What a day!

Hi Irene,

Just want to say a massive well done on your progress! I hope I can mirror your achievement. I have been looking up some quotes tonight I think I have found one for you:

"Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today." x

Take care xxx

Hey Irene,

Thank you for your post and continued support.. Can't expect every day to be grat day, obsticles always will be in a way, but every hard day we manage to get over, we become stronger with ourselves.

I am so happy for you, keep doing what you doing

Day at a time can only bring happiness

Take care

Sandra x

thanks Blondie and Pinksparkle for taking the time to find a very apt quote xx

Day 276

Once again, I'm so grateful for the support I've received on here from others. Sometimes a kind post or acknowledgement that I'm not "abnormal" makes me feel so much better.

I am trying so hard to live "in the moment" but its ruddy hard not to dwell on the past. I know it can't be undone but also, it lives with me as a stark reminder of how gambling changed me. I never want to become that selfish again.

Anyhow, I've been keeping myself busy. I find that this new "keep fit" regime gives me an emotional boost and surprisingly, more energy. Was it so long ago that I was dismissive of exercise??? Again, I was wrong- ohhhh I still hate admitting I'm wrong lol.

I'm finding that "real" life's overtaking "online time" and I do feel guilty that I've not given as much time to this forum as I'd done previously. Conversely, its also a massive step forward for me- my gambling life was mostly online, isolated and alone. Now, I'm mixing with others and doing stuff that I can enjoy away from the virtual world. I will catch up with my GC friends at the weekend.

"Don't let yesterday take up too much of today"

Oh! Sandra sneaked in a wee message whilst I was waffling- thanks, you are "spot on". I think it doesn't get easier- we just get better at coping xx

Hey Q.I

Glad to see you are doing more things with your friends. Gambling isolation is a terrible thing isn't it!! We have both been there.

My mum is still in hospital so still a little pre-occupied with her at the min.

Will hopefully catch up soon for a natter.

Take care.

Lady Feb.xx

Hi Irene... Personally I think that all compulsive gamblers become isolated and alone, irrespective of what they gamble on. When we stop new opportunities present themselves, like the gym ;-).... well done on your exercise regime... keep going! .. regards... S.A 🙂

Thanks for the continued support SA/LF

Day 277

Actually, I've not got much to report today- famous last words that usually precede an Irene waffle! Not tonight though.

I am grateful that I'm where I am today and proud of what I've achieved by resisting the urges to gamble 🙂

THAT'S MY GIRL!!!!

Fantastic way to put your feels:-) be proud of yourself

Hopefully catch up on chat soon and can have a little chit chat 🙂

Take care,

Day at a time will take you to never ending beautiful journey

Sandra x

hi irene

carl

Cheers folks x

Day 278

Nightshift-yuk!

Hey Irene, well done day 278 is amazing!

Hope you have a great weekend even though you are on night shift 🙁 xxx

Thanks for posts x

Day 279

A day away from 40 weeks gamble free and a good time to reflect on progress:

gamble free

happier

spending more time with friends

enjoying "other" stuff

paying bills on time

sleeping better

managing debts

Life isn't and won't ever be perfect but generally, my quality of life has improved immensely since stopping. At times its been difficult with urges and sometimes I don't think about slots- when I do, I've got better at coping with the thoughts. My mood has settled and I'm finding that I worry less about wee things.

My diary has been pivotal in helping me along the way. It has been so useful to document my day-to-day thinking and doing. Being able to read back has been a useful tool to record and allow reflection on patterns/moods etc and how my life has changed along the way. It has been a useful conduit for others to offer assistance and support which I value immensely.

I am so grateful for how my life is today and can honestly say I feel more peaceful with my lot than I have for a long long time.

Irene,

What a beautiful post. In all fairness - gripped my heart 🙂

You are doing such a fantastic job, and i can tell how much you appreciate your better life. I am more than happy for you, and i am so proud of you. You are amazing person and i am lucky to meet you on this forum.

Such an inspiration, your honesty is priceless.

40 weeks 😉

You go girl, go hard and looooong way

Enjoy your day and brighter life in general

((((( Irene )))))

Sandra x

Hi Irene,

Thanks for the post, I do indeed know Ms Cab Sav - she is a cheeky number!!!

So glad you feel settled and content with your life. I look forward to getting a new job and start repaying my debts - I feel like I have stalled at the moment and just need to start making money again and start to see the debt amount start to come down. I know money isn't everything but the guilt is awful so just need to get it sorted asap. I have been entering loads of competitions - hopefully I can win a big cash prize and take a chuck of debt away!

Take care, keep up the good work and keep strong xxx

Thanks as always for support Sandra/Pinksparkle x

Day 280=40 weeks 🙂

Celebrated in an understated way- treated pal to lunch. She doesn't know about the gambling but it felt good to be able to treat her.

Otherwise, I've been busy tidying and getting laundry done- my life is sooooo exciting lol.

Actually, its as exciting as I want it to be 🙂