Taking responsibility of my life

Well yesterday was a good day got some more of my patio layed, and then finished off with a night out with my daughter, had a good chat and I also worked out what is so different between my recovery this time to any before and it is simply the difference between NEED and WANT. In the past I have always tried to stop due to need to be able to make things right at home, when things got back to normal the need had gone and was to easy to slip back. This time it is because I want to, there is nothing but me stopping me from gambling I carry cash if I really wanted to I could but I don't. I am enjoying my life without gambling been able to the money I earn instead of giving it away.

Today I will not gamble

Hey there,

Lovely mindset to have and i agree 100% there..we need to "want" to make a change. "Need" never lasts long, cause we do it for others and that feeling passes in time. Now if you want it to change you just do it no end. That's what you are doing, simply be proud. For the better days to come, high five coming your way 🙂

Take care and keep making the right choice

S x

Thanks Sandra for your post glad that it's not just on my head that it seems to be a big difference. The trouble is need will always come before want. And until you can take need out of the picture it will always control what/why you do anything.

Been a good day today work was ok, not gambled now for 107 days and have a job interview lined up for Thursday. Maybe life is moving forward

Another week passes by with gambling safely out of the way 111 days and feeling strong, job interview was a waste of time but did help me see what I have is better than I thought so just going to stick with them same it does the job and I do enjoy why risk change. Hope everyone has had a good week shame to needhelp throw the towel in I'm sure he will be back. To the everyone here have a great weekend. Everyday we abstain the bookies are getting poorer and we are getting stronger

Day 114, life seems to have turned another corner in the last 24 hrs, the silence between me and my boys is over and now I'm as set to get things right with them as I am on my recovery. I was able to do what a dad should do, I have let my anger destroy my relationship with them far too many times now it's time to change that too. I am lucky enough to be able to see my kids and be apart of their lives and for that I must be thankful.

Today I did not gamble today I made my life better

Hi there,

Well done on your g free time. Some life's problems tend to sort themselves out and if a little push needed to be added you are well on your way on that front and it shines through. Keep doing what your doing, keep reaping the benefits of abstinence and enjoy.

Take care and all the best

Sandra x

Thanks Sandra for your constant words of support and incorgiment, tonight I have done something that most dads do all the time without even thinking, but I know the only time my boys ever got my attention and to spend time playing upstairs on the computer together was when I was in the doghouse, not tonight we spent time together cos we all wanted to, it cost nothing but gave me time to talk/listen to what they have been doing and just to play.

I never want to be like I was before it wasn't even a person back then just a figure that made their live hell. Tonight I felt like a dad, and a feeling I want to keep working on

Today I did not gamble 116 days gamble free but only 3 days of been a dad I can do both.

Hi Chris,

Thank you for your supportive post. Am gonna look after myself more and make the decisions to better my life in a more calmer and positive manner.

You are doing great and i really enjoy reading your ongoing progress. No looking back, march on and enjoy your life. Keep believing, it will get only better.

All the best

Sandra x

Evening, yesterday was the hardest day for weeks, I'd finished work early and found myself back where a lot of my gambling had started, so knowing I felt vonrable I sat in the hotel bar reading the forum but before I had time to even post I had company, I managed to hold a conversation something I used to find really hard and by the end of the evening not only had any urge gone, I had managed to even admit why my marriage had failed no lies just the simple truth. I'm not ashamed of who I am today.

I am a recovering gambler but I am also a dad to 2 great boys and a fantastic daughter. Today marks 4 months without a bet

Hi screw,

That really is a big achievement, 4 whole months of being gamble free. Very well done to you.

Stay strong and keep going.

Best wishes

Suzanne xx

Morning diary, well after a good week away with work and no further urges after Tuesday I spent a fantastic weekend with my boys, kids are so rewarding when you put in a little time and effort, can't believe I was letting gambling take so much away from all of us, now I look forward to spending time with them not looking for a reason to be out the way. For once I can say I love life thank you gam care for the support to change my life for the good.

Chris

Fella simply thanks for sharing.

Be inspired

With honour and strength

Duncs stepping forward never back

Screw, had a read through your diary or should I say rollercoaster! Inspired I am as anyone reading it should be.

Long may your recovery continue and thanks for taking time to post on my rather pathetic rant earlier this evening.

I am now going to embark on my own journey and will relish the chance to share yours.

Weldy

Cheers for the posts guys, another week has been and gone working away really helps time fly and the weekend comes round quickly when again I have spent time with the boys, getting beaten at Fifa but it's something we can do together that is fun and spending time with them just keeps getting better. Shame I missed out on another whole summer but I know next year will be different.

Today I did not gamble still walking my new found path of life.

Finally an evening with spare time to update on past week, well another mad week away went by with no thought of gambling, the need to want to top up my weekly spending money no longer a problem I take what I need for the week and practice basic budgeting and it works fine.

Then came the weekend I knew it was going to be an emotionally hard weekend what with my sons birthday Saturday but also 6 months to day the ex kicked me out, I had not planned to spend anytime with them Saturday knowing the ex had plans but that all changed with a phone call of help first thing and turned in to spending pritty much the whole day with them, which was great I've missed out on so much due to gambling I'm just glad I didn't miss that, Sunday we all went out for the day I found it so hard been stood next to the woman I love and not been able to give her as much as a hug, but I know she is happier without me, I had my fair share of chances. But it was a great weekend always round and can safely say I now look forward to the weekends again. So as this week comes to a close my only thoughts of gambling are those of how great life is without it

Today I did not gamble