Well done mattyob!!!!! that's a hell of a achievement. Ive now hit the six weeks gamble free (boy does it feel like more) but I suppose six weeks is a pretty sizeable chunk of life. Spent a lot of today depressed thining about my life and thinking I wish it would end, don't want to bring the thread down but we all know with the high days where youre invincible come the days where ur down. I'm not going to do anything just been thinking if I wasn't around not much would change for friends and family and ive lived a life and could move onto the next part the afterlife.
Matty - thank you for passing by, it's uplifting to hear what's possible. Our congratulations to you - you're proving a better life is possible.
Adam - I resonate with what you say. As we get into our g**bling free journey, we are bound to reflect. We are bound to look back. It might well get us down. Believe me, Adam, I've been there and often have these moments.
Trust me on this. I really understand. But look at it this way. It's part of our recovery, it is not going to be plain-sailing. We will have to grit our teeth. The 50-100 day stage is perhaps the worst, and I'm on Day 42!
Adam, please read Stephen's diary today. It will strike a chord. That's all I ask. And hang in there, my friend. I know - we know - this isn't easy.
Mixer
Day 54 and the thoughts are easing. I have been through too much destruction for it to even cross my mind. I wish everyone the best and great strength .
*** Good evening! ***
Here we are, approaching mid-January, with the wind howling and rain pouring, but - hey - we're all inside now and warm, right? And for those of us who have to battle the elements - let's think of them.
We're a team, we look out for each other.
When we feel weak - and it happens - we pick each other up. And when we feel tempted, we remind ourselves that the feelings will pass - and you'll feel 1000% better within the hour. That's how is works; urges come and go.
***
ExosLucius - thank you for your post. You're right; the destruction is far too recent and raw. 54 days shows real intent. Can't say any more than that, my friend.
Ineffable - I share your joy about credit cards being banned from gambling use. How other people's money (the banks) could be used to gamble with in the first place was totally beyond me. Of course, it doesn't matter a jot to us now, but wouldn't it have saved us in the past! Regardless; another reason to stop this horrific habit.
***
Here's how we're doing ... and doing well, everyone.
Russ (Mark) - 2nd Feb 2020
Stephen - 10th Feb 2020
Adam123 - Reached target ? new target --> 5th March.
Franco1875 - 19th Mar 2020
Spendlikewater84 - Hon. Member!
Ineffable - 21st Feb 2020
EsoxLucius - 28th Feb 2020
Mixer - 13th March 2020
LewisMG - 12th April 2020
Spendspendspend - Hon. member! ?
Boo - 20th Jan 2020
Fighter1 - 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
***
For tomorrow, as we hit mid-month:
"Just for today, I choose not to g**ble. Not only that, I'm going to count my blessings! Because I have that choice, and I've had the wisdom to make a very sound decision!"
Goodnight, everyone.
Mixer
Thank you Mixer for the update which, as always, is informative and never fails to bring a smile to my face.
You pointed out on my diary that your birthday coincides with my "100 GF Day." Well I promise you that I will still be g//ble-free on that day and will celebrate in style.
Surprised when you recently disclosed that next Monday is considered to be the saddest day of the year. I suppose it can be a bleak time of the year and maybe people are counting the cost of Christmas but it is a shame that people should feel sad when life is so full of opportunities.
I suppose a lot of us don't really know what we are looking for. We cling onto the belief that material comforts will somehow make our lives more fulfilled but that is open to debate as there are so many wonders to explore.
Wishing all members of the 100 Day Club a good day.
Stephen x
Hello people, right I've had 2 days from hell. I was out working Monday night delivering parcels for amazon, my part time job, as you might know I'm a roofer by day anyway I'll cut to the chase.... I left my key in the car and ran to a door with the customers parcel, literally around 1 minute maybe less then that, I turned round to go back to car and bam it was gone, i know yes my own fault for leaving the keys in. Anyway the car was found the same night by the police. All the thieving t***s wanted was the parcels, around 14 of them was in the car. I believe they was following me but who knows.
Luckily they left my car and an officer found it, unlucky for me though I only had the one key, the car was locked when found with no key. Tbe only option for the police was to take it to a compound, well that's what they said anyway.
Basically I had to pay £200 to get my own property what was stolen out of the compound, then a further £120 to get it towed and to top it off I've had to pay £303 for a brand new key with programming as this specific car has to receive the key from the main dealer??.
Just as I was getting back on track from the last g*****ng slip this happens. I still hate g*****ng with a passion and think my opinion on it after the last time is never gunna change because what happened this week would of happened anyway but if I never lost all the money I have through g*****mg I would not be having to build back up some money for the debts I have accrued due to these silly binges.
I just feel like I'm having no luck whatsoever but what can someone like me do, I know, just stay strong and keep doing what I'm doing which is.... blocks on all phones in house plus laptops, partner knows passwords to banks and only partner knows ? also any cash I have I take receipts back to her, I honestly believe this time I'm never gunna look back to it.
