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

Well, one year ago today I started the Paignton GA meeting, thanks to the encouragement I got from my wife and people on here.

This week we had Eight people at the meeting...the largest amount yet!!

I am glad I did this and hope that it will help some to start living a better life without gambling....one thing I know is that it is helping me to live a gamble free life.

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

WOW!!!

Happy Birthday to your meeting 🙂

I remember you wondering if you were going to be sitting alone in a room...

what a wonderful contribution to LIFE, Jim.....

doing something bigger than ourselves....

on behalf of all of the lives that your meeting has (and WILL) ever touch...thank you for taking that step 🙂

(((Jim))))

I went around all the bookies in my town on thursday and renewed my self exclusions. I am now banned from placing a bet in any of them for FIVE years!! How good is that?

i dont know why more people dont use self exclusion..it's one of the best tools in the box.

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

Hey Jim

it's great news about paignton ga. You know it's not just about the numbers it's about how you are helping every person in that room.

I totally agree with you re. self exclusion!

Happy Easter.

alice

Hi You x

I have finally created a 'diary' on here. You knew that I had been writing it, in fact most of last night!

I did say that I would show it to you first. I changed my mind. If you read it, I hope it 'sits' ok with you.

All my love, from

'the crip' indoors! xxx

You know my views Jac...you post what you like..its your space so say what you want.

love you x

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

HI Jim

Just wanted to pop in and say how much your recovery has helped me in my own recovery.. The good thing is its like buy one get one free.. You and Jac have guided me through some tough times.. This is your recovery but just wanted you to know that you have helped me in ways that you probally don`t even know..

Life is good without gambling - life is calm without gambling life is life without gambling.. Recovery is for life recovery is golden..

God Bless

Lucy

xxx

just like to say congratulations on 2 year's read your wife's diary and think it's really great how far you have come with what sound's like great support well done and keep fighting.

paul

Nothing to do with gambling but It is one year ago that i had my last cigarette!!

Going back to Amsterdam in four days time....an impulsive and rapidly planned holiday for me and the lovely Jac. I cant believe that I used to give all my money to the bookies instaed of spending it on nice things like holidays etc.

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

Hi Jim,

Have read through some of your diary during the time that I have been posting on here - it seems you have made great progress! Well done!

Greta point you make about spending your money on something nice like your impulse trip away with Jac - I would imagine you feel like you have really earned that holiday, and quite rightly so! Dunno about you, but even when I won some money gambling and used it to go on holiday with my g/f, I didn't feel 'right'. I'm going away with her agin this summer, and that holiday will be paid by the wages I get from my work - that feels good.

Your recovery so far has been great, Jim - well done. As a young(ish) lad trying to get over my problems you are a real inspiration.

Alan

Just got back from Amsterdam to find a mini war broke out on the overcoming problem gambling site...just as well I wasn't here as i probably would have got involved!!!!

I must admit to finding it a bit sad that people cant see that abstinence is the only way forward for a compulsive gambler...still as long as I stay free of gambling then what others do is up to them...it wont affect my recovery.

Had a great time in Amsterdam..I just love that city! I wouldn't have been able to go there if I had tried to gamble responsibly though..because I would be back in the swing of it all and unable to think about things that really matter. gambling takes over your life ..it isn't just about the money.

I urge anyone who reads this...If you have a gambling problem then STOP gambling, do NOT try and control your gambling because it WILL get you again.

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

Congratulations Jim for next weeks 2 yr pinning, fantastic achievement. Hope you have a great meeting.

Thanks keith, its a shame you cant be there mate...would have been good to meet you.

I am really looking forward to it, I cant wait to wear my two year pin with pride.

However I am not there yet and today is the day to focus on.

So just for today I will not gamble.

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

Hi Jim, it is something i will be doing in the near future as it something ive done a few years ago and got a lot out of.

Best wishes

Hi Jim

Where is the meeting, please?

And when exactly?

God Bless

Charly