Stephen ~ Stopped Gambling 8th June 2018

I haven't commented on your diary before but I have been reading and following your story, so I guess I'm a bit of a lurker :/

Just wanted to say that you have inspired me a lot with your journey, your experiences and feelings transfer into words that really help me understand things better and I can familiarise with many things you say.

I believe you can one day, be content without gambling in your life , the mind is the most important part and with time.. that urge will be powerless to you as you are determined to build your wall against it, with every slip, fall or hurdle your armour gets stronger. Thankyou for sharing your thoughts and experiences as I believe it helps so many of us. I believe together we can do anything.

Wishing you the best on your journey Stephen, angel x

Hi Stephen,

A very good afternoon to you and I hope you're keeping well. Like so many of us, I often take a visit to your thread because it's an uplifting place where hope, determination and reality meet. It's great to see you putting in blocks, such as handing over financial control None of us like to do that; but we know, in order to keeping bludgeoning this beast on a daily basis, sometimes, it's what we have to do.

You keep things very real; you're honest when you fall, but you keep getting up each time, stronger and wiser. We all look to the day when we never fall over again.

You're right - we can do anything we set our minds to. The answer lies in our minds!

All the best to you, Stephen, as always,

Mixer

Thank you Stephen for the kind words on my Diary ...... good to see you in good spirits and in a positive frame of mind,as you have said you have gone long periods gamble free in the past so you know you can do it again ..... good idea to hand your bankcard over again as it puts another barrier in place,keep going i am with you all the way.

Thank you Angel, Mixer, Chartom and Caughtup for the kind and encouraging posts on my diary.

Wishing everyone a great weekend ...stephen

Doing brilliantly Stephen, I am so pleased things are working out x

Hi Stephen, thanks do much for popping by and fab to see you on 23 dsys. Read a really sad artical last week in the paper about online gsmbling addicted who unfortunately took the permanent way out and interviewed their families, thought provoking stuff. Continue to spread your friendship and support, take care Sx

Thank you Nonchaser, I have replied on your diary.

Thank you also Sharon for posting. That is the appalling that people are driven to take their own life because of the misery that gambling addiction has given them. So sad for the friends and family also.

About to retire for the evening. Sunday was good, didn't have a bet and I am feeling reasonably contented. There is no turning back now. Whilst refraining from gambling I will work on my weaknesses, remain focussed and stay in control.

The gamble free road beckons me forward. It will lead me to a land of freedom and opportunity. On my journey I will experience sadness, joy and indifference but I can live with the ups and downs of a gamble free life and enjoy the challenges that come my way.

Hi Stephen, brilliant to see you on 30 days, happy Sunday. Take care my friend Sx

Thank you Sharon for your kind, encouraging post on my diary. Hope you are happy and enjoying the long hot summer. I think Girls Aloud sang about a long hot summer.

I have enjoyed an excellent weekend. Last night went to a concert by Showwaddywaddy. A great band from the early seventies who can still rock it out . Only 3 of the 7 band members are from the original group but they were really good. Danced my little socks off after the interval, up in the wings so nobody minded us.

Went to cheer on a friend running in the 5k race for life this morning. Really enjoyed that and a minutes silence before the start was a very moving tribute to those who have lost their battle against a terrible illness. A very warm, loving and caring atmosphere.

DON'T BE A DOPE AND DON'T LOSE HOPE

Excuses, lies and pleading eyes, the gambler weeps as he begs and cries.

Rejection coupled with repulsion, fear and loathing of a cruel compulsion.

Accepting we are addicts is a good place to begin, with open eyes and honesty throw gambling in the bin

Through courage, trust and openness the anguish can be eased, supporting friends and loved ones they surely will be pleased

With blocks in place and good intent discover peace and merriment.

Compulsive gambler here I am, with a ticket on the get well train

Dancing and singing, alarm bells ringing, feeling the stress and the strain

A road of many twists and turns this may be a difficult trek

But i'll keep a smile upon my face though I might look a bit of a wreck

All gathered for this journey i'm sure we all agree

There has to be a price to pay to once again be free

Hi Stephen thanks for your kind post, 37 days ain't too shabby!! It think mini time goals is the only way to be honest. Hope you're enjoying the beautiful weather as you move forward every day really does count, Take care S x

Great day Sunday. Went for a stroll in my local park, at peace with the world and happy as a lark. Than to the gym for chinwag and swim, with no thoughts of betting my life's not so grim. Later a visit to friends and watched telly whilst filling my mouth with ice cream and jelly.

I am really pleased I don't gamble anymore. Maybe one day I can refurbish the mansion and give the servants their jobs back. It would be nice anyway just to get the yacht up and running again. -- Dream on Stephen.

Seriously though it will be good when I do get my finances in better shape. So many times over recent years I have agonised over debt, bills and just worrying all the time about money. It has been like a recurring nightmare week after week and month after month. I really really hope it's over now because it frequently left me in a state of despair when I felt helpless, traumatised and ashamed. Just one day at a time and I will be ok.

Well done Stephen, you are doing great, your finances will improve now you are gamble free, keep going.