New Beginning.

You have made great progress and been a source of inspiration for myself and many others on the forum Stephen. You shouldn't and I knew you wouldn't let this derail you, nor should it detract from what has been achieved.

Thankyou Changemylife & Glint. I appreciate your support.

Day 3 and glad to be with my GamCare friends.

Wishing you a good Sunday, Stephen.

Keep positive and take solace from the fact that you’re in a better position, both financially and emotionally, than you were 6 months ago.

Take care mate

Hi Stephen, sorry I haven't commented/posted lately...have been working maybe too much and trying to hold everything together. Also some days all my thoughts are consumed with fighting gambling, how much debt I'm in etc that I feel I'm not enjoying life. Great though to read your positive posts, moving forward and drawing the line under the relapse. You have achieved so much on your journey and are in a totally difference place now. Carry on being you because you are a pillar supporting many on the forum including me. Take care my friend S:)

Hi Stephen

After your blip you came back on here - immediately you've made the right choice having made a not so great one earlier that day.

Agree with previous posts, what's done is done, no one can change the past. Focus on accepting that the blip happened, reviewing the blocks you have in place and consider if any can be strengthened.

Stay safe and stay GF.

Thankyou Moorey, Sharon and Ste..ven. I appreciate the posts on my diary and count myself very fortunate to have such supportive friends.

Hello Diary. Day 3 GF. Great day with family celebrating my aunties 80th birthday. Don't see my relatives very often so it was great to get together and we all enjoyed a tasty lunch at the North Star Hotel in Flambrough.

Disappointed that I gambled but it might have brought me to my senses. Half a year gamble free and I nearly threw it all away. Didn't appreciate what I had until I was perilously close to not having it. I didn't just gamble money I gambled my self respect, plus the trust and loyalty of those who have supported me.

I've talked the talk now i'm going to walk the walk. Onwards and upwards.

Stephen
Fella don't be too hard on yourself, I have seen far too many good people just disappear from these pages when addiction broke through their defences and they found themselves active.
The doors to recovery revolve my friend and it's what we learn when we re enter.
Be proud that you walked back through your own door,for me it shows how much you have already learnt.
In equal measure addiction will hate your reaction,it will want you back.
I see this as a war, in the sense that within a war there will be many battles, and you are back to re arm for the next one, in doing so you can indeed win the war.
You have a great army walking by your side I am proud to walk with you and everyone else because together we can make a profound difference.
Keep on keeping on fella.
Abstain and maintain
Duncs stepping forward never back.

Thankyou duncanmac, appreciate your encouragement. Your journey is a real inspiration and shows a lot of commitment.

The solidarity we all share is a massive part of my recovery. Without my GamCare friends I would now be feeling defeated and very despondent. As it is I have not given up the fight and I am more determined than ever. Take care. Stephen

Hi Stephen hope you're well on this typical Monday morning. Thank you for your uplifting kind words and much respect for bounce back. To have battled through us inspirationAl to mysrlf and others, keep being you. Take care S 🙂

Thankyou Sharon, hope you have a good day.

Monday morning wet wet wet, but no need to worry or get in a sweat

Cloudy skies, wet and dull but the sun always shines in sunny Hull

I'm alive, i'm free and glad to be on my Day 4 gamble free.

Sounds like you're perking up Stephen. Back to your good old self.

I hope that you've analysed the reasons for your relapse so that you will recognise the signs and be prepared for the future.

Thinking back... For me it was a bit like drinking alcohol (which I am currently trying to give up!). Whenever life kicked me in the teeth; things not going my way, with a breakdown in relationships, boredom or things appearing as unfair. I would resort to the old faithful intoxication in my sad, week-minded, stubborn way.

But as we know that just hurts us more..There's very little sympathy for someone on the path of self-destruction.

So that only leaves us with one choice. To fight against temptation and stand up strong to claim our right for a better life.

Ive always had a lot of respect for you Stephen and your kind and considerate approach to other forum users including me - you are a good person.

Just one thing - do you think the chat rooms would help?

Best wishes, Phil.

PS I'd love to talk to you and I use the chat rooms regularly.

Thanks for the posts on my diary, much appreciated.

Changemylife you certainly come up with some inspiring advice. From your last post I like; "To fight against temptation and stand up strong." That's it in a nutshell really, all I have to do is stand my ground and say NO. I know I can do and have every intention of doing so. From now on I will forever be on my guard and it won't get me again.

Phil thankyou for the continuing support. I have tried the chatroom a couple of times before but didn't take to it. My brains a bit slow and I couldn't keep up. I like to read and interact on the diaries in a relaxed leisurely way.

Morning Diary. Feeling good today and know I can beat this horrible compulsion to gamble.

I am looking to follow in the footsteps of friends who have stayed strong and true to the cause. My congratulations today go out to Sharon who is 250 days gamble free and it has by no means been easy for her.

I am stephen, a compulsive gambler. My last bet was on the 16th November 2017. I am committed to my recovery.

High five Stephen!

Keep the strength and positivity going! You're a winner - just for today!

S&B xx