New year, New life

Dont do it keep thinkin of how you feel when you lost

A tough week lots of urges with royal ascot and the us open going on. Actually went in a bookies on Thursday but left without placing a bet. Selections were made so hope they don't win as it'll increase urges. I'm glad I'm still bet free but it's tough, I need to come on here more often and keep my strength up it's not an easy fight that's for sure.

Day 174. So close to six months. I'm determined to stay on this path but it's a dangerous one and my guard is going to have to remain high for a good while yet.

Day 175. I will not gamble today!!! Looking forward to cooking 6 months and then on to 200!! Days. I can do this!!

Just dropping in for a rare second post of the day trying to post more on her even if it's a post for posts sake jut getting into that routine of posting and setting my mind to gamcare not gambling. So nothing much to say but I'm still gamble free and as long as I'm saying that then I'm better off than what could've been.

Thanks GT.

Another day and it's been a tough month one with urges and also treated myself to a couple of things which is good but now it's a tough two weeks until pay day maybe that's where the urges came from, try to win the money to buy the things I want. That's part of it but I have a range of triggers but so far the shots have missed and I'm still standing, standing proud I might add at day 176.

Good morning. Here we go day 177. No gamble yesterday, same plan for today!

Well well well 6 months gamble free!!!!!!!!! After not gamble at both Cheltenham and the grand national I would have been odds on to get this far but this last month has been tough and I didn't think I'd be making this post but here I am and I'm proud of myself. I had a bit of luck when I walked into lad brokes and sure a guy I know behind the counter which less me to chat with him a while giving me time to change my mind and leave bet free. I have to admit if someone else was serving that night I think it would be a day 1 post not a 6 month post but in life you need a but of luck now and again and I hope I use that to really kick on and finish this year strong.

I have done six months once before not sure of my exact personal best but fairly sure I didn't get to seven months so that's my goal. Get to the end of July and set a new PB.

I think thats how im going to approach my recovery now break it down and aim to do each month gamble free. Still working odaat but with the monthly goal in mind. I wish I could just " live" and not gamble after six months free of it but the last month has taught me I need to refocus and stay focused. I have done that and I'm loving it. Told a friend last night who I haven't seen this whole year and told him I hadn't bet and he couldn't believe it but was pleased for me and it was a joy to be able to say that. I can't wait for many more conversations saying the same thing.

onwards for me and I'm not taking anything for granted but need to start thinking of something special for New Year's Eve. I believe I can do it - bring it on!!

Good on you for the six months. Having a goal is good too. My friends occasionally ask me what bingo site I play on and are shocked when I say I havent gambled for over 2 an half months. Seems longer than that as life seems so normal now without the gambling.

Onwards to you and that special New Years Eve treat.

Mary

Thanks Mary day 185 today as I close in on the double century life isn't perfect but it's certainly better than when I was in my gambling coma. Much happier, sitting outside my local social club with a mate enjoying the sun. This is more like it. Don't want to be stuck inside a bookies on a day like today. Get out and enjoy!!

Day 194. Just wrote out my picks for the open - as I've done with the other 2 majors this year. I can't help it I love watching the gol and can't help but think who I think will win and who id like to win it's a short step to let's check the prices and that feeling of what if my guy wins. I think with football it's easier if I think Chelsea will beat arsenal for example I can avoid the bet as I know the odds and there for my returns will be small unless I lump a ridiculous sum on which I won't do but with golf I know the guy I fancy will be 20/1 another guy will be around 100/1 and it's not like other sports where that 100/1 has no chance a three figure price can easily place or win. I'm sorry for talking about odds and prices it's wrong of me but I'm just putting down what I'm feeling and these are the temptations I'm having. I know if I start tho and have that golf bet it'll then mean I can have me ante post footy acca and then the uspga then something else, I can't do it. I need to enjoy golf for the spectacle. Otherwise I'll only enjoy it if my golfers in contention if there not it'll just be depressing and I might even like the golfer who wins but I'll still just be disappointed over the lose of another bet. sorry for ramblings just needed to get on here for ten mins rather than oddschecker! It's killed the urge and I feel better. They'll be more urges tomorrow and weds but I'll get through them.

Hey insanity you keep rambling if it controls those urges,

194 days is fantastic, but don't forget recovery is ongoing and changing all the time, and we have to change at times with it, so keep moulded tight as tight so not even a teeny weeny urge can get through.

Take care

Suzanne xxx

Thanks Suzanne. Kind and helpful words as usual.

7 months today!! Crazy that. Feeling good. Long long long way to go in both my recovery and my debts but I'm on the right path.

Thank you all for the support.

Hi Insanity!

Well done on your amazing milestone! Good to see you marching on and looking ahead, that's the direction we are heading for sure!
Be proud, keep taking each day as it comes and reap the benefits abstinence offers ☺

Just a nudge to remind you of the check in on the challenge..you're missed!

Look after yourself and keep up the good work..recovery = life! Take it!!!

Sandra x