There's a code for gamban where you can get 3 months for free, just google it, should come up.
Also the worst thing about the car Is i have to wait 7-10 days for the key to arrive so no Amazon for me for now, just need the weather to get better so I can get back on these roofs.
Anyway I hope you are all doing well and still g***** free.
P.s let's hope amazon are lenient with me and dont sack me off for what's happened.
Mixer you can take my words anytime pal?
Danpo.. You took your eye off the ball.. Before I gambled years ago. I asked someone to look after my handbag at a hotel, a couple we had got talking to over the week, bam someone enicked it. Passports the lot. My life was in that bag. Could we get home from Spain.. Flight was 1 hour away. A lot of rigmarole but yes.
Yes.. You are doing great.. If amazon berate you. A lesson learnt. I doubt they will get rid. There is always work for a worker..
Keep talking and keep us posted
Boo ?
d**n, Boo I bet that was a horrendous feeling. I literally felt sick, the anxiety was unreal when I couldn't see my car, I'll never leave the keys in the car again.
Sometimes life throws us in the deep end but saying that everyone has the strength to pull through and things will eventually get better.
Hope your good Boo x ?
I am and same to you and I'm not comparing or saying my plight was worse.. But we get over most stuff like this.. I know you will..
I always think one of the most worst feelings in the world must have been in the war time and you turned the corner and your house had been destroyed..
Keep your chin up..... I do feel for you
? Boo
Danpo, so sorry to hear that mate, but don’t feel too down, there has been a lot of what happened to you happening!!
2 people I know have been ‘stalked’ while out on amazon delivery rounds, these people make a living stalking drivers and pouncing when you drop guard for a second!!
Deep breath and carry on brother, you have been an inspiration to me with your positivity and support, and I’m glad to hear you are not letting it get to you!!!
Ps, am so happy to say I’m 12 days gamble free.
LMG
*** Good evening! ***
Dunpo - What a couple of days you've had. It must have been, no question, a real heart-sinking moment when those callous, despicable thieves did what they did. I really feel for you. The love and concern you've received here from our team I'm sure has really boosted you, my friend.
And you've handled this genuinely upsetting moment so well, it has to be said. Full respect for that; whether we are recovering g**mblers or not, how you've responded shows real character. Yes, in financial terms you've taken a small step back, but in character terms, you've shown real resolve and a great step forward.
What will you remember from this incident in years to come? How you handled it. You can step forward and be proud. Your partner should be proud. You were tested - as we will be in this life; we never know what is going to hit us - and you have stood firm.
Our fullest respect to you Danpo. However Amazon react, I hope it's appropriately; after all, as Boo and Lewis have said - with their amazing support - it happens. Not very nice, not very nice at all, but it happens. Easy to say, I know, having not going through this - but you know I'm sincere.
Stand tall whatever happens - we're with you!
***
Stephen - thank you for a terrific post. So thought through and wonderfully written. And how true this is:
"I suppose a lot of us don't really know what we are looking for. We cling onto the belief that material comforts will somehow make our lives more fulfilled but that is open to debate as there are so many wonders to explore."
Friends, never have truer words been spoken. I read once that just to be born, especially in a place like the UK, is worth a billion pounds - the rest is just a bit extra. In other words, just to be here is priceless. Money can't but life. Let's enjoy - yes, enjoy, every moment. Never with regret, because we are here, we are now - let's just keep it simple and dare to be relaxed and contented.
Boo - like you, I really feel for Danpo. And may I say, my full respect for you, too - your support to others really inspires me. Thank you - it's great to be part of a fantastic group of which you are a core, key part.
***
Thursday tomorrow; whatever you think about the day of the month, or day of week, it's a good day when we're g**mbling free, no question!
For tomorrow:
"Just for today, I choose not to g**ble. If I think about it, I'll unthink it. Because I know, whatever, the urge will pass and I'll look back and think - I was strong today. I grew as a person today."
Enjoy your evening everyone!
Mixer
Lewis - great to hear you're on Day 12 today; that's fantastic, my friend. As you've said, what happened to Danpo isn't, sadly, the only time it's happened; we always have to be on our guard. Such is the way it is. I agree that we're all together when things go wrong, and sharing the joy when things go right. Great to have you with us, Lewis!
Thanks everyone for the concern and kind words, we all stand strong and upright together as we always will through bad times and good.
Lewis keep doing what you are doing mate, take each day as it comes, no need to look to far in to things.
Despite the rough few days I have had I still choose not to g*****.
Mixer as you said " just for today, I choose not to g*****. If I think about it, I'll unthink it, as I know, when the urge passes it makes me stronger each time, which give me the mental and physical health to carry on.
Once again thanks everyone for kind words.
We really have got to love this site. Night all.
Danpo I am so sorry to read of your problems relating to the theft of your car.
My thoughts are with you and I hope you are managing to cope with all the upheaval. I really can't imagine the trauma you must have experienced.
Total respect for your positive attitude.
Thanks Mixer for the excellent daily update.
Stephen x
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