A glimmer of hope

Hi Kate_78

Thank you for your enquiry- we may asterisk out words which have the potential to trigger thoughts and feelings for other forum users around gambling and/or self-harm in this way. If we can be of any further help please do call the Helpline (0808 8020 133), Netline or email us at forum.admin@gamcare.org.uk

Best Wishes

Forum Admin

Day 170

Been ages again since I posted.... Though I do regularly check in and read some of the new posts and to check my day count... All helping to keep me going forwards.

Things are really going well on the gambling front, no thoughts about gambling at all and my driving for work has been fine with managing to stop at places other than motorway services. Having my barriers in place is a big help and although I feel confident enough to have a debit card back there really isn't any point! I've managed so far with just a credit card that is blocked for cash withdrawals and any type of gambling transaction and that is working out great.

Still going to GA whenever I can and I'm now able to be a sponsor too which is good and is helping me to as well as hopefully helping my two sponsees... (is that a word)

I feel like I've come so far is a short space of time and feel in a really good place right now! Looking back it was the best thing to have been found out as it has turned life back around.

I should be officially debt free as far as the banks are concerned later this month and I can start paying back to our savings then. It will be so good to be back on a level footing again and moving forwards instead of catching up.

Anyhoo... Not a huge amount to report really other than if anybody is reading this, then put your barriers in place, go to GA meetings and you can definitely stop gambling!

Til next time x

Day 313...

Hello diary, its been a while.

Just checking in and reading a few posts and have read back through my own diary posts. Can't believe it's been like 10 months since I first posted. Still gamble free and don't really think about gambling anymore apart from when my partner checks in on my finances or when we are generally talkung about money.

The year seems to have gone by in tge blink of an eye. The little fella us not so little anymore and is tearing about the place getting up to all sorts of mischief. He's adorable and I love him more than anything.

Work has been manic, as ever, and the travel has continued to be a challenge with lots of miles racked up on the motorway still. In pleased to say that on the whole however I don't tend to stop at services anymore and never if I'm travelling by myself. All barriers still in place just in case but no desire at all to gamble.

Haven't managed to get to a GA meeting for weeks now as seem to either be away for work, not home from work in time or looking after the little man. I'm not missing going especially but do feel like I need to get there occasionally just to keep md from getting complacent.

Anyway. Feeling good on the whole and still feel 100% that I won't gamble again.

Overnight stay again tonight for work so have the joys of a medium range budget hotel lol

That's it for now. Wonder when I'll be back to post again?! ?

Day 518...

Hello diary, how's it going? I'd like to say I've missed you, but I'd be lying because actually I haven't thought about you or gambling for such a long time now that I'd almost forgotten about you!

I managed to get to my GA meeting for my 1year 'celebration' (if it should be called that) and then didn't manage to go again before the pandemic hit. Its not been a problem for me as I never gambled online, but I really feel for anybody who gambled that way and has been stuck at home in lock down with far fewer distractions. Finding something else to do with your time being one of the recommended courses of action promoted at my GA meetings. For anyone in that situation, please stay strong and make sure you have your other blocks in place.

Anyway, in other news, the pandemic has resulted in my working from home with the likelihood that this can continue more routinely once things return to ''normal", which all helps to reduce my driving and the less time spent on the road the better.

The little man is getting bigger with every blink and I wish I had his energy! He's into everything! Lol.

Things are really good with my partner too. We talk about gambling sometimes but not very often and she occasionally checks in on the finances and my credit rating to keep me on track.

Anyway. Nothing to report really other than to reiterate to anybody reading and who is just starting out on their recovery, thay you can do it. Be positive, stay strong, keep communicating and accept that some days are easier than others.

Until next time...

Hiya Kate 

I'm so happy you decided to update your diary as you've gave me so much inspiration that you've gone so long gamble free and I'm glad your little bundle of joy is bringing you so much happiness and you should be so proud off how you've turned your life around since that first post so long ago. Keep up the good work and make sure you praise yourself as your amazing