Present

Day 36

I have just finished 2 days work. It hasnt been to bad have had no urges or cravings the last few days, which is good.

Slightly concerned at the moment i have got a bad chest and am worried it may get worse. Around this time of year with the change in temperature i am prone to chest infections. The reason i say i am concerned is because when i am physically unwell, i cannot be active and that means i will be prone to the thoughts of gambling.

I have group couselling on line tomorrow so that will help. Quite appropriate at the minute, considering the subject will be emotions. My favourite, especially when i dont feel well.

i have blocks in place and am going to keep myself safe, so all should be well.

Will write more tomorrow.

Day 72

I havent posted a diary for 36 days now. Fortunately i have other outlets such as meetings and group counselling offered by Gamcare. I havent had the couselling for 3 weeks and have replaced the session by attending meetings instead which has really helped. Over the last 2 months i have cleared any debt that i built up from gambling and am now able to buy myself and others things. Also i now know that the financial pressures around the christmas period wont be as nearly as bad as when i was gambling.

I dont have to make any excuses over the christmas period due to lack of money, and most importantly of all i dont have to lie.

I start my group counselling again next week i am looking forward to it. I have found it very useful. It has been really useful to do the sessions with others facing similar problems. I would encourage others to give it a go.

I have not had the obsession to gamble for a number of weeks now the thought has occasionally been there but i have started to

challenge my thinking and think of the consequences. I do not intend to get complacent and will continue to share the problems and difficulties that life presents. I will continue to use the coping strategies that i have learned through the help and support of others.

Lastly today i have every reason to feel grateful for the life i have. I intend to stay GF for 1 day at a time.

Jon

Be very proud of yourself for the way yo are handling things - I can see all the pressures you have been facing and have felt for you all the way through reading your posts. I am so glad you have opened up to your Dad. I hope you all have a good Xmas this year & 2018 is a new goal for you to make another gfree target. Take care.