My Recovery Diary (last bet 22/04/06 )

Hey stranger!

Good to hear from you.

Good for you ((Jim)) on the gambling AND smoking....I didn't last too long last time (smoking) but have just started again -- a few days ago...I don't even recall which dayI quit...I have my hands full right now...I don't need another day to keep track of 🙂

I am going through many changes...I am just so grateful that I have my life..I could say that a million times..and i would *STILL* feel the need to say it.

anyway,

love to ((jac)) and ((you))

peg

xoxo

As time goes by I find it harder to write things in my diary....I am not sure if this is a good thing or not.

On one hand it could mean that I am thinking less about gambling and am more involved in just getting on with life as a non gambler.

On the other hand it could mean that I am getting complacent again and not treating this addiction with the respect that is needed to keep it in check.

I think I will bring this up at my GA meeting tonight and see what others think.

Anyway all the best everyone.

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

Hi Jim, why not write about your day to day things as all these can contribute whether we stay gamble free or not. I would want to gamble when I got stressed but by coming on here and realising I was associating stress and gambling as an easy option to forget my problems (not realising gambling WAS MY PROBLEM) and reading others posts really helps me.

Or just keep us posted and if you do have a "complacent" day then just pop on here and it will remind you where you were once and how far you have come now.

You are an inspiration to me for sure and just hearing how well you are doing will suit me just fine. Jan x

Hi Jim. I'm pretty new to the forum, and just made my way through your diary. What an inspiration! If I can only have the strength and determination you've shown, I know I can make it through, too. Jan is right. We'd all like to hear about your days even if you think they're mundane, just to know that you're doing well and inspiring us to do the same!

- Anna

Thanks Jan and Anna

I am writing this just before I have to go to work, so I will write more tonight...just wanted to say thanks for the replies

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

Fantastic story Gull, a real inspiration to everyone on this board, now doubling up and giving up smoking as well...show off hahaha.

Full credit to you for getting your life together, certainly not easy as we all know. A day, a year, 10 years still a daily struggle just that you can cope so much better, can find others things to do of much more beenfit to you and your family.

always good to hear about the long term success stories, gives everyone else something to aim for.

Well i am still going strong...still not gambling.

These days I dont get any urges to gamble...to be honest I hardly ever think about it...it is what I used to do.

Today I prefere to enjoy life without gambling...it is so much nicer.

I try to stay aware of what I am though and that is still a compulsive gambler...I will always be one....but as long as I dont place that first bet then i can control it and stay gambling free.

all the best

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

hey ((Jim))

well...on the one hand, it's great to see you so active on the board again!

on the other hand...keep an eye on the blood pressure 🙂

just kidding - you sound great...sorry you're not feeling well.

love to you and to jac

peg

xo

I know you are right Peg.

But I am fed up with the constant little digs about GA.

This forum used to be about support whatever method of recovery is used. These days it just seems like a competion between whos method is best.

Jim (Last bet 22/04/06)

whose method is best?

I think it's more than that.

I think that some people think that what we think (although much of it is in the semantics, I believe) is harmful to people ... and they must enlighten us...and that those of us who CLAIM to have found serenity...and freedom...have been indocutrinated and brainwashed...or..at the very least are somehow delusional...and one day we will wake up and be like them 🙂

I'm not upset.

I'm not angry.

Think I'm gonna take a break for a while as I don't see how this is helpful to me.

See you soon 🙂

Love,

Peg

Jim,

It's always great to see someone who has succeeded long term. I have seen bits & pieces of the "debate" about the various methods.

Honestly don't think there is a right / wrong one amongst the lot of them. What works for one person may not work for another. There is absolutely no harm in checking out the other ideas, taking what yu can from them and putting together a self made program to help yourself.

I've never attended a GA meeting as such, but have read various articles, forums on other boards picked up hints etc. Thought seriously about the need for a "buddy" but for myself, have found the comfort / assistance I need through friends on this forum and personal friendship. But that's just for myself. I certainly don't recommend it as the ideal for everyone else.

We should all be intelligent enough to realise there is more than one way to do anything. If method 'A' has been tried and failed, then move on to 'B'

I have registered at 2 other forums, but found this one to be most suitable / helpful which is why I utilise it the most, others I am sure will see it differently such is their choice. It is a free world after all.

By all means let people state their opinions, but not to claim they are FACTS in dealing with these gambling problems - we are ALL different.

I agree williebhoy

There are lots of ways of beating this addiction and we are all different and have to find our own path...however, I can not stand by whilst my method of recovery (which works for me) is branded a cult and evil..words which have been used to describe GA.

If something doesn't work for you then just try something else dont constantly s**g it off.

all the best

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

Congrats Jim on your continuous recovery.I too have read some of the scaremongering rubbish written by a small minority about GA and cant relate to it at all, but each to their own.

If i was a cynic i would say there is some sort of £9.99 product waiting to be launched, but im not so i wont.

Stay strong

Keith

I will just keep practising the method that I have found to work for me over the past 17 months. Nothing anyone can say will stop me from continuing with my recovery.

GA is a good and useful place to be..it will help anyone who wants to be helped.

all the best

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

Hi Jim. I'm glad to see you back. You know, I haven't seen any of the arguments of which method is right or wrong. I wouldn't read it anyway, because it seems counterproductive to me. I fully agree that everyone must find their own method that works for them, because everyone is different. As my dad says, "that's why they make Fords and Chevrolets."

Don't let people's negative comments get you down. I've found that people who have to speak negatively about someone or something else usually do it because they're trying to make themselves feel better.

You have achieved so much already (almost a year now!! WOW!), and you just keep on enjoying life and moving forward, because you deserve the best!

Love, Anna