The Final Countdown

Do whatever you gotta do, everyone is different in recovery and stopping, what works for some will not work for others. And you never know when your going to get triggers and have to always know its there, 200+ days, 2 years, 5 years and you think thats it i've won I beat gambling, but thats not the game, to win is to abstain (to restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something.) but do we enjoy losing everything around us for just one more spin, one more deposit.

Abstainer, my friend, the journey you've made over the last 6 months has been epic. You've come through some difficult times and remained positive throughout. You've been an absolute rock on here and have become a well respected member of the GamCare community. The hard work you've put in over the last 6 months should ensure that you have a lovely Christmas and you deserve every ounce of happiness which falls your way.

Speaking from experience, your posts to me have been inspirational and have often picked me up when I've been feeling low. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. Keep positive buddy and continue being a winner in life.

Moorey

Hi Stephen realistically the only day that matters is today. I think you're a couple of days ahead of my cg. He counts, sends me the number by text. To me it's irrelevant, just so long as he doesn't gamble today. Sometimes a change is as good as a rest. As long as you stay 'abstainer' that's all that counts.

Thankyou Smashed, Moorey & Merry Go Round. Appreciate your encouraging posts which I've taken on board. I've just been thinking too much and getting myself a bit down. I know my life will slowly improve by not gambling so I will just take one day at a time and enjoy each day as it comes.

Morning Diary. I've just been thinking how lucky I am having such wonderful people to turn to. I've said it before but my GamCare friends are amongst the best friends I have ever had. Always there for me, never judging or condemning me, lifting my spirits when I'm feeling sad, spurring me on when i'm feeling weak. My wishes go out to all on the diaries for peace and contentment in their lives.

My music choice today is ...If That What It Takes by Celine Dion ...When the storm rises up, when the shadows descend - Ev'ry beat of my heart, ev'ry day without end - I will stand like a rock, I will bend till I break - Till there's no more to give, if that's what it takes.

With you all the way re: counting the days, Stephen, which, once you've hit a good total, can be a bit of an irritating 'ball and chain' to some.

On the Guru Challenge, I'll remove reference to your GF totals; you'll still be a respected Elder of course!

Here's to a great Christmas this year 🙂

Hi Stephen great new thread and I agree sometimes counting the days is a double sided coin. Thank you as ever for your support and encouragement. Hope you are still enjoying your creative writing? Take care my friend S:)

Hi Stephen
Life is hard especially when we know that when we get older we start reflecting as to moves we made, mistakes of saying Yes to when we should of said No, or vice versa. Being in the right place at the wrong time, or bad decisions. Keep doing what your doing.

Thankyou for the posts on my diary which are always appreciated.

Thanks Mixer for your help and understanding. I just want now to focus on life without the gambling and see what comes about. I also noticed I had thoughts of gambling when adding up my finances, so will be on my guard when money, bills or debt are on my mind.

Thankyou Sharon. Enjoying the Creative Writing course on tuesdays and an English course on thursdays. Keeps me out of mischief. I struggled with English at school but enjoying it now. Sorry you where feeling a bit down the other day, I was there also earlier in the week. I suppose the trauma experienced through our gambling will arise now and than.

Thankyou Smashed. Good to focus on our futures but the past will no doubt enter our thoughts now and than. Nothing wrong with that if it's productive but wallowing in negativity doesn't serve any purpose.

My song choice today reflects what I've just been thinking...Shake It Out by Florence And The Machine ...Regrets collect like old friends - Here to relive your darkest moments - I can see no way, I can see no way - And all of the ghouls come out to play .

Hi Stephen thanks for posting, glad you're enjoying your courses. Great lyrics, it tough to be resistant all the time but it'S the only way with gambling that's why we need to be kind to ourselves. Have a good weekend my friend S:)

Morning Diary, lovely sunny day. Going swimming later and tonight will be giving it loads at a "Five Rhythm Dance".

I was at a friends house recently when they were watching the disney film "Frozen." Elsa was lonely and frightened, she lacked self belief, until one day she decided to move on and leave the past behind. My song choice today is ... Let It Go by Idina Menzel...It's funny how some distance makes everything seem small - And the fears that once controlled me - Can't get to me at all

Stephen, you appear to be doing everything you can to better your life and for that you should be extremely proud of yourself.
You come across as someone with a warm heart, kind and giving. Don't ever let your 'down' days take away all of your achievements from this year.
We can't all feel brilliant every day it's just knowing that on our low days we just have to hang in there, accept that sometimes these days are inevitable and know that they will pass.
Great to hear you're enjoying your classes. You set a great example x

Love reading your posts a stainer your a inspiration to all of us and love your record choices

Another great track Stephen; I've just listened to the Youtube live version where Idena really 'lets it go' with her full creativity in flow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QVJZ_LVDIw

All the very best to you Stephen as always 🙂