My first diary!

We could get a thread going to get the edit thing back on. Or maybe we should all go on strike lol it is annoying and must be ten times worse for you trying to run the threads anyway looking forward to the next one hopefully the edit button appears in the next couple of days. Right must get ready for work.

Flagg.

Fast approaching 300 days.

Continued best wishes,

gazza

Hi Diary,

Day 298 - Off to GA later missed my first meeting in 10 months last week due to work commitments. It's nice to be at the stage where missing a week has not had an adverse affect. I think early on it could have posed an issue but I feel at ease lately with regards my battle. I do see my diary as a massive element in recovery too though and posting daily means I retain that necessary focus and lessens the impact of missing the odd meeting.

Seen the proposal for the new edit feature on the site. This would basically eliminate any new threads. However, I am hoping to get this resolved with Gamcare and maintain the bet free threads on the site. Watch this space!

All in all life is on an even keel not quite where I was pre xmas but certainly better than I was 12 months ago. Swings and roundabouts I believe is the phrase.

Day 298 - Back to GA!

Hi Flagg hope the meeting went well yesterday. Nice to be at the stage where the odd meeting missed is ok, your still taking your daily medicine by coming on here so certainly it's no complancy.

I know you had a plan for a thread to start today. Our you just gonna postpone until this edit button "situation" is hopefully resolved. I was thinking if the edit button feature is going to stay as it is now you could still run the threads, they'll be no list of names so they won't really be monitored in the same way as old threads but there could still be weekly checkins and aslong as the people involved know that there checking in each week I think that's the main thing. Up to you tho your the boss lol hopefully tho the full edit feature can be put back on.

Anyway glad your getting back to your old self slowly but surely. Like you say the difference of how you were a year ago must be massive. Your doing brilliant mate.

Hello Diary,

Day 299 - Weeks are starting to pick up pace again now. Friday already is a term I have used a lot in recovery. Sometimes wish it would slow down other times it drags. Think the point is I remain hard to please.

In recovery I have made some giant strides and keeping away from gambling is the largest of all but there are still some things that need some serious work and recovery I realise now is not just about keeping the addiction at bay.

Another day tomorrow that will look great written down and another day closer to that 1 year. Much has changed with much still to do and as Blondie so rightly says we must keep on stepping.

Day 299 - Friday already!!

Hi Flagg,

Am I still able 2 be part of the thread? I have not gambled since Sunday.. I was not sure whether 2 check in or not!

Thanks

Charlotte

Thanks Flagg xx

Morning Diary,

Day 300 - 300 days since my last bet and I remain one day away from my next one that is the philosophy which I need to maintain. This philosophy helps me enormously. I remain focused and determined to reach new targets and milestones. I thrive on the bet free challenge and it's what keeps those days ticking over for me. I would say I am currently addicted to staying bet free. The ultimate Irony!!!

I say all this today as I have a few niggling thoughts on the forthcoming Cheltenham festival. Someone mentioned it in GA the other night and it was like he had used an expletive. People giving him blank looks and wondering why he mentioned it. Me I wanted to side with him. I know its coming soon, it's not the sort of thing you just forget when it happens the same time every year. I always like to keep the addiction close and by talking about a potential issue I feel better equipped to deal with it. So, Cheltenham may get a few mentions here in the coming weeks.

Not sure I have ever really talked about my vice, maybe I have, I would have to go through my diary from day 1 but I was an online poker player. Lost a lot, got found out stopped playing poker, and replaced it with erratic and out of control football betting. Poker and Football 2 things I thought I could win at, my competitive side thinking I am good at this why am I not winning.

Throughout my life Horse Racing has been there prob as young as 5 I would say. I won't lie and say I have never bet big on the horses as I have had a few decent bets but singles where I have formulated an opinion over time. I'm not even trying to justify my horse racing bets as I know my addiction is talking saying you never gambled compulsively on racing so why not have a Cheltenham flutter.

My general point really is Horse Racing is almost my life and I have a buzz about Cheltenham I still cannot wait for it. The only saving grace for me is that I have not been in touch as much with the season as a whole so I have no opinions on who might win. However, that doesn't really bother me I have racing DVD's at home and I can watch classic races over and over. For me there is no greater sight than a great horse swinging on the bridle coming down the Cheltenham hill.

As I said I like to keep the addiction close and getting my love for racing out there this morning has helped settle me in a strange way. I feel safe that I will not gamble today and just for today is enough.

Day 300 - Looks good but the thoughts are there!!

Hi Flagg,

Wow 300 days......How proud do you feel? I'm puffing my arms up and taking a pose for ya!

Ya know buddy with all the online stuff it's made so many people more vulnerable....so sad that this is allowed to happen...am so sure we are not going to be in the minority! Think it is going to be an epidemic...thank god we realised!

Take care my fit friend!

Womble xx

A massive congrats on the big 300. Really going great and very inspirational.

Reading your post and the bit about horse racing and it does read as if your trying to tempt yourself in to thinking of having a horse/cheltenham bet. But you also mention being a horse racing fan and watching classic races. You'll enjoy watching them a while lot more knowing your not going to lose whatever the outcome. I plan to watch the races and know I'll get more enjoyment by just enjoying the contests and not having all the stress that goes with betting on them. Don't get complacent and try to find an excuse to bet. I know I'm gonna be looking for an excuse to bet I just hope I don't find one!

Thanks for the post and the inside info lol. Hopefully the issue will be resolved and full steam ahead next week. Look forward to it.

Good Afternoon,

Day 301 - Felt good yesterday to get the nagging worries off my chest. Have been fortunate in the last few months that I have not had many urges so having a few doubts is just a minor issue along the way.

Feeling ok today apart from having the really dull task of filling in paperwork for my performance review. Only reason I am really bothering is because it determines how good the annual bonus will be.

2 days off work and then 3 days off so should be a much nicer week.

Day 301 - 43 Weeks!!

Hi Flagg,

I enjoy reading your diary and I want to give you a huge pat on the back for 300 consecutive days ( something that I will probably never be able to achieve but will sincerely continue to strive for) and addressing your particular vices. I too find that there are times when I need to get it all out in the diary and it tends to deflate any potential power of any potential urges.

Good for you Flagg! -joanxx

Hi Flagg

Sorry I missed your 300th day! What a massive achievement-well done on 301!

Also, thanks for your continued support. You are one of the "constants" supporting me since day 1 and you have been a massive help 🙂

Lucky you to be spending more time here- we'll def get organised and grab that cuppa!

Take care- keep up the great work bud

Irene

x

Hi there

really interesting reading about your experiences. I find it amazing reading on here of all the different hooks there are clawing people in to all the different types, venues and means of gambling available, no wonder it's so d**n hard to fight it.

So difficult when you actually enjoy the sport side of it to detach that from the nasty side, I guess it's the same with football.

The ckeck in you set up was brill for me and many thanks for organising it, much appreciated.

Keep up the good work.

xxx

Flagg

a massive well done on your 300 days continuous abstinence.

Through arresting your addiction your rewards are there for all to see.

For this Thankyou for sharing

and a big Thankyou for your efforts upon this forum to share what sustained abstinence can deliver.

Duncs stepping forward never back.