One big hit and your addicted

Mr. Chicago

" I am just enjoying the fact that I dont gamble"

INSPIRED my friend inspired.

Just for today lets better our tomorrow by again making the best choice a compulsive gambler could make.

NO BET TODAY.

Duncs stepping forward never back.

Good mourning everyone,

I had a group therapy class last night. A lot of open discussion about each of our individual experiences with gambling, and what where doing to help maintain sobriety. I really think it's helpful to be able to talk and listen to others suggestions and gain support. The program is around 6 months long, but it doesn't have to stop then. We can continue if we choose as a group, and one on one is still available also. I found this interesting from class last night so I'am going to post it below. I wish all of you the best in your recovery.

(KEEP IT SIMPLE)

KEEP IT SIMPLE

KEEP YOUR STORY SIMPLE

KEEP YOUR RECOVERY SIMPLE

1. ADMIT

2. STOP

3. DECIDE

4. LOOK

5. SHARE

6. BE READY

7. LET

8. LIST

9. CORRECT

10. REVIEW

11. THINK

12. HELP

1. (ADMIT) that I'am powerless and that my addiction has made my life UNMANAGEABLE.

2. (STOP) being afraid and stop feeling alone. Accept that sharing is not a sign of weakness.

3. (DECIDE) to let go and believe there's a better way thru recovery.

4. (LOOK) at myself realistically.

5. (SHARE) my inner most weakness with another human being.

6. (BE READY) to improve myself.

7. (LET) my better nature and instincts go to work for me.

8. (LIST) everyone I harmed.

9. (RIGHT) the wrongs I've done whenever possible.

10. (REVIEW) my personality and my faults continuously.

11. (THINK) about myself as a part of mankind as a whole and how I can improve my tolerance, honesty, and humility.

12. (HELP) others thru my example to see peace of mind.

Chicagoguy

Happy you are sharing things from your sessions Chicagoguy. I Really think they help many people here and at least I have got really good points and things to think about from them. Keep it up!

Hi Chicago,

That was an awsome post. I too appreciate all of the information that you share from your experience with the group you attend. Rock on my friend. I'm gonna be getting my fishing license renewed next month and then let the fun begin. Fish on!! -joanxx

(MATURITY)

(MATURITY) is the ability to do a job whether you are supervised or not. To finish what you started, carry money without spending it, and to be able to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.

(MATURITY) is patience. It is the willingness to postpone immediate gratification in favor of the long-term gain.

(MATURITY) is perseverance. The ability to swear out a project or situation in spite of heavy opposition and discourage setbacks.

(MATURITY) is the capacity to face unpleasantness and frustration, discomfort and defeat without complaint of collapse. Maturity is humility. It is being big enough to say, "I was wrong", and when right, the mature person need not experience the satisfaction of saying. "I told you so".

(MATURITY) means dependability, keeping one's word, coming through a crisis. The immature are master of the alibi. They are confused and disorganized. Their lives are a maze of broken promises, former friends, unfinished business and good intentions that somehow never materialized.

(MATURITY) is the art of living in peace with that which can't be changed and the courage to change that which can be changed and the wisdom to know the difference.

Chicagoguy

Hey all,

Just got back from my 1 on 1 therapy. Had a good session. It's a long drive for a hour visit, but it's well worth it. Good to be able to talk some issues out and continue working on sobriety. I must stay committed to my goals and continue to allow this process of abstinence to heal me.

Chicagoguy

Well seems life is treating ya good and your liking it. Lol keep rolling in that good life. Sure beats rolling in the other stuff. Lol

Thx for the support chigago

I'm down but I'm getting off the canvas

And congrats on your supreme effort so far keep up the good work

Looking out for your thread CG....really enjoy those posts and i learn so much ..I still need support whilst I cope with the aftermath and it helps so much to understand ..

R and D xx

Hi Chicago

Here is on eof my favourite verse of words, I think all gamblers can dig deep into them and realise the real and true values within their lifes and the sheer pain and destruction gambling dares to intrude upon it. Hope you like them !

"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much.

Who has gained the respect of intelligent men & the love of little children.

Who has filled his niche & accomplished his task.

Who has left the world better than he found it.

Whether by an improved garden, a perfect poem, or rescuing a lost soul

Who has never lacked appreciation of earths beauties, nor failed to express it.

Who has always looked for the best in others & given the best he had.

Whose life is an inspiration

Whose memory a benediction"

Hey everyone,

Today is 80 days gamble free, for me. I'am enjoying this beautiful weather we are finally starting to get. I should be fishing real soon. Might go wet a line Saturday, if the temp is up good. I'am going to post these 12 steps we went over in our group class Tuesday night. They made a lot of sense to me.

(THE RECOVERY PROGRAM)

1. We admitted we were powerless over gambling-that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that power greater than ourselves could restore us to a normal way of thinking and living.

3. Made a decision to turn our lives over to the care of this power of our own understanding.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral and financial inventory of ourselves.

5. Admitted to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6. Were entirely ready to have these defects of character removed.

7. Humbly asked our higher power (of our understanding) to remove our shortcomings.

8. Made a list if all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.

9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with our higher power as we understood our higher power, praying only for knowledge of our higher power to carry that out.

12. Having made an effort to practice these principles in all our affairs, we tired to carry this message to other compulsive gamblers.

Chicagoguy

Hey Chicargo

I just wanted to personally wish you huge congratulations for reaching day 80 gamble free. That's fantastic!!

I would also like to take this opportunity to personally thank you for your continued support and lovely posts on my diary. I know you say that I am extremely supportive of others on this forum but equally, you are too and I just wanted to credit you with that.

As for the weather!!! Here, where I live, is absolutely freezing today, and has been and still will be over the Easter period!! However, my heart is full of warmth, knowing that I will not be gambling and spoiling my Easter - NO WAY HOSE'!!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the break.

Take care and speak soon.

Feb.

Despite all the wonderful support I had a stupid hiccup this week but back in the saddle again already. Managed three months and determined to be stronger and look at my triggers more.

You are doing brilliantly and just know you will suceed.

xxx

Thanks for leaving a comment on my diary, it really cheered me up. I've had a it of a lousy day is all. Not gambled though 🙂 Anyway, well done for getting to day 80 and great idea about rewarding yourself at day 100. With it only around the corner, I may treat myself to something. Unsure what, perhaps some books maybe. Thank you also for sharing that list also..very helpful.

All the best

Alex

A massive well Done on the 80 days and thanks for the support. Have a great weekend mate