my diary

Hi Derek

Well done on your 1st week gamble free- great start!

I'll have a look at the counter thing I think- sounds like a good wee app.

Enjoy your days off and working through your list-keeping busy is a great detraction!

Take care

Irene

x

(nightshift was as thrilling as ever lol)

Day 8

As expected the troublenstrife kept me mega busy today , we bit of holiday shopping and even managed a spot of lunch. Then came the exciting part cleaning out cupboards , got rid of a few more skeletons lol. Early night on the cards ideal prep for counselling session tomorrow. Received my ecig in the post today so defo no f**s from tomorrow onwards.....

I'm sure tomorrow's post will be interesting 🙂

Derek

Just back from my first counselling session. I was so nervous before I went in thinking what is this all about, what do I say if she asks this or that!!!!! Well she couldn't get a word in.... I came away feeling my progress over the last week has been really positive and I just need to keep my focus. Back again on the 4th.

My wife made a valid point about stress management, has anyone had help with this?

Derek

Hi Derek

Firstly well done for getting to this point and for taking up counselling. You have made such progress in such a short time.

Regarding stress management I'm no expert but some suggestions would be to make sure you try and eat well, get good quality sleep and take some exercise if you can but also try and do things that makes you feel good. I have found writing a list of all the things I keep promising myself I want / need to do but never got round to it helps a lot.

The fact that your not gambling will ultimately lower your stress levels too! I've been in the gambling cycle and not only does it take from you financially, it takes so much more! Anyway wishing you well and keep strong!

Forwards not back

Jewels

Day 9

As I posted earlier today I had my first counselling session, I think it went really well. Failed miserably with chucking the f**s, but fresh start for tomorrow. Had some good laughs today first time in a long while, the type of laughing that you can't control..... felt good.

I feel each day I am getting stronger and hope this positivity continues to stay by my side.

God bless

Derek 😉

Day 10

At the moment gambling seems a distant memory which is great, zero urges to have a punt at all... long may it continue.

I have been hunting for a new job now for 2 weeks or so and its starting to take its toll on me. 3 applications sent and 3 emails back saying I haven't hit the criteria despite having 7 years experience before being head hunted for my current position. Pain in the HOOP, get you finger out employers YOU NEED ME!!!!

Rant over lol that was enjoyable.... Any way back to the real stuff - no gambling today, didn't feel like gambling today and tbh I could probably cut and paste this for tomorrows diary entry.

ps might try and make the chat room tonight not been there since Saturday afternoon.

🙂 Derek

Hi Del,

Great chatting to your earlier, glad I managed to keep up! As I mentioned I am also looking for a job. Was in retail for years and then got another job last Oct in Financial services doing marketing/business development. Really enjoyed it plus the hours were better Mon - Fri and bank holidays. Hope you manage to find something soon, see your round the forum 🙂

Hey pink,

yeah was good to chat, depending where your from I use S1 jobs and reed for job searches in Scotland. always marketing and bus development jobs being advertised. I hope you find something soon, keep the chin up x

Day 11

Another solid performance from the striker today, feeling good bank run done for work with zero urges to pop next door = he shoots he scores!!!!

a lot of potential jobs on the horizon so tomorrow will be knuckle down and get applying.

I started a thread on Overcoming problem Gambling with the hope of getting as many opinions on Gambling = illness or behavioural?!?!?!?!?

Anyone out there recommend a good GA meeting in Glasgow area?

Staying strong Del 🙂

Del

you may find help with your search for a local GA through gazza 515's thread I believe he is from your end of the world and is a regular attendee of GA.

I am sure if you post on his thread he will advise you.

Well done on your 11 days my friend.

Life will continue to improve.

Keep making the right choice.

Duncs stepping forward never back.

many thanks Dunc, your wealth of knowledge never fails to amaze me, I have posted on Gazza's diary so look forward to a reply.

All the best my friend

Del

Just home from work, finished at 9 but decided to stay there and enter the chat room. Lost 1212 was in and pretty distressed due to her husbands gambling, throughout the whole conversations I kept thinking that this was how my wife must feel through my selfishness . Defo eye opener again for me , brought a tear to my eye. Thanks G and Florence for their help supporting lost and she will be in my thoughts as well as her husband . I hope he makes the first step to a happier life .

DB

Thanks for your post.

There are several GA groups in the Glasgow area.

Look up the GA Scotland website where it will give you the day, time and place of the meetings.

Best wishes,

Gazza

Hi Del

Just sticking my nose into your diary to see what you have been up to. You must try to be more realistic with some of your comments; especially the bit about Scotland beating England. I'm not sure if you have come across the addiction poem but it is strong stuff. I will stick it in my diary as I have been meaning to do so for a while. Keep up the good work mate and look after that lady, she is a good one.

Have a great weekend.

Ken

Day 11

Did not gamble today but had a real Shi ter!!! My wife's grannies partner has been diagnosed with cancer, it has spread through his body to dif organs. I lost both my grandparents when I was quite young so have grown very attached to my wife's side. He's just a sweet old man. We both will be there through the disease and do whatever necessary to make his time as comfortable as possible.

I have just realised I have never entered in my diary detail of my gambling history, feelings etc. I plan to do this on day 14 as feel it is important for it to be in here.

Still positive about not gambling, but gutted about the cards life throws at us sometimes.

Staying strong....:)