Year2 the GF future is here

Hello Sharon. Thank you for posting on my diary. Your kind, encouraging wirds were just what I needed to lift my spirits.

Just looking at the 455 days gamble free on your profile page. That looks so good and I hope I can show more courage, remain focussed and follow in your footsteps.

Wishing you every happiness, contentment and good times....stephen x

Day 456
@Stephen67 kind words as always! I am indeed proud of how far I have come but it took me nearly 5 years to get to a point where I simply couldn't take anymore of the gsmbling cycle emotionally and financially. I think everyone has a tipping but you only kniw you've reached it when your there. Here's to the continuation of not giving into gambling, sometimes it seems like the easy option(mad as it's the opposite!) and enjoying our lives Sx

Hello Sharon. I hope your happy and well and enjoying a lovely weekend.

Something in your last post struck a chord with me. You wrote: "I think everyone has a tipping point but you only know you've reached it when your there."

I have a feeling that this might be my tipping point. I am certainly sick to the teeth of all the heartache that gambling has caused me. Listening yesterday to people discussing their World Cup bets made me a little envious but I also was aware of a strong feeling of distaste for gambling and all the misery it causes people...stephen x

Thanks Stephen, like you I was so sick and tired of my gambling routine, wake up either euphoric or feeling like c**P then twitching all day until I could get back on it. Such a waste of time and headspace, not to mention having money and the guilt. My 'light bulb moment' was realising I had spent my daughters senior school time gambling, 5 years! The self-loathing I felt was stronger than the urge to gamble. I am still disgusted with myself to be honest, But I am never going back there, take care S 🙂

Oh my Sharon, I remember those gambling routine feelings well!
So glad I put blocks in place that work for me.
We could all be disgusted with ourselves but where does that get us? It prevents us from enjoying today. Be proud instead - you're doing great. It's time to stand up and be counted - you're worth it.
All good wishes x

Hi Sharon. Total respect and admiration for your last post. It takes courage and honesty to admit to our mistakes and accept responsibility for our actions.

I know from experience it is easy to wallow in guilt and get stuck in the past but you have shown that it doesn't have to be that way. 15 months ago you set out on your gamble free journey and through good days and bad you have kept your resolve.

Stay strong my friend and keep blazing that trail....stephen x

Thank you Sharon for the post on my diary. Hope life is treating you well and your having a lovely weekend.

I thought about you yesterday as I was sending my great nephew a text regarding his Prom Night. I suddenly realised how quickly time flies as it only seems like yesterday when your daughter was having her Prom Night and it's a year ago now. I hope she is happy, contented and having fun.

I have felt pleased reading a few diaries of friends like yourself who are staying gamble free. It is an inspiration to me and just hope I can follow in the footsteps. Life might not always be a bowl of cherries but gambling just makes life a complete misery. I am hoping this will be my time...stephen x

Hi Sharon ,

It’s nice to know that you’re still doing great ! I’m not as active in the forum as I use to be but I visit every now and again just to reflect and to remember that I’m never going to be cured . On a good note we are both kicking the shiz out of gambling ! Take care and stay strong my friend !

Sars

Day 465

@Stephen67 Thanks, yes she is really good and just finishing her 1st year at sixth form. Indeed time flies and gambling seems an alien concept to me now when it used to feel like I lived for it. I don't post much but if my diary helps even just one person it's worth it.

@Sars27 great to hear from you, your positivity us really infectious and in low tines you have had wise words.

So another week passes, edging slowly towards being debt free. Am slowly adjusting to feeling comfortable with having money in the bank and enjoying the feelings of a GF life.S 🙂

Sharon my friend, hope your enjoying the sunshine and having a good weekend.

I haven't really got anything interesting to write about but thought I'd pop by anyway and say hello.

Wishing you well...stephen x

Hello Sharon, thankyou for posting on my diary.

That must have been very upsetting reading the article on compulsive gamblers who had taken their own lives. I imagine the relatives who were interviewed must have felt confused, angry and so very sad at losing their loved ones.

Many people have no idea of the negative thoughts, feelings and emotions that torment the mind of a compulsive gambler...stephen x

Dear Sharon,

Great to hear that gambling seems alien to you. I do love that feeling. It takes a while to get to that stage and early days you would never believe that you could achieve it. Well done! My big girl starts her six form in September. With a gentle nudge she is doing english literature like me. I have pledged to read all the texts with her so we can discuss and appreciate together. This I am sure will help me be good! Best of luck to your daughter.

Best wishes,

Markman

Thank you Sharon for the lovely post on my diary. I am now well on your trail and happily following in your footsteps.

Aint no stopping me now i'm on the move - Ain't no stopping me now i'm in the groove. Woohoo & a Yiihaaa x x

Just off to support a friend who is taking part in a 5k run for "Race for Life."

Hi Sharon my friend, hope life is treating you well and you are having a good weekend.

I am so impressed and a little jealous of your 485 days gamble free. It makes me ever more determined to follow your wonderful example. I fully understand though that I need to put some real time between me and that last crazy episode on the roulette machines.

You wrote on your diary a few weeks ago something that struck a chord and reminded me that recovery doesn't happen overnight. Your words made me realise that I need to be more patient in adjusting to being a non gambler and that my new life needs to be nurtured, cherished and respected.

Sharon wrote on 24/6/18: So another week passes, edging slowly towards being debt free. Am slowly adjusting to feeling comfortable with having money in the bank and enjoying the feelings of a GF life.

Thank you Sharon. Those positive feelings, understanding and practicality are exactly what I need to strive for...stephen x

Thank you Sharon for those kind words and excellent advice.

As you so rightly say it is the mini goals which all add up, they make one stronger and help and us to break free.

One day at a time is not difficult but in the past I have put obstacles in my way...stephen x