What a day!

hey irene,

a massive well done 5 months gamble free is a major achievement and continue to be proud.

I to learnt that valuable lesson, its ok to be human, i never wanted to be superwomen it was a disguise i took on myself.

keep doing what your doing.

enjoy the bun.

blondie xxx

A big thanks x

day 152

Over and done. nothing much to tell!

Hey,

Wanted to thank you for your message the other day and for your support since you joined this site.

A massive congratulations for reaching 5 months bet free. Another milestone that far too few reach. I was talking about this the other day how many people come and go. Scary really. By maintaining a simple philosophy and keeping the addiction close at hand there is no reason why you won't continue progressing.

Forgive me if I speak out of turn or just ignore if it's rubbish but I mention the above because you mentioned losing a bit of zest for your diary and promising yourself you would post daily for 6 months. What happens beyond that?

Just my opinion but this is my little tactic: I don't always have much to say, some days my diary is for me only, I use it as a checkpoint another day ticked off. Now some say they don't want the constant reminder of gambling that is their call. Me I say why not? I remember you joining this site telling us you were a battler, a fighter, not wanting to ask for help, beat things on your own etc. I like to think many of those qualities apply to me too. So, how powerful must this thing be that it beats us so badly things become unmanageable?

I like the constant reminder I was beaten it stops me from going back. Nothing wrong with fearing something and our situations suggest this is a rational fear as it can genuinely hurt us.

Get to the 6 months and reassess. Maybe post a little less but don't disappear use the checkpoint available.

Keep Smiling,

Flagg

thanks f x

Day 153

Good point raised by mr f! i hadnt really thought about goals beyond months-jeez when i started this journey 6 months seemed like 4ever! my long term goal will always be abstinence, interim SMART goals are designed to help me achieve that (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely)

I have never had the intention to leave my diary-i need it! I just struggle at times to achieve my goal of daily posting (especially when i dont have much to say).

Luckily no urges to gamble and mood seems to have settled which is a relief.

Got a c.c bill today-they are looking for me 2 pay a vast sum of arrears. Months ago this wd have me in a panic. today ive paid what i can afford (around tenth of what they want) and wont let it pull me down. i wish this debt plan was sorted!

day 154= 22 weeks

What a difference a day makes. Finding myself today thinking a lot about gambling online- not exactly urges but reflecting on the the experience. I find this happens more when I'm a bit vulnerable....today, this is due to post nightshift tiredness. I had allowed myself a "rest" day- no plans to do anything except to eat, watch tv and chillax- maybe this was a mistake. Just going to head out for a wee walk with Paddy to blow the cobwebs away.

Looking forward to a decent kip and waking refreshed tomorrow 🙂

Hey Irene ...

Still reading ....just keeping a low profile as not 100 per cent xxx

Congratulations xx

thanks rach x

day155

Uneventful and gamble free 🙂

Irene 🙂 thanks for the message although I stick by what I said... the gym is good for you!!!

Great to see you doing well still 🙂 6 months nearly! Wow!!!

I'm approaching 100 days... Never expected at the start that I'd get this far!

Keep it up Irene, you're awesome!!!

Love, Stubbsy x

Hey Irene,

Much congrats to your outstanding achievement, be proud! As time gets further away from our last day of acton, you really start to detach from thoughts of gambling, stay strong.

Chicagoguy

Life sounds good at the moment for you after so much hard work you so deserve it

xxx

thanks for support folks x

day 156

Feeling a bit hypocritical- lots of rubbish happening with others at work, just keeping my head down and trying not to get involved (something i struggle with-its so hard not to get sooked in)

Otherwise, things are good. New hair-do and sis treated me to dinner!

Hey Irene,

Congrats on 156 days, that's outstanding! Have a great rest of the week.

Chicagoguy

Hi Irene 🙂

You're doing fantastic. Keep it going!

Love, Stubbsy x

Oooh, let's have a look at the new hair do then!! We are lucky that we both have lovely sisters to spend some quality time with and getting spoilt.

Keep up your great work Irene.

Take care.

Your friend Feb.xx

Day 160

Gamble free 🙂

oops! though I'd been posting using my phone- obviously not!!

Anyhow, its been an uneventful week. Off work this weekend which has been lovely. Me n Paddy had a great walk, son visited and we went shopping. I didnt buy anything but he got a few bits n pieces. Having a quiet evening and early night- I've been unexplainably tired recently so making the most of a free evening.