My diary, my new life, my fightback

Paulscottb wrote:

I have wondered how I will deal with situations like the sweep stake situation you were in. I feel you did the right thing. Sometimes I get invited to corporate hospitality at the football and traditionally everyone chips in for an accumulator coupon. I think people will be a bit surprised when I decline but it would still perhaps be the door creeping open to old ways and lead to chasing the loss of even a small amount of money.

It feels good to look at the bank account with much more certainty and clarity and almost kind of re learn the value of money. When I lost I was ridiculously frugal with money, and when I won I was ridiculously extravagant or just plain careless.

Keep up the excellent work and support that I see you give others on here mate.

Yep zero tolerance to any gambling mate, not one penny, lottery etc all are triggers, stay away, walk away.

Thanks for the comments, I’m handling it better than i thought, we all need advice, support and just someone to talk too etc.

Brought zero money out with me today, home for lunch so save a bit of cash.no gambling today is my aim, no urges too.

Well played. I m off to football tonight. Going with my brother who I haven’t seen for a while. Would usually have a bet on the game but no urges either and will just enjoy the game. In so far as anyone ever enjoys Scottish football! I ll not gamble today

I’m enjoying watching footy now, not wanting certain outcomes is great.

22 days gambling free now.....still not overly blessed with money but I’m managing.

I worked my debt out as £26,050 at the weekend, after bills are paid I’m going to count this down and be very honest each time, I hope this follows my journey for the 4 years I plan , 4 years hopefully I will be gamble free.another day done, no urges

Yeah, it is good just to be able to go back to basics. I ve watched football since I was a kid and don’t know where along the line it became little more than a gambling opportunity. I could go long periods of time with it being not hugely problematic but it always had the potential to get out of hand with alcohol or chasing losses. I m 4 days behind you on the GF stakes so hopefully when you reach the 1460 day mark(4 years) I ll be at 1456 days and both of us debt free and loving life 🙂

I hope the pair of us make it mate, we will have ups and downs no doubt, good luck

Day 23 gf and all is well, no money/cards on me and home for lunch to save money.

Day 24 , today I will not gamble.ive been offered 2 free tickets to the match tomorrow and I feel I'm ready to go.im taking my partner as my little attempt at insuring no distractions tempt me, looking forward to my first venture into the life I've decided to leave, knowing I will be ok tomoz.

Day 25 and still going well, today I’m going to the match and to keep me on the right path my OH is coming with me.

No inclination to bet today

Day 26 first very slight urge yesterday when the big horse race was on in the bar after match, not an urge but regret as the horse that won I would have backed but I’ve learnt it would lead to a world of pain eventually so I wasn’t to bothered after an hour, got drunk and had a great night with my OH and spent money with no worry. Today I won’t gamble

Start of a new week, day 27, being active with my family is keeping me straight, I’m planning for stuff this weekend, party on Friday night, Saturday recovering and Sunday is family time where we will go out to markets etc, just be out doing stuff.today I will not gamble .

Day 28 begins, stayed GF yesterday , I’m on a new diet too so hopefully that’s another positive distraction for me on my journey.

Approaching my first month GF on the new mission

Nice to be back online, proud I’m at 32 days gf, a whole month and more.

the urges grow less each day, first month of many I hope.

Dear holycrosser,

well done on over a month gamble free, that is excellent progress. Glad to hear the urges are less and less. 

The more things you do that you enjoy doing, that make you feel good about yourself and that help you keep busy, the more this trend of less and less urges will continue.

Keep up the good work and keep posting.

All the best,

Eva

Forum Admin

Well done HC. A major milestone reached. 

Thank you so much.

im understanding this is for life, I’m only at a very early stage, I made good progress on sorting a debt plan this week, got loads sorted and I have a clear vision of everything now.Im still envious of those who have told their partners, as you know I haven’t, my choice, but it keeps me focused as does the debt, it’s got me determined to control this.

today , a Saturday I haven’t gambled and being around those who don’t bet is helping, I’m walking at peak times and getting slimmer on my diet, no urge at all to bet.

im almost liking life now