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

Hi Charly

It is next wednesday....

PAIGNTON: Wed's At 7:30 till 9.00 Palace Avenue Methodist Church, Palace Avenue, Paignton, Devon

Access: Entrance in Tower Road at the back of the church

It is only a small meeting, I started the group up just over a year ago and we average between 3 and 7 people .

It would be great if you could make it.

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

Hi Jim

Have just looked up route on route finder.

Seems straight forward drive. Only problem is, I can't leave work until 4:00pm. If I leave straight away I might make it for 7:30.

According to map it will take me 3.5 hrs to get there. I'll see how I get on Wednesday.

I'd love to be there.

If I can't I wish you all the very best. Big hug to Jac.

God bless

Charly

Dear Jim & Jac

I am writign to you both on Jim`s diary becaue you are a team and want this message to be to both of you..

In 2 days it will be 2 years (bloody fandabydozy with some extra pink sparkley bells and some glitter and some fluufy candy floss)

that`s how i see it is so yummy and so right..

You both togther as a team with support from GA and here moulded your lifes to what they should be..

I know its early but I wanted to pop in and say it now as over teh next 2 days I am going to post my story and want it doen and dusted before your 2 years..its kind of get your s**t our and a 2 year pinning an insperation for me... I am back at work on Tuesday and I just couldn`t let this pass so hope you don`t mind but....

yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Jim & Jac what can I say but way to f*****g go... I am going to follow in your footsteps and can`t wait until I reach 2 years..

Jim keep doing what you are doing, Jac get yourself better as soon as,,,,

Knwoledge is golden. belief is golden team J&J are pure golden..

Love & hugs & Warm Thanks

Lucy

xxxx

I hope when you get that pin onTuesday

2 years - well done to both of you.

Up the Gulls for the play offs.

thanks guys

During these past two years I have flitted between here and GA, trying to find the help and support that i needed. I now use both mediums and realise that it doesnt have to be one or the other. I take what I need from both and leave the rest behind.

It is working for me.

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

two years.

seven hundred thirty one days

of freedom.

happy for you (((Jim)))

for you....for your family.

Living again......so happy for you all.

Love,

Peg

hi jim and jac if you r reading just like to say a great big well done on two years . you are someone to look up to on here somebody who has done so well congrats jim bloody well done hope all gos well tomorow night all the best and well done again steve

Happy birthday Jim and well done. It shows this illness can be arrested odaat. I reached my first birthday yesterday and what a year it has been.I'm so grateful to people like yourself Jim for being here for me, god bless, john.

Happy Birthday Jim(and Jac)

All your encouragment means the world to me and so many others here and I'm sure in your group.

Long may it continue.

With lots of love

God Bless

Charly

Thank you every one

It does feel good to reach another year of being gambling free, although the thought of placing another bet never crosses my mind these days...but that is only because I wont let it.

I still have my barriers in place, I am still excluded from the bookies, I still dont carry excess cash around with me, I still dont go out with my credit cards unless I am going to buy something specific, I still go to GA, I still read and post on this site.

Although the fight is easier I AM STILL FIGHTING THIS ADDICTION. I will never give up, I will never allow myself to become complacent. I will never allow myself to forget what I am capable off.

I AM A COMPULSIVE GAMBLER AND ALWAYS WILL BE....so I dont gamble.

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

Hello You x

I am proud of you Jim. I am so glad that you finally 'got it' two years ago. It shows in everything you do nowdays. You and I have been to such depths both as individuals and as a couple.

I hate this addiction with a passion, for where it takes people and how it can destroy everything it touches.

I also hate our government...(many reasons,but thats another story!) for not only letting the way that the gambling fat cats are allowed to behave in our country but also actively encouraging it. ...Just dont come back with the...'only 1% of the population are effected', complete b*****ks.

There are already enough studies from the likes of USA & OZ to show and prove the adverse effects of gambling, particulary internet.

So does our government use this information for the benefit and protection of the people in this country...NO... Why should they while they receive hand outs and skim the taxes from these so called 'fun' industries!

Ok, got that out! Sorry Andrew & staff I know you dont like this kind of talk because this sites purpose is for support & recovery, as it should be. But this is Jims diary, so allow me to vent...today. 😉

Jim you and I have had one hell of a journey the last 20+ years. This gambling disease/addiction, (whatever you call it quite frankly is irrelevent). It literally can and does kill people. I hate it but I also respect the power that it is capable of. when you are under its spell.

I have learned, we have learned so much about this compulsion and I hope it never rears its ugly head in our lives again. My biggest wish would be to guarantee this. Realistically and sadly I know this is not possible.

Most of us on this site are in the same position...'Just one bet away' from that downward spiral.

All any of us can do is to REMEMBER what will happen to us if we attempt to control or play with this disease, just dont kid yourself.

I dont care how 'clever or different' you think you are. In time the result will always be the same... thats why you came here in the first place!

We are not lucky or special, regarding the fact that Jim doesnt gamble anymore. It takes hard work and commitment. The hardest bit being that when you start feeling better you dont then become 'cocky' or complacent about it. Once you have gained this addiction, it never leaves you...But I belive, it can be kept in remission for ever, if you treat it properly.

The further you get away from that 'last' bet, not only do you see and experience what life is really about but that you are no longer that person you use to be.... why would you want to return to that.

I love you darling and it will mean, more than 2yrs to me when you receive your pin tomorrow.

Sorry that I've waffled on in your diary...just cant help myself! lol 😉

Jackie xxx

Content removed by Forum Admin.

Hi Jim and Jac. Just wanted to add my congratulations and very best wishes for your two year "birthday" today. It is an amazing accomplishment, not just for Jim, but for Jac and for your children as well. You have all had to work as a TEAM to accomplish this goal, and as a team you are reaping the rewards. Your love for each other shines through in your posts, and I'm so glad that you continue to share your journey with all of us.

Enjoy your party, make the most of your celebration, and keep bringing hope and inpiration to those of us who hope to one day reach that milestone as well.

Lots of love,

Anna

Congratulations on your two year anniversary, keep up the good work, all the best.