*** Good evening! ***
Adam - excellent to read you're focussed and ready for the year ahead! Â As you know, your target is the 31st Dec which is very soon indeed. Â Bearing in mind our strategy of one day at a time I'm not going to overly draw attention to it, the last thing anyone needs is pressure. Â However, I would be interested in your thoughts about whether you might consider a new target, or become an Hon. Member, or how you would like to continue your journey. Â Always happy to chew over and listen to your thoughts.
***
Big thought of the day
"We're not in control of our first thought, but we are in control of our first action."
We can't often help it if g****** thoughts 'pop' into our heads, or we see/hear an advert, or dream about it. Â
It happens. Â It's bound to happen (although over time, we will 'white noise' these things out more and more).
So let's not worry to much about it or be too despondent about it.
Let's concentrate, instead, on how we react.
Firstly, we can quickly remind ourselves that g***** is not good for us, in fact it's the worst.Â
We can prepare, perhaps, to dispel these thoughts quickly.
Mentally 'flick them' away. Â
Turn off/down the advert. Â
Remember, it's just a dream - as someone put it to me the other day, our brains are slowly (but slowly) 'detoxing' themselves of this insidious addiction.
So don't feel bad about the first thought. Â We need to understand it will likely happen. Â We just make sure we can act appropriately and quickly to sanitise it, that's the action. Â We must never carry out the thoughts; we must control the action to stop that happening.
Our daily vow will help immensely.
"Just for today, as we head in 2020, I choose not to g*****. Â I want a more fulfilling life and am looking forward to a year as it's meant to be lived, without a ball-and-chain!"
***
Here's how we're doing, in no particular order, and always one day at a time.Â
Danpo                7th Mar 2020
Murlo                11th Feb 2020
Determined to Stop    1st March 2020
Stephen              10th Feb 2020
Adam123Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 31st Dec 2019
Franco1875Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 19th Mar 2020
Spendlikewater84Â Â Â Â Â Hon. Member!
Ineffable              21st Feb 2020
EsoxLucius            28th Feb 2020
Mixer                 13th March 2020
Boo                    20th Jan 2020
Fighter1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Hon. Member !
bertieboo              10th Mar 2020
Fir tree               28th Mar 2020
Changing habit        28th Jan 2020
***
Let's keep going, team, and finish 2019 on a real high!
Mixer
Hi Ineffable I do worry that if you keep watching the horse racing that you are going to set yourself up to G******e again. I think it's a massive trigger for you. Say that all your horses you mentally back but don't actually put money on comes In. This is my worry for you. I hope you don't mind me saying and best In your recovery.Â
Morning people, IÂ totally agree with you changing habit if ineffable is still picking horses they are not helping their self. I think it would be a great idea just to put this out of your head and change the ways you think, occupy your time with something more constructive. It's down to you to change ineffable only you can change the way you think and act upon things.Â
We dont mean any harm by telling you this ineffable, we are here to help. You can do this.
Today I woke up at 6 am feeling FANTASTIC !! I'm not back working on the roofs until next week, if I am this week it will only be thursday and Friday, so for now I'll be driving round for amazon dropping all them boxing day Sales they still have on ??.
What a great feeling it is waking up to my partner and children not having 1 little thing to hide from them, the relief is out of this world, I've just made my partner a coffee and folded some washing how amazing it feels to play a part in the house, yet when I've g****** in the past all I ever wanted was to be on my own which is a horrible feeling of dread, guilt, betrayal and isolation (the list could go on) but the thing is I no longer want or have to live like that, I as a human with free will, choose not to g***** and that feeling is out of this world.
Anyway enough of me going on, that's all I seem to do ?.
TODAY I TAKE A SIMPLE VOW, TODAYÂ I CHOOSEÂ NOT TO GAMBLE.
All the best for today folks even if its work you are going to be doing, just think for a moment before feeling the hate towards it, just think at least I can work ?.
I'll check back later to see how people are?.
Â
You can do it ineffable, my poison was also online casinos, mainly slots and what a horrible thing it is. I never want to go back there, so I'm not going to. We can all best this addiction together, for our loved ones but mainly for ourselves because if we dont want to do it for ourselves then we are never going to do it.
