Hi need, great to read that your doing well, just wanted to comment on your last post ref your friends just remember they will only tell you the good stuff and miss out the fact they lost 3 x as much as they won, we all know this deep down the only winners are those who do not gamble, you win your freedom, time and funds to enjoy the finer things in life. Well done keep posting and stay strong.
Need help
fella good to read you are finding the resolve to keep abstaining
I think of all the times I gambled on events that I held no control over in the blind hope I would gain financially,when in fact I would never regain my losses.
To repeat the same thing over and over and expect a different outcome,an act of madness.
For us the compulsive gambler the act of winning will not abate the futile act,in fact in reality it compels us to gamble further.
As a fellow member of the forum gifted my mind
GAMBLING IS A COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME
very profound words indeed.
Keep making the right choice
most of all enjoy it's rewards
Abstain and Maintain
Duncs stepping forward never back
Hey Need - Well done! You're right to be cautious of complacency - it fooled me - then back to the horrible feelings of failure and self loathing! Done go there - you're doing great - KEEP GOING!! Helen. X
Hi Need,
You're doing amazingly well and have every reason to be contented with yourself.
Fantastic that you've managed to go out socially with friends that may still be gambling and resist the urge to use that as a trigger yourself. You are right, being able to do simple enjoyable things like watch a match without the background stresses of gambling is, I'm trying to think of the right word, well, it's just completely serene and relaxing (as leisure time should be!).
You said earlier in your diary that you were worried that your mates having big wins and talking about them might be a bit of a problem. All I can say is that what they will never fully disclose is the amount they are actually losing! Did you ever tell them about 'a win' but neglect to fully mention just how much you'd lost?
I'm glad that you've found a methodical and calm way to create distance between you and your gambling days, like you I also choose to make as little song and dance or 'milestone' announcements as possible. For me it feels a little too much like creating pressure and setting myself up for a fall. Instead, like you, I just get on with it, one day turns into another, turns into a week, turns into a month, turns into a year etc. (we are all different though).
Remember to every now and then give yourself a proper pat on the back and remember how horrible those chaotic feelings were when gambling (If I think hard enough I can actually taste the despair and feel my stomach turn, which is a great reminder to stay away). Treat yourself to something a bit frivolous every now and then & try to do something new that's fun and rewarding once in while to remind yourself that money is there to be enjoyed and that 99.9% of things out there are more enjoyable than gambling (the 0.1% being watching 'Mrs Browns Boys', but hey, that's what remote controls are for!).
Keep up the good work and good spirits.
All the best
Ian.
Hi need
Pleased to read your positive post
Keep going stay strong and positive
You are doing greAt
Suzanne x
Hi need
One step at a time one day at a time you will get through this
This self destructive addiction has a way of making us feel guilty if we have money and put it somewhere else ( which is definitely a positive for us) but not the addiction because we are not feeding it
Continue to starve it stay strong and positive
You are stronger than the addiction because you put your money elsewhere well done
Tomorrow you will feel proud and so you should be
Stay safe and take care tonight because tomorrow is another day and you will feel different after abstaining and maintaining today
Suzanne xx
Great words Suzanne. It sneaks up on us and unless you stay on your guard it's in. You stay strong don't let this sneak up on you. I have watched every s**t film there is to watch on love film and I'm about to watch them all again ha! You are doing amazing xx
Ahhh. Hey ok. You slipped. I know you feel bad and you can't believe you have done it but please please don't give up. This is a real illness that only those who share it truly understand.slap yourself hard around the face pick yourself and start again. We all fall down the fact that you see it gives you hope. Please don't beat yourself up too much. You slipped up come on start again. You can start again xx
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