It's now almost exactly one year since my last bet. Typing that sure feels good! I've now got a full inside diary cover with every day of 2015 circled as a day upon which I did not gamble. Thank you so much to anyone who has taken the time to post an encouraging message during that time. It does really help.
No room for complacency though. I got through 2012 without gambling before lapsing within a few days of the start of 2013. The good thing about that is that it gives me the experience to know that I'm not suddenly going to be able to gamble in moderation due to a year of abstinence. I'll never be able to gamble in moderation. It's important that I acknowledge this weakness in my character. I can be disciplined in other aspects of my life but not when it comes to gambling. I've proven that quite spectacularly over the years!
2015 has been a good year. 2016 will be even better. There is no reason for me to gamble ever again.
Happy New Year to anyone reading. All the best for 2016.
Curly.
Quick update.
Things are still going really well. I am nearing 400 days now without a bet. Very much unchartered waters for me. I've had occasional thoughts of gambling this month but I'm putting that down to the January blues.
Previously after a long period of abstinence I have always managed to persuade myself to give gambling another go. This time it would be different, this time you would be able to control it went the voices in my head. Total bulls*** of course. I know that now and it is that experience that will keep me strong.
Next target? Well I've never done a year of my adult life (birthday to birthday) without a bet and that can be achieved shortly. After that I'll be after Brian Lara's record innings. 501. I don't intend retiring my bat on that number though, unlike Brian.
Onwards and upwards.
I felt it necessary to pop by here today. This chapter in my recovery has been flawless so far and I've reached a stage where I know that I have potentially eliminated gambling from my life for good. If I place a bet now then it would be out of pure stupidity. I'm passed the urge stage. I don't feel the need to gamble anymore.
I'm just getting the odd nagging thought to have a bet though, which is why I have popped by. Why? Sounds daft, but I think it might be linked to the cold and bad weather. Too cold and wet to get stuck in practicing my golf. Too unpleasant to want to go for a run every night. I need something to fill the void.
I know betting is not the answer though. I've just had a nose in GT's diary which has reinforced that. Make no mistake, however far I have come in recovery, one single bet would put me right back to square one.
I think I'll start a game on football manager. That'll solve the boredom problem. It'll not be long until the light nights and better weather are here. I've lots to look forward to in 2016. I'll not ruin it for the sake of a daft bet.
Figured I’d dig this old diary out seeing as it was a successful one until...........
I thought I’d cracked it back in February 2016 when I last posted on this diary. It only took one bet though to throw away 400+ days of progress. If I’m ever in any doubt as to whether I can give up gambling though then I do only need to look back and see that I managed all those days.
I’m going to give this another go in 2019. That said, now is as good a time to start as any. 27 days left this year and i’m going to make sure they are all gamble free.
It’s nice to be back.
Curly.
Good for you, how are you doing?
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