*** Good evening! ***
Danpo, Changing habit - A sound suggestion for Ineffable for whom - and this can apply to all of us at times - old habits run deep. It's best, and we know this deep down, that we have a better chance of the different, more contented life we know we need, if we make necessary sacrifices. It does mean forsaking all forms of g******. I've been a long-time sufferer, like you, Ineffable - I understand your position.Â
It's great that we can talk honestly and sincerely as we do everyone 🙂
***
Thought of the day
"No win is big enough."
Whatever win we might win, it's never enough. We will always keep going until we lose, and then lose more.Â
Well worth reflecting on this thought!
***
Have a great evening everyone. Here's just a moment's 'prep' for tomorrow. Let's see off 2019 in style, just for tomorrow!
"Just for today, New Year's Eve, I want to finish the year on a high. I proudly choose not to gamble!"
That's all we have to do!
Mixer
Â
Â
Hi people, had a brilliant day at work decorating for a change, they Sa a change is like a rest and it sure is very enjoyable indeed. tiring work with a steamer all morning then a roller in the afternoon but earned an extra 20 quid today. Hi mixer cant wait to hit my target tomo I don't k now what my next target should be I guess the hundred is a good one to aim for next..... Yes indeed danpo we can work and that's a privilage indeed to be able to help out our society.
I will be busy tomorrow and partying at nephews in the evening so I will take this opportunity to wish all fellow members of the 100 Day Club a:
☆ ☆ ☆ HAPPY NEW YEAR ☆ ☆ ☆
From Stephen x x x x xÂ
I too would like to wish everyone a Happy New year tonight and May we all strive to have a G*******g free life. All the best people. Xx???❤️
*** Good evening! ***
"And if you've made it this far, maybe you're ready to go a little further..." - Red to Andy Dufresne, Shawshank Redemption.
Let's hang in there everyone, just for today of all days!
It's New Year's Eve, a time where we often look back. Let's do that, let's look back, but don't dwell, don't stare. We start from here. We're looking forwards. We're on the cusp of a New Year, a new difference, one day at a time.
One day at a time, showing some real 20-20 vision!
***
Adam - Our collective congratulations for reaching your target! It's been hard-earned but well, well worth it! And equally pleased that you've set a new 100-day target. Duly added - your new aspiration is 9th April, Maundy Thursday. But let's not worry about that distant target. Let's concentrate on today, tonight!
Steven - thank you for your very best wishes which we bounce straight back to you - have a great evening!
Changing habit - a lovely message, thank you. Let's strive to that g****** free life, a life that's different, but one we handle better and leads to a contentment that's simply not possible with g***ing.Â
Dunpo - have a great NYE buddy! It's been terrific reading of your progress; keep it going, keep it real!
Everyone - whatever you're up to tonight - whether you're having a cozy night in or tripping the life fantastic - enjoy whatever it is. We are all with you all the way. You're never, ever alone!
***
Don't forget Group Chat tonight, extended for half an hour tonight! It's from 8 - 9:30! Never tried it? Give it a while, just dive in! There are usually a few cross-conversations so you'll always have a natter with someone.
https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/group-chatroom/
***
Here's to an excellent 2020 everyone. For tomorrow, let's prepare our vow:
"Just for today, as we start a New Year, I'm going to start the best way I can. I choose not to g*****!"
Mixer
Cheers mixer much appreciated, happy new year people, finished of the room decorating at work today, was good to have something different to do. I am appreciative for having a job and a home and family and friends and know that we step into this year in gret form and if we make the correct choices by not acting on impulses to do wrong thing then will will get thru this year in an even better position than this year. All the best adam
I'll start by saying well done to everyone who is on this site, thanks to all the admin for there advice and being on standby when needed, happy new year to everyone Let's make it and further more the rest of our lifes a gf one because like me I'm sure you all know it's such a better life.
I'm having a nice cosy night in with the mrs and children watching movies eating sweet treats which by far beats any so called alcohol or drug fuelled party in my eyes ,that said any party at all lol.
I hope whatever your sll doing you have a safe one and stay away from anything devilish.
I've been working most of the day so been keeping busy but my partner has tagged along with me for the 2 jobs I've done which has made my day so much better.
