My Diary - Day by Day

Ok so I just woke up. Officially done 8 hours of this no gambling thing. Already been thinking about gambling. Dont know why. Stupid thoughts of chasing the money/winning some back etc. But i am determined. Only I can do it. Just hoping it gets easier like smoking. When i quit smoking it literally was taking it an hour at a time,then a day, then a week then a month etc. Stopped 15th Jan 2013. So if i can do that i can do this!!!

A thought - I might actually set my self some rewards for stopping. I did it with smoking and losing weight and this is probably going to be harder than both of them..... Ideas?

Ok so obviously its more tempting to gamble when you have money. Worst times therfore are paydays. My OH gets paid on Fridays and he has to give me bill money which i have spent in the past.

My first 5 aims are -

24hours/1 day = reward - ebook (x)

1st Friday (6th Feb) = reward - upto 5.00 (x)

1 week 10th Feb = reward - cheapy meal with OH (x)

Payday 27th Feb = reward - Date night with OH (cinema + meal etc) (x)

1 month 3rd March = reward - upto 25.00 (Foot peel) (x)

Lets hope I get there .....

Hi wants2stop

fantastic way to go ,the thing with recovery is the goals, gains, and rewards, not the beating yourself up over past mistakes and losses.

stick with this logic and state of mind and you will become a true winner....onwards and upwards...Ginger.

Thanks Ginger 🙂

Have been tempted a couple of times today but kept myself busy. Only 8 hours left for 24hours! I can do it. Feels great when i come on and see messages/support too 🙂

Hi wants2stop,

Great small goals there, very achievable and very positive.

Welcome to diaries and I wish you the very best on your journey of recovery,

Have you heard of the triangle that is used on here.

Time

Money

Location,

Take one of these away and it's impossible to play. It's a very good tool to use,

Take strong and keep positive.

Best wishes

Suzanne xx

Thanks for the advice Suzanne had not heard of the triangle will look into it 🙂

Day 2 - 5/2/15

woo hoo managed the first 24 hours! Just finished a night shift so going to get some shut eye now. Will have a look for an ebook when I wake up. 🙂

Ok just bought my first 'reward' - cost me 3.49 which is a hell of a lot cheaper than gambling!! Ebook in a series of Matt Barnes that i am reading. Go me!

Still feeling tempted to have a flutter. My OH is in bed so i could easily have a quick go but no i am determined!!! Going to fill my time with other things xx

On to the next goal - first 'payday' from OH without gambling - completed if i get to midnight Fri 6th Feb. 🙂

Hi Wants2stop

well done to you, you're making all the right decisions, and rewarding yourself along the way. now that can't be a bad thing.

stay focused and enjoy your book, yep i agree that's a far cheaper form of entertainment and far more enjoyable.

onwards and upwards Ginger

Thanks again ginger.

Nearly completed day 2. Wasn't too bad today.

However worried about temptation tomorrow. Get money off the OH and he will probably be gambling too. This normally makes me think 'if you can't beat them join them' attitude.

Need to prepare now with how I will deal with those issues tomorrow. Before I cave in.

First off I intend to work out how much I need to keep in the bank for essentials (dd) and withdraw the rest. If it's not in the bank I can't use it to play!

Second I need to occupy my time/thoughts with other things

wish me luck 🙂 and best of luck to you all too x

Day 3 - 6/2/15

I have made it to day 3 - woo hoo!

Well done on 3 days wants2stop, you can turn your life around if you change everything around, and you doing that by having took positive steps for today.

Take either money,location,time away and it will be impossible to play.and you will win again today.

Stay strong and focused, you will then enjoy your day.

Suzanne xx