Thanks Suzanne, day 48 feels good!
Just a quick post today as I'm running late for work. But things are good, I've been looking at holidays for 2016 and have a few ideas I need to look further into. I had someone in work last night say something that would have really made me mad in the past, but I'm finding life better at the moment and brushed it off (I don't think I would have been able to if I was gambling).
No bets for me today!
Day 50 and I'm still feeling really strong and positive. I missed a post yesterday purely because in a short space of time life has become so full, I spent yesterday morning with a lovely girl I have started dating and then I was in work. Its great to experience a different side of dating where I don't have to lie and keep secrets about what I'm up to or why I'm too skint to go out. I have money in the bank and its being used in positive ways right now. I just have to keep reminding myself how bad things used to be so that glossy thought of a quick win in the bookies doesn't take over my mind. Day by day this can be done, life is how I want it to be and it can continue! No bets today!
Well done on day 50 Phil, good solid milestone.
Suzanne xxx
Day 51 and I woke this morning and something came into my head about looking at the online racecards and stopping at the bookies on my way to work. Then very quickly I reminded myself of how good life is right now and how much of a damaging thing it would be for me to gamble today. So my cash is staying safely in my wallet and I will be going to work this afternoon with a clear and positive mind.
No bets today!
52 days in and I've spent the morning relaxing and also making the right choices. I'm off work today and I have had thoughts about placing a football bet but I have kept thinking about what will happen and theres no happy ending for me if I set foot in a bookies. So again today I choose not to gamble and will be a lot happier for it and will get a lot more enjoyment out of my money. I'm off work this weekend and am currently contemplating going to the football, we have been so poor this season I just can't be bothered being sat in the freezing cold watching players who are not interested. I will probably end up going and probably regret it at 4.45.
No bets today!
Day 53 and I'm feeling really good. I've come a long way in a short time and really do feel I've made a big step forwards in understanding my addiction. In the past I wanted it to go away but now I've realised it will always be there and I have to live with it at my side and keep making that daily choice not to gamble. Today I'm heading to the Christmas markets with my girlfriend to spend my hard earned money on positive things.
No bets today!
Day 54 and I'm back in work today but finishing early to go and see Mumford and Sons tonight which should be really good. The tickets cost me 90 quid, yet another reminder of something that would not be possible whilst I gambled. I also have enough set aside to get those close to me some lovely gifts. Usually Christmas is a time of stress and being a let down, not this year! Still haunted by a lot of bad memories from the past and very much a work in progress but after so many destructive years I realise there is no quick fix. Onwards and upwards.
No bets today!
You will feel haunted Phil, we would not be human if we could just blot this one out.
You are doing fine, by posting everyday and taking one day at a time, there is no quick fix:)) but every day we abstain gets that little bit better mentally and physically,
Suzanne xxx
Day 55 and it's been uneventful really, I was in work early for a meeting and I've had no urges at all today!
The gig last night was incredible, for so long I missed out on so much, but making that daily choice not to gamble opens up so many fantastic opportunities. I have so much more lined up in the coming weeks and months and day by day I will achieve it all. Life really is getting better for me!
No bets today!
keep enjoying those gigs Phil. Like GT says life can be so much better gambling free but it does take hard work and commitment.
Thanks so much for the posts triangle and GT, the hard work is well worth it! Its day 56 and I have been off work today and have had another nice stress and gambling free day. I've spent today with my girlfriend and her little one, been to the park and then to the pub for some lunch. One rather disturbing aspect is that her little one was fascinated with the flashing lights on the fruit machine, she is only 3 so maybe these family friendly pubs should have them way out of the way and not so close to the kids colouring pencils and menus! When I was young I used to love the 2p fruit machines on my summer hols so maybe these companies are targetting kids in a subliminal way and hoping for more future addicts.
No bets for me today!
Hey Phil, you are thinking more this time about the negatives around gamblng, and that is very positive my friend, because your journey has taken a different route this time :)))
Suzanne xxx
Day 57 and I'm back in work today, I will be heading in with a clear mind and no thoughts of gambling. I will no doubt get spoken to about gambling by work colleagues which no longer bothers me. I used to fear it would tempt me back in, however now I think I was using it as an excuse to gamble. People can tell me whatever they want and I can see whatever tv adverts I like but that choice still remains in my hands and I need to stay focussed on the past and all the lows that gambling brought. Life would be so different if I was still gambling, I would have been on edge all day yesterday hoping my new girl didn't ask us to do something that cost money if I was still gambling. Instead of that I was feeling good and I suggested we go out for lunch and it was on me. Or I would be panicking about her asking me to drive because when I used to gamble having petrol in the car or getting money for petrol was such a huge issue. Whereas now I just put twenty quid in every week because my money is there safely in the bank. I will again today make the choice not to gamble!
58 days in and I'm proud of myself for getting back on track after a spiral of failed attempts to stop gambling. I have got myself into a good routine and a good way of thinking. Each day may bring the odd thought about a trip to the bookies but it is quickly overcome when I remind myself of the things these trips have done to me in the past! I have also calmed down in work and not been as angry or let people get to me as much and as a result of the two things life is easier. For the first time I can remember I'm also on track to have some money left over from this months wages when I get paid just before Christmas. This is unheard of for me and considering December is an expensive month its a big step forward and hopefully can become a more common occurrence!
No bets today!
Day 59 today and it really does look a big number and the positive changes in that time are making life much better. Sadly this weekend I'm in work, but I guess it saves me from watching Tranmere get beat again. I do however hope I'm home in time tonight to watch the big fight and hopefully another win for Joshua. I'm well aware of a big race meeting today but its not causing me any issues at all, placing any sort of bet on any event is going to end the same way, I will never win! So off to get ready for work, no bets today!
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