One big hit and your addicted

I forgot to say by the way, you idea about the pendant is a brilliant one. I had a similar idea some months ago to create one which all recovering gambling addicts could buy, almost like a secret society that when you see someone with it on, you were joined by your mutual knowledge of the challenges and strife you have both been through and could talk openly about it, even if you had just met. I bounced it around a bit but did nothing with it, would love to see a picture of it somehow ! Dark Place

Hi Chicargo

Hope you are well and great to see that you are still reaping the benefits out of your counselling sessions. Part of my job is to deliver programmes which involve this idea - we call it the 'Cliffs' tool - "Where am I now"? and "Where do I want to be"? - GOAL

What am I thinking?

What am I feeling?

What am I doing?

What is going on around me?

These four questions are applied to the problem then the same questions are asked again once you have solved your problem/reached your goal. The immitation bridge acts as like the stepping stones/mini goals on how you are going to solve that problem/reach your goal.

You have well crossed that bridge and that goal is remaining high up in your priorities.

Well done and continue doing what you are doing.

Take care.

Feb.

Hey all,

Just sat down to have some egg beaters with shrimp and diced onions and orange bell peppers in it. I had my 1 on 1 therapy session today, it went very well. After I got home, my brother stopped by my new place and visited, that was nice. He really likes my rocker recliner chair. We decided to go for a nice long walk with his dogs back at his place. Beautiful night, and the weather is getting better. I was telling my therapist today in my session, it's great to be abstinent of this gambling addiction, and as you go forward in your journey, and remain abstinent you really start to take more responsible actions in your life. I think well down the road of recovery I may look back and realize, this addiction actually helped me change my outlook on life. Sometimes you have to hit the bottom to realize how much positive was in your life before the addiction and how many positive things are out there for the taking, and in front of you every day, you just have to have that burning desire to want that better life and to learn to love and forgive yourself. Today I'am proud to say that I'am a recovering compulsive gambler who took the necessary steps to change my way of thinking and dealing with the negatives in my life and turn those into positives through recovery. I wish you the best in your recovery process.

Recovering compulsive gambler,

Chicagoguy

Hi Chicago,

For me, that was a "wow" post and I want to thank you for sharing it. Have a great day pal! -joanxxxxxx

Hey well done Chicago guy lead the way my friend were with you have a great weekend.

The bear

You paint such a balanced picture and you have your whole life ahead of you. Enjoy

xxx

Hello all,

Another beautiful day, the sun is out shining, the birds are signing up a storm, and the wind has a gentle breeze, not much more could I ask for, my balcony door is wide open and view of the river is fantastic. Recovery is a wonderful thing, one to embrace and hold dear to yourself as you begin to awaken back to the way life is meant to be lived. I'am forever grateful for the great support of the Gamcare family, my addiction center I'am an outpatient at and the will and determination I brought out off myself to end the addiction that once controlled my every thought, morning, day and night. It is a feeling of being reborn again, another chance at this thing we call life, seize it, grab a hold of it, don't let go, I'am no longer controlled by my addiction, because I choose one simply task, STOP! NO MORE BETS! Recovery begins the moment you make that conscious decision to not participate in the addiction. You will slowly find your mind starting to clear up, you look at that glass as half full, not half empty, your attitude becomes more positive with each day in abstinence. I have truly altered my addiction, I am now addicted to recovery, I crave it, the blessings that come with abstinence, the inner peace you find again, with yourself, each day a new day to be free of those gambling chains that were so deeply scarred into me. I have broken free, and seen the righteous path, one I do not walk alone, one I walk with many great people who have made that choice also to seek the right smooth path, not the destructive path with many pot holes. I will never forget what I once became due to this illness, so I can always have my guard up, I fight this good fight because it's a cause worth fighting for, the cause me, myself and dad.

Recovering compulsive gambler,

Chicagoguy

Great post pal, will we ever beat it? It's a struggle when u least expect it it hits u! I'm looking to come to Chicago in August, would be great to catch up on live chat one time on where to go! Ur an inspiration

Hi Chicago,

I want to thank you for your post on my diary and to say that I just loved your last post on yours. I'm happy for you man! P and I are probably gonna get fishing licenses this weekend or next. It's a matter of days now because everything is in bloom. Those bass are gonna be biting for sure! Listen I know your dad is watching and is beaming with pride. Have a great day today!! -joanxxxx

I agree with everything in the post above Chicago guy. Hope you're having a great weekend

Good mourning all,

Rainy day today, but it's suppose to be close to 75 the next couple of days. I'am planning on fishing tomorrow and Tuesday. Went to my brothers last night and we cooked out on the grill. I brought salmon and whole catfish to put on the grill. We also had broccoli, egg plant, onions, orange bell peppers and green beans on the grill also. It was a beautiful night and I enjoyed the company of family without any thoughts of gambling. I have a busy week, G.A. tomorrow, group therapy session on Tuesday, G.A. on Wednesday, then 1 on1 on Thursday. I weigh up on May 2, to see if I reached my goal of losing 8 lbs in the first month. Once I see where I'am at I make my goal for June 1 weigh in. I like to wait 1 month before getting on the scale, just the way I like to do my program. My goal is to lose 35 lbs by August 1. I'am enjoying my new place and the peacefulness of it and the river being so close. Still need to get a few things for the place, but other then that I'am settling in. I hope everyone had a great weekend. I wish you the best in your recovery program.

Recovering compulsive gambler,

Chicagoguy

Hey Chicagoguy,

Thank you sooo much for dropping into my diary the other day and offering your much needed support.

It was greatly appreciated as I am really trying to focus on putting some distance between the present and my last bet.

Glad to see that you enjoyed a nice family feast and have a busy week ahead planned too.

We both know that we need to keep safe and leave those gambling demons well and truly burried. Strength in numbers my friend, strength in numbers.....

Keep strong

MW ;0)

Great post Chicago and keep up the great work, all the best

Hey Chicagoguy

Thanks as always for your support on my diary. You have a great week too. Looks like you got a busy one ahead but it's all good distraction from the urges of gambling. Sounds like yesterday was a nice day with your family.

Good luck with the weight loss targets. Hope you reach them with relative ease. No fun if you don't have to put in a bit of work. More personal reward.

G

Hey Chicago,

Great to see you are still going strong! Getting ready to do a little fishing. Hope I get at least a bite today. Yesterday we got skunked. Anyway, have a great day today!! -joanxxxxxx