New start 2018

Day 6

Another really stressful day. Just got to hope they will pass over time. I know that if I can stay focused things will turn and things will get better.

Just wanted to add some more tickers to keep me focused.

4 days to 10 days

24 days to 30 days

94 days to the ton

308 days till Christmas

994 days till a bag of sand

Day 7

I feel slightly more focused today. Not sure why but I pray it remains. Got to keep accumulating days and working at recovery. I spend all my free time reading this forum and others as well as listening to podcasts trying to learn as much as I can.

Well done on 1 week gamble free my friend! Keep those days mounting up. The memory of your last gamble is getting further and further away as each second passes...

Echo Dan's post, congrats on a week, a full week gamble free is an achievement, so many poor souls struggle with one day so be proud.

Keep up the good work.

Wilsy

Thanks Dan and Wilsy!

It's not easy to stop. Once your involved to any degree you are in danger but once addiction kicks in then the stopping becomes increasingly difficult, you are only a slight thought away from addiction pulling you back in, be aware daily of the addiction and keep distancing yourself from it as it's constantly waiting for any chance in your thought process to get you. Stay strong and resist.

Many thanks for visiting my diary, 2018. I am very grateful for your kind words!

If my musings come across even remotely amusing I am a happy man! I think being constantly close to rock bottom as a gambling addict has made me a little cynical. It is very much a case of laugh or cry!

A big well done on achieving 7 days gamble free. Only addicts really know what kind of achievement that is.

It is still early days and still probably a struggle not thinking about gambling or what you have done, but feeling will soon wear off and the days will start to go a bit quicker.

Do not look back over your shoulder. Concentrate on looking forward and making the future better. You can do it!

Best wishes,

Markman

Day 8

Got through yesterday ok. Weekend coming up which is always tough. Got to remain focused and get into double digits.

Day 9

Got a bit upset this morning. I got up at 6 with my son and fed him breakfast, played with him, watched tv etc. I put some music on in the background and then my mean woke up and came downstairs. It felt so much more like a family than I had allowed it to do in the past. Previously I’d be watching Australian football or tennis in China and not as interested in my family. At least I’ve noticed the difference quickly. Got to improve as a human.

That’s nice to hear, 2018!

How much more satisfying is to feel this way than to wake up at a weekend stressing over some random tennis match in China?

I feel exactly the same mate.

You’re almost into double figures which is a great effort.

Keep up the good work buddy!

Dan

Day 12

Weekend is over. On to another week of gamble free days. Really need to keep focused. Every day is a struggle right now but it’s worth it.

It’s the same for me, 2018.

12 days gamble free is a good platform to build from though.

Think about how much money you’re saving each day from not gambling. It soon mounts up.

Keep talking on here when you’re struggling mate. Make this your ‘go-to’ place in times of trouble. Not the bookies!

In this together!

Dan

Day 14

Been battling through the snow all week. Had really important week with some significant meetings and projects. Compared to giving up gambling it’s a piece of cake. I don’t get stressed and just deliver the best I can. I need to apply a similar simple mindset to my recovery otherwise I make it seem impossible to myself.

Might play snooker tonight for a break and a chance to be out of the car and the office. 5 min walk in the cold might be nice.

Day 19

Been away for a few days so got me through the weekend.