Hope your doing well in giving up nicotine
In a sense, Digglesnan. Not smoking, but still on the e-cigs for the moment. Hoping to kick those soon.
"I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is often a step forward."
- Thomas Edison
Sometimes I believe I don't need this place, other times I do. I'm mixed up on this, as I wouldn't have classified myself as a big time gambler and never ever gambled money that wasn't mine. I just gambled money that was mine and mostly to the point of losing all of it when at my worst. That left me relying on other people for handouts, when times were bad. It got bad, but it could have been worse, I know this and am really glad I came here when I did.
I often think back to when I started this whole nightmare that leads me here today. I was cocky and thought I could play poker. It was as simple as a single person talking about a winning bet and I thought 'I'd like some of that'. If I hadn't have bumped into that one person, I'm fairly sure I wouldn't be writing this now. Fate can be a pain in the backside.
Still, I have to accept that if I'm ever to move on from all this and eventually here, I have got to not gamble what little money I have.
Escape is a wonderful thing, I believe. Yet the wrong escape can become a flippin' nightmare. Whilst others might be able to handle the odd bet every now and again, I cannot. This is why I cannot gamble again. Gambling was my escape, but far a wonderful thing it was. There are other escapes, far healthier ones I can indulge and with no cost. I can get off my backside, walk out the door and go outside and find that escape again. Hopefully with bike in tow. I used to love being out on my bike, could cycle for miles, then cr** started happening and I lost my drive, then gambling came along and I lost even more drive. Excuses no more though. 🙂
I believe in myself again. I can change again. Life is a process of change, with good times and bad. If anything good came with having a problem with gambling it taught me that so easily we can lose our paths in life and get caught up in silly games that stop us from growing.
My gambling bubble burst long ago. This recent slip only brought me more reasons never to go near gambling again and I will do just that.
-Alex
Hi Alex,
What a great and strong post to read!!. I am really pleased for you for making healthy decisions and moving forward in you life. Changes are necessary in life. Sometimes they are the hardest to make, but sure worth it 🙂
I wish you all the best
Keep posting:-)
Sandra x
how is giving up e cig going just read post as always honest good on you
Hi Alex,
Just popping by to say hello 😉
Keep up the good work !!
Day at a time
Sandra x
Hi how are you? Are you going out on your bike?
Yeah, I'm fine. No urges to speak of, so better than fine and pretty good in myself at the moment. Week 2 has no passed and soon enough it'll be 3 weeks since my dreaded slip.
The slip hasn't been all too painful though. It brought in the forefront of my mind, why I chose to stop gambling in the first place. These past 2-3 weeks have been rewarding, I will say.
I have no real need to ever gamble again, I know that.
I feel and think, I am finding myself again.
Digglesnan - soon enough I'll be going far on my bike - I promise. Need to find my padded gloves though, as its getting way too cold at the moment. Still haven't stopped using the e-cig, but running out of liquid for it and when that happens, I quit. Thanks again 🙂
I agree its freezing, wish I was confident enough to ride a bike as I live near a canal which has some amazing scenery. glad you are sticking to goals .Good luck giving up e cig.
hi managed to get on that bike yet
Just a small update. Roughly a month (give or take a couple of days) since my slip. Doing well. A few urges here and there, but nothing overwhelming that I couldn't handle. Then again, I'm skint too and couldn't afford to gamble if I wanted to. Not that I would 🙂
Onwards with recovery!
Here's a poem I'd like to share that I've found inspiring of late....
The Thinking poem
If you think you are beaten, you are
If you think you dare not, you don't,
If you like to win, but you think you can't
It is almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are
You've got to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!
-Walter D. Wintle
-Alex
Thanks for support .how are you ? have you managed to go out on bike or finding it to cold .
Finding it way too cold at the moment, Digglesnan. That or I'm out kilter at the moment, in general. I'll be out on my bike, sooner or later. It's just a matter of time. When I'm ready in myself, I just find myself able to, but sometimes, I go through phases like we all do. Such is life, eh?
Hi Alex,
Really liked the poem. And it's really true.
Life hey? With it's ups and downs...i suppose it is the hardest thing to do - to find that happy medium ( balance) with ourselves and people around us.
Keep moving on Alex, we are better people than gambling. Just looking for that place to be and stay....i am sure we will get there.
Take care
Sandra x
how are you? thanks for support and maybe spring for riding bike weather should be warmer by then
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