Many thanks for the kind words Dan and Leedsfan, I have replied on your diaries.
Gambling talk is everywhere at the moment with the World Cup up and running. At the gym yesterday enjoying a chinwag with friends and acquaintances. Obviously people like to talk of the bets they have had and it did make me a little envious. I just have to accept the fact that I am not going to gamble anymore. I have made a conscious decision not to gamble and I will abide by it.
Life is full of opportunities, challenges to embrace and adventures just waiting to be enjoyed.
I ain't lost hope and I ain't no dope - betting's not for me
It don't give me honey and it takes all my money so now i'm gamble free
Sat on a bench overlooking the River Humber, my eyes taking in the panoramic view of this lovely stretch of water. A gentle breeze sends small waves lapping along the waterfront and cumulus clouds float past letting the sun shine through now and than. A truly tranquil and beautiful morning.
Behind me lies Hull with it's 39 betting shops and my weekly state pension which has just gone into my bank. I must stay strong, focussed and resolute.
Going to my English class between1&3 and later I will go to the gym. I enjoyed a Yoga class on Tuesday and yesterday went for a swim. Activities like this are productive and help give me a sense of purpose.
Oh what a joy to be gamble free plodding along quite leisurely
No more acting like a fool cos now i'm chilled and keep my cool
The gambling demons scare me not with their bulging eyes and gooey green snot
The final chapter of this story - I'm free as a bird and heading for glory
Well done on 2 weeks gamble free, Stephen!
Loving the positivity that you’re showing! Excellent stuff.
Keep winning, my friend.
Stay positive and enjoy your weekend Stephen.
All the best mate.
Morning Stephen, hope you're well.
You know what is right for you.
Your gamcare pals are with you, every step of the way.
All good wishes x
Thank you for the kind words Dan, SJW and Little Miss Enlightened. I will reply on your diaries
The weekend is here and the weather looks good. I am not gambling any more but will be overjoyed to see England win the World Cup again. At age 15 I was cheering my head off at my aunties house when they beat Germany in the 1966 final. It can be a lot of fun enjoying sporting events without gambling but I must forever be on my guard and alert to the dangers.
Sick to the teeth of gambling so my betting days are over
I will avoid the betting shops from John o Groats to Dover
Life is a mix of ups and downs
But i'll cherish all it offers - the smiles, laughter and frowns
Happy Weekend Stephen, glad you're enjoying the GF life, take care S 🙂
Hi Sir Stephen ,
It’s never too late to change things around 🙂 I’m sure deep inside you’re determined to beat this addiction ! Keep on marching sir and never back down !
Sars
Well done Steven, you're starting to rack up the days again. I noticed your comment of 39 betting shops in your home town. shocking really, that is a lot of lives being ruined. Keep going pal.
39 betting shops - speaks volumes. Why are they there? To bring happiness and joy for the people of Hull??? How caring it is of all those companies to set up their 'fun houses' so thoughtful!!!
As if!!!
Each one is there for one reason and one reason only - to take money - people's hard earned money. They wouldn't be there otherwise, if they didn't make money their doors would close and the 'for sale' signs would go up. We all know this, we're not stupid. They ever so kindly even give us good advice, 'When the fun stops - stop!'
Well thanks for that but what you failed to tell us is that once the fun stops our lives are already tumbling downhill, our brains are scrambled and our families have suffered and don't even mention how much of a low - life it makes us feel!
Oh how wonderful it would be if they all had to shut up shop, we don't need you any more, we're more interested in enjoying life; a walk around a park, a visit to a friend, a story in a book anything to make a 'for sale' sign go up on your window and send your harmful companies packing! It's up to us to do this. We must want to change. Our lives are for living. Let's live it the best we can; take care of each other and don't forget to love ourselves a little bit more because we really are worth it!!
Sorry for gate crashing your post Stephen. I'm just sick of seeing all the adverts on the telly portraying gambling as a positive when all of us on here know different. Every time I pass a shop it upsets me. It brings back all the feelings of self-hatred for being suckered into their world.
I never went in them but I lost lots of money on-line to their establishments. I'll be paying it back forever more.
I don't want to have to give them any more than I have to, the 'fun' has most definitely stopped.
Wishing you contentment and happiness on this hopefully sunny Sunday.
Keep battling, never forget, it's a battle that can be won!!
I love the way you fill your life with the good things: dance, music, learning and friends. Keep on tapping those toes and scribbling those pro's.
All good wishes x
Thank you for your kind words on my diary . It means a hell of a lot for you to spare a thought for me and to give me a boost . The strange thing as I have said before is that when you don’t get any interaction with members here you feel a bit forgotten so thank again. Just because I have done 6 months it doesn’t mean that I don’t need input from my peers . Glad you are still gambling free and by the looks of it on your diary you have a strong support network . I salute you back !
Thanks for commenting on my diary Stephen. Although I feel I should start a new one. I regret what I said about quitting and judging people so harshly. you could have had a right go at me for my comments. I am back on the site a lot more now and offering support where I can. Keep going Stephen
Many thanks Sharon, Sars, Greenflash, Little Miss Magnificent and Bryan, I appreciate your taking the time and trouble to post on my diary.The advice, support and encouragement will hopefully spur me on if and when I am feeling vulnerable.
I have noticed many on the diaries are having good long periods free from gambling. To me this is a reassurance that recovery is possible because if many others are keeping off a bet than so can I.
My friend is holding onto my bank card again and I will get money off her as I need it. The future looks rosy as I slowly make my way up the recovery road. The sun is shining and I feel ok.
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