For now I'm gunna leave you all to it like I said stay safe and keep it real.
For today, just for today I take a vow, today I can and will choose not to g*****.Â
Speak soon everyone have a good one. ???
*** Good Afternoon and a Happy New Year! ***
Â
*** Reading this for the first time? And want to STOP this devastating habit in 2020? Join Us, where, one day at a time, we do just that!
Just send a post and say 'hello' and a target date if you wish, say '100 days time' and we'll do the rest,
It will take 30-60 seconds for your post to be posted but worth waiting for. (Gamcare are aware there's a problem.)
***
Let's start as we mean to go on everyone, and get this new year off to a blinder. All we have to do is say and stick to the following, just for today!
"Just for today, I choose not to g***** I want to start 2020 as I mean to go on! And that is, living a different, fulfilling life. I know life is a rollercoaster but a live managed much, much better without the 'ball and chain' of g****** clasped around my ankles. Just for today!"
Congratulations to everyone on our challenge for keeping on track! It inspires us all and shows you mean business.Â
You are serious.Â
You are putting blockers in place, preparing for moments of weakness.Â
You want to be a better person, not just for you, but for others.
We all salute YOU!
Boo                    20th Jan 2020
Fighter1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Hon. Member !
bertieboo              10th Mar 2020
Fir tree               28th Mar 2020
Changing habit        28th Jan 2020
Danpo                7th Mar 2020
Murlo                11th Feb 2020
Determined to Stop    1st March 2020
Stephen              10th Feb 2020
Adam123              Reached target 🙂 new target requested --> 9th April!
Franco1875Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 19th Mar 2020
Spendlikewater84Â Â Â Â Â Hon. Member!
Ineffable              21st Feb 2020
EsoxLucius            28th Feb 2020
Mixer                 13th March 2020
***
This is our life. This will be our year. It's going to be different. But fulfilling. And much, much better lived.
Mixer
P.S. Great updates Adam, Dunpo - I love reading them. This is the spirit!
Happy new year you lovely people, well done for being the strong person you know you can be, from time to time we might get thoughts of g******* just sit back and let it be, as long as it is just a thought its not a problem what so ever as long as you dont act on the thought you will be fine.
It's been a good day for me to start the new year, no work today so a good chill is well needed. I'm feeling on top of the world right now and I'm glad I have a big network of support including you guys. I've got ga meeting tomorrow which I'm looking forward to sharing my thoughts and feelings on how my christmas holiday has been and also hearing other people's share's.
Everyday now I wake up with a feeling of happiness, I'm taking my meds regularly and in a great frame of mind, where I'm staying as I know I can while controlling the addiction of g*******. Let's face it with me I'm only falling mentally and emotionally when g******* because when im not im feeling on top of he world.
Hope everyone if are not can someday find that head space they need to be in because it's a great feeling guys.
Â
Today I take a simple vow, just for today I choose not to gamble.Â
Be back tomorrow or later tonight to see how people are, peace and love.
Ineffable - Perfectly Put:
"I sincerely hope this decade will bring much love, health and happiness and that we will positively and successfully navigate the challenges, sadness and disappointments that will inevitable come our way."Â
Life will give us what life will. Without g***** we'll be stronger, better sighted and navigate it all so much better!
***
Danpo - Another cracking post. Thoughts are one thing, actions another. We can relax and rationalise our thoughts - they happen. Our actions show what we're made of.
***
On a personal note, knowing we're a team and four-square behind each other is a fantastic motivation to me. Thank you.
Mixer
Hi mixer, id like to continue with the first gamble free date onto the 100 day mark which for me should be the 5th of march I think? hope that's cool with you rather not start from day one again its taken a monumental effort to get thru December to here so id like to carry on from the 3rd December start date. Happy new years everyone 2019 was tough for many of us as a lot have only recently joined gamcare and came here at their rock bottoms or near them? then thru November and December have shown great courage to start recovery and build their lives from a safe secure grounding (if that's the correct word for the bottom of a building?) from this safe foundation !!!!! (that's the word lol) we can build our lifes thru early 2020 and onto a successful first 100 days gamble free!!!!. Lets do this adam123
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