there aren't many names I get so much pleasure from seeing it popping up on the forum than yours!

Always together girl,

Mr B xx