Been coming on and off this site since 2009, can honestly say my life has changed a lot for the good. Shamefully still gamble from time to time. However from where I was financially, spiritual and emotionally from when I first started up until now is a completely different story. The beginning of my journey I was in hell, totally addicted and little morale to fight. Life good, but can be better, have started gambling a little more than I should lately. I've decided to take up a challenge to myself to see if I can a whole year without gambling, starting today. Gonna be keeping updates on this jouney. Hoping others would like to share their journey with me along the way.
I will happily join you on your challenge Matt I'm currently 64 days bet free. It's also good to see you back
Deano
Well done on your 64 days DeanO, don't know if its a good thing to be back lol. Least this time I haven't hit rock bottom. Made a lot of progress in the last 2 years, I can't go back to the beginning. I did start gambling again lately. Not too much, just a little bit. But a little bit is becoming a little bit more. I know if I don't call it a day, the compulsive urges will come back. Weekdays are the easiest for me to stay away from gambling, to busy working and doing whatever. Weekends are the real test, especially the Sat. When I want to let go and have some fun.
5th day of not gambling. Been a busy week at work, lot of overtime done. Do I really want to give it all to the bookies? no, not really. The weekend will be the real test, already made plans to keep myself occupied. On another note, I've noticed on my recent trips to the bookies that a lot of the FOBT machine are continuously sitting empty. Dear o dear, that is a shame. Sports betting, mainly horses is my thing, I never touched or had the slightest interest in FOBT machines. But still saw enough people get totally destroyed on those things.
Day 8, Managed to get the weekend out of the way. Luckily didn't think of gambling once. As the new year approaches has got me thinking of what I'd like to get done next year.
Hey Matt, I've been on and off here for a while. Been gambling for 14 years and have had a few rock bottom moments. I too think that keeping a diary on this forum is a good way to keep track of progress. Instead of starting a brand new thread I thought it'd be better to piggy back off someone else's... Your last gamble was at a similar time to mine so why don't we try and do a year at the same time? My last gamble was 20 days ago. You're at about 9 now right?
Hey Stubber, more than welcome to post your updates here, look forward to seeing them. I've been gambling for a simular amount of time since I was 17. Where would my life be nice if I hadn't wasted all that time and money ay lol. But yes lets do this one year challenge together. Be amazed what can be accomplished if this online community comes together in self support for eachother.
Checking in matt and we'll done so far. So this time next year we will all be over the one year mark.
I'm on 72 at the minute feeling a lot more positive the last few week's
Have a great one
Day 21
Hey Dean good work on 72 days man. Solid 2 months.
Matt, what is it about weekends in particular that you find hard?
Day 21
Hey Dean good work on 72 days man. Solid 2 months.
Matt, what is it about weekends in particular that you find hard?
Day 11 already, going quick. Positive thinking, I'm glad I gave up & self excluded myself from online gambling 3 years ago. I worked hard since those bleak days & I refuse to go back to them.
Welldone studder & Dean on 21 days & 72 days. What have you guys done to keep yourselves busy with your extra time?
Weekends (mostly Saturdays) are hard for me because it's the one day I let myself go. One day I drink & watch footie with the lads. I associate having a good time with gambling. I need something in my life lol.
Good to see if dealing with things b4 it gets outta hand!! Yes sat and sun were my worst days too.
Day 25
I know what you mean about the weekends. Sticking an acca on and watching the results come in with the lads with comradery that goes along with it. It's hard to say no when the lads are all doing it jeering you on. All of my mates know about my problem so they'd never encourage me. Do your mates know about your issues?
I must admit that I've been on holiday for 2 weeks, so whilst I'm 25 days in, 14 of those days have been where it would be very difficult for me to gamble anyway.
Day 14 for me, had a very busy week with work. Going to watch the football today down the pub. Hoping I can watch my team without the need to gamble to make it more exiting. I know it sounds silly, but my job is extremely physically demanding, I start at 6am and finish between 2-3pm. Its hard to get things done or have motivation when your that tiered. This is what gets me fustrated and anxious. Might need to work on that, anyone relate?
Lady H thankyou for the positive comment, hoping you the best in your recovery
Stubber, well done on your 25 days. My immidiate family and a couple of very close friends know I have a problem. The support from them was mainly emotional as it gives you an outlet. Really good to see your mates accept and help you deal with that problem. Where did you go on holiday?
Day 18, not the best week for me. Think a 6 month relationship is coming to an end, not welcome a week before my birthday. Bit down at the moment. But I've been in worser places than now from gambling, it was hell being at rock bottom. The feeling of being completely worthless and the future looking bleak is something I will never go back to.
I won't let this week keep me down, I have a lot plans and thing to keep me occupied. One chapter in life ends & another opens.
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