What a day!

Thanks for your support folks- really does mean a lot x

Day 22

Another day done! Back at work today after 2 weeks off- felt refreshed for all of 10 mins back! Feels like I've never been off.

No tears or tantrums today (phew!) Yesterday kinda freaked me- not used to asking for help- amazing though how a fresh pair of eyes can help to untangle and banish unhelpful thoughts. One thing I know though, its better out than in!!

No major urges- just getting irritated at all the "in your face" gambling ads that I see everywhere!

Its been snowing here- woke to a "winter wonderland" looks beautiful. The fantastic "road guys" have kept the highways clear so no excuse for staying at home!

Looking forward to tomorrow- for no reason except it's tomorrow 🙂

well good for you and hope ya keep piling up them days.

snow yuck, my back aches at the thought of it. lol yeah winter and its coming i guess like it or not.

Hi irene

Thank you for your post and kind words they mean a lot.

And congrats on your 22 days stay strong and when you get home after work you can make a snow man or snow angels.

No snow were i live so no day of for me.

hi irene

glad your feeling refreshed, we all need a break now and again, keep doing what your doing cos you are heading in the right direction.

snow?? really

you can keep that thanyou very much lol

you cant change the past but you can dictate the future

carl

Hi Irene,

Thank u 4 ur kind words and support on my diary. It means a lot 🙂

I always enjoy speaking 2 u in chat 🙂

U r doing brilliant, ur strength and determination shines thru 🙂

Have a gr8 day 🙂

Thanks folks x

Day 23

My mood seems settled today no major ups or downs which is good. Had a very satisfying day at work.

I've noticed that for the past couple of nights I;ve slept better, wondering if that's due to being back in a routine for work or giving up worrying about stuff I can;t change?

Its strange- I used to rush home to my slots, now I look forward to offloading here.

My newest decision is to be made is "do I go to my Xmas party for work"- made a wee +/- list and I think the balance is in favour of not going. Kinda scared to have alcohol- although not a regular casino gambler, works nights do have a tendancy to finish in a casino (late night boozing!) that aside, I could drive then face the pain in the rear end pressure from colleagues to "enjoy myself". The dosh I'd save would buy the Xmas dinner for my family and a stocking filler for my son. I'll have loads other times to party when I'm feeling stronger. Think my decisions made!!

More snow forecast 🙁

Again my apologies to anyone reading my waffle- but it does help me to focus!

Irene

i have enjoyed reading your diary,your efforts so far are something to be proud of, a fella once posted it takes 21days to break a habit,then a lifetime to deal with an addiction,you my friend broke the habit. Each day you make the choice you better your tomorrow,today you did something amazing,you gave yourself a 100%payrise !!well done.

Keep making the right choice,most of all enjoy recovery.

Duncs stepping forward never back.

well congrats on your days and they seem to be working for ya in a positive manner.

guess i was never to big on the work parties and have pretty much past on them in the past few years. dont think i ever did the christmas parties but did hit a few retirement ones. looks like ya got it sorted out in your head and always gotta go with them thoughts so good for you.

keep pushing them days out and their working in your favor.

well congrats on your days and they seem to be working for ya in a positive manner.

guess i was never to big on the work parties and have pretty much past on them in the past few years. dont think i ever did the christmas parties but did hit a few retirement ones. looks like ya got it sorted out in your head and always gotta go with them thoughts so good for you.

keep pushing them days out and their working in your favor.

Hi Irene

Thanks for the comments on my thread well done on all your gamble free days, I know what you mean about drink I personally will only go out when the bookies are shut that way if I get P***** I cant go there. And hey I am so jelous you got snow we havent had a drop down here lol

Take care and stay strong and just for today I will not gamble

Hugh

hi Irene glad all is going well for you.look forward to reading your diary keep up the good work hattiex

Again, a big "thanks" folks x

Day 24

Just a brief diary tonight, son's gf has just gone. We had a great gossip, planning his pressies!

Someone at work today said "you look like yourself Irene"- apparently I seemed "happier" than I have done in ages. Maybe I'm not so good at hiding my feelings/emotions as I believed- thought I was doing all the usual stuff. Amazing how the gambling had infiltrated more bit of me than I realise. If "outsiders" notice, my family probably does too..............

Overall, I feel much better than I did 3 weeks ago. No urges to gamble which is a massive bonus.

Very brief diary????!!!!

HI Irene,

I smiled so much when i read your brief post lol.... Its these real wins that money cant buy that meant the most to me, getting yourself back and one day at a time moving as far away from gambling as possible. Gambling infultrated so many aspects of my life it was un real , this gamble free advent calender that we open everyday holds so many surprises behind it..

Keep ticking those days off you have first hand proof that its working.

Take care

Blondie x

Hi Irene,

Firstly I really appriciate the posts on my diary......helps so much with staying focused!

I am totally with you about your comments about people noticing a change in you at work...same happened to me. Guess thats another reason to hate gambling eh!

My guess is you, me and all our gamcare friends are going to have a much happier xmas.

Love tired, fit karate queen!

xxx

thanks!

Day 25

Arghhhh- no gambling but stressful evening! Can't be bothered writing my usual screed!