Stephen - Stopped Gambling 1st November 2019

Thank you for visiting  my diary Rob. Good to see you back on the diaries and pleased to see that you have stayed gamble free for such a long time. Respect and admiration for your hard work, courage and commitment.

Hello Diary.

A good time today spent relaxing and tomorrow morning will be returning home after a wonderful Christmas & New Year visiting family.

Stephen x 

Keep it up Stephen. Remember the pain. Remember the pointlessness. Remember the sorrow, guilt, anxiety and loss. Above all, remember that you're better equipped to deal with the temptations. You're a better person now than when you gambled. And you're worth it!

Thanks Stephen

And wise advice above.. You are a star!

Thank you Change & Rob. I appreciate your support and encouragement.

Hello Diary.

Back home, case unpacked and having a nice relaxing evening back in my own home.

It may not seem like a big deal but I am pleased to report that when passing through London, I was successful in travelling from Waterloo to Kings x, without entering a betting shop. Gambling thoughts did enter my head but I was not really tempted.

Stephen x  

Welcome home Stephen, and fantastic you made the journey back safely and without undue event.

Good morning Stephen, 

I am delighted that you successfully navigated London without succumbing to any temptation. I hope you are settled back at home now after your fun filled time with your family. 

Thank you so much for your lovely post on my diary. Your words of support and encouragement mean an awful lot. I am in a much better place today. I have vowed to no longer punish myself for something that I should be proud of. 

Have a wonderful day x

Thank you Mixer & Murlo for those kind words. I appreciate your support and encouragement.

Hello Diary. 

Today I splashed out (excuse the pun) on a "Deluxe Foot Spa And Massager." It will be money well spent if it eases the pain/discomfort in my feet and I had a little smile when buying it because it is highly unlikely I would have purchased it when gambling. 

I did go for the best one in the Argos catalogue and part of me thinks I was being extravagant but I least I have something to show for it.

It makes a lot more sense than giving my pennies to the bookies.

Stephen x 

Sat listening to music with water swirling round my feet, courtesy of my Deluxe Foot Spa. A treat for me and my tootsies to celebrate 67 Days GF.

Opened a box of chocolates which were given me at Christmas and have been enjoying them although I am starting to feel a bit queasy.

It is a hard life but I don't like to complain.

Stephen x 

I can just picture you Stephen, enjoy ?

Stephen was a foolish man of that there is no doubt

Addicted to them daft machines & stood alone with nowt

But that is all behind me now so I will let it rest

And focus on the future - striving to do my best

Just been in the chatroom which really was a treat

Gamcare brothers and sisters a pleasure for to meet 

Friends there share a platform to gather round and talk

Together on the gamcare road we skip link our arms and walk

Stephen x 

Enjoying the gamble free life and trying to do my best

One hand raised to the heavens - the other rested on chest

Angels lining the gamcare road are cheering me along 

With whoops and hollers they dance by my side and sing the victory song

Stephen x 

Always enjoy your lovely poems, Stephen. 

Just one, well-chosen, day at a time

Making sure everything works out fine

Just for today, everything’s brighter

Eyes a-wider, our worries lighter!

Have an enjoyable day today, my friend. 

Mixer

Hey Stephen, 

Glad to hear you had a good Christmas are still going strong. the foot spa sounds lovely! 

Ha ha thankyou for the poem Mixer. That really brought a smile to my face.

Thanks also to you Lisa for visiting my diary. I have just read your post on your own diary and that made my day. You have really turned your life around since stopping gambling over one year ago.

I get a lot of inspiration from following the journeys of friends who have remained gamble-free for long periods of time and when they are contented, relaxed and have a good outlook on life, than that makes it even more attractive and appealing to me. 

Stephen x