Day 301
Coming up to 10 months without gambling!
Nothing really has tempted me recently. Thoughts are few and far between. Money isn't exactly in great shape but that will take a little longer to repair.
My money is still mainly taken care of by my wife which helps take away temptation but I have had access to her card at times and gambling hasn't even crossed my mind.
Day 313
All is well! No gambling and also 3 weeks without a drink and eating healthier food!
The not drinking has also helped me not overspend this month for a change.
Wishing the year away really as some debts are paid off around March, but feeling good my finances are pretty much under control.
7 weeks-ish to complete the year without gambling! At this point last year I was worrying about the massive debt I had with no way out apart from getting that lucky big win! Just digging myself further in. It's a complete change of habits and way of thinking that has meant I don't think about gambling at all really.
Day 328
Another couple of weeks with no gambling.
Today has been the most I've thought about gambling in a while, severe boredom and short on cash prior to pay day the main motivators.
Managed to resist and don't feel like I'm any in danger of slipping.
Almost 11 months chalked off now, November has been the toughest time for me over the years for gambling. Not really sure why. I just need to get through next month to reach a year which will be incredible!
Day 363 I think!
I remember this day last year very well. It was actually the 28th last year but still a Friday and pay day. The first post describes my gambling of my full salary. The fear of being found out etc.
I must say this year I'm much more chilled, contemplating what I'm having for tea tonight rather than how I'm going to afford to pay the mortgage!
The past year has flown really, the first couple of months were the hardest with the financial issues being the biggest burden. Since coming clean to the people around me I've had support and I've been able to repay their help with honesty and some hard work.
The money situations is improving, slowly but improving! Compared to the rate I was going backwards last year it's actually improved vastly!
The stress and anxiety to get through a day of football results or walking past a bookies with cash in my pocket is all but gone. My mind does try to tempt me in with the promise of a quick win. I've been strong to date and even managed a trip to the races in the summer without putting a bet on.
I need to be careful I don't think, 'Well I've done a year so I can probably gamble small amounts'. I know how quick it can snowball so I'm staying well clear.
Not much exciting happening in my life at the moment but there doesn't really need to be. I think gamblers often feel bored when they abstain and that brings them back, I've learnt to be more content.
For those just starting the journey, and this time of year seems to be popular for gambling meltdowns, there is a way out and it's not all that hard. Your brain will likely need fully reprogramming and you can't do this overnight, you will still get urges but they will fade and you'll start to enjoy other things in life, better things.
Very inspirational to read, hope you keep going as you are for a long, long time yet !
Best Wishes,
CJA
Day 422!
Just wanted to check in and give a quick update.
Still refraining from gambling, feel like a completely different person!
That being said I'm still anxious now and again, especially about money. Maybe as I'm still paying for a my £30k blowout! I'm paying around £1k a month off in debt, which tops £50k. Only really started making the payments around July 15 so probably only paid off about £5k, I'm deliberately not thinking about it too much or keeping track, the direct debits come out and that is that.
Every month is tight to be honest where we are down to our last few quid at the end of the month, that being said, it is January so maybe feeling it more than usual!
Gambling thoughts are still there, I know if I wanted to gamble I could have so I take strength in the fact every day I've been able to fight these urges. When I stopped gambling at first, it seemed every corner I turned there was reminders about gambling, bookies/offers/bet slips on social media. Now it blurs into the background which is nice.
Life is uncomparible to when I was gambling, it's immeasurably better. It has it's up and downs but a few more years like 2015 and I'll be debt free as well as gamble free. That's my next step!
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