To a happier and debt free life...

Day 191

Well it's been some week, my second child was born so it's been non stop!

A fantastic moment and serious motivation go keep on the straight and narrow!

Hope everyone has had a GF and stress free weekend:-)

Congratulations breakfree - a new little baby to cuddle and love!
191 days is a fantastic achievement. Well done for not succumbing to that devil on your shoulder in post #131.
Wishing you happy days ahead, stay gamble free and maybe this time you'll be losing sleep for all the right reasons!! Haha! X

just been reading all your diary. you have given me great inspiration to stay the course and what an amazing day for you and your family.congratulations xx

Day 195

Been a nice relaxing week with the family so far. Absolutely freezing here so not going so far.

I'm approaching 200 days GF which is the furthest I've ever come.

I have been reading through some diaries and seeing people struggle and relapse makes me sad and also angry towards the gambling industry.

Yes I've made a lot of mistakes but i'm determined as ever to continue to fight this.

Gambling has given me NOTHING and I will not go back to it.

I hope when I feel strong enough one day that I can help others here on the forum.

Breakfree

Day 198

Have a great GF Sunday 🙂

Breakfree

Hi Breakfree,

First time I have had a look at your diary, not sure of your background and how bad it got for you but congrats on 198 days.

I am on day 99 myself and feel this first 100 (almost) days have flown by and been a lot easier than I thought but that is due to the blocks I had to put in place, without them would never have lasted this long gamble free.

I do feel the second 100 days will be a lot tougher though, staying motivated will be a challenege for me but I can see now how much better life is with no gambling so will try my best to follow you and get to where you are now.

Keep up the good work

CM

Day 200

Today is a day to be proud.

200 days without a bet and I must say I'm pretty chuffed with myself.

Breakfree

Popping in to say well done ... a great achievement getting to 200, next stop a year! Always helps the rest of us seeing people make great strides forwards, and a belated congratulations on the new arrival.

A great time to knock the gambling on the head, as the time it costs you with the family is probably worse than the money (speaking from experience).

Cheers

Rich

Congratulations breakfree on the birth of your second child and big respect for your 200 days without gambling.

Day 210

Firstly many thanks for the kind words, I appreciate the support.

Well it's Friday and I've survived Cheltenham, I went last year and my brother and father go every year.

They have had a stinker and only had one winner which reinforces why I have quit gambling.

Normally I'd have a grand for the week which looking back is madness, I could never afford that but I could always justify it like most of my gambling.

I've been selfish but won't beat myself up, i would rather use my hard earned money on my family and myself.

Wishing everyone a calm, fun and GF weekend.

Breakfree

well done 210gf ....amazing.the fact that you want to focus on your family is great.it sounds like you are not taking anything for granted and have the drive to carry on gf.have a great weekend

Day 216

Keeping busy at work and still GF.

Life is moving very fast at the moment and feels great that gambling is not a part of my daily routine anymore.

Stay strong everyone:-)

Breakfree

Day 218

It's been a quiet day with the family and I've been reflecting on the last 8 months.

Here I am on Saturday afternoon, been up since 5am with the kids. Mountains of Lego built, made a great dinner for everyone and have had some time to think about my recovery.

Let's rewind 8 months and on a similar Saturday I would have:

Been gambling since 6am on any football available. Have singles, doubles and accs running through the day and not really acknowledging anyone around me.

I'd come to life and boost about my win when a big over 2.5 acc came in.

I was the big man when I was winning but silent when I was doing my nuts.

This money was only borrowed credit and I knew it would be back in the bookies pocket before too long.

Now I don't bet, yes there is a void there but I know what I am doing is essential for me and my family.
I am enjoying life in its simplicity and taking a week at a time.

Apologies for the waffling but i just wanted someone to read this to show there is a better option out there.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Breakfree

Hello Breakfree,

Good to hear from you, great job on recovery so far! Them gambling stories were very much myself too. I think a lot of people can relate to them times so its good for people to hear from the other side, that recovery really can begin to change their lives. It is that dramatic. It doesn't happen overnight but things get better each day. Keep at it and enjoy the rest of your weekend

All the best.

Day 225

Happy Easter everyone.

Spend time with family and friends and stay GF.

Breakfree