Year2 the GF future is here

Hello Sharon. The title of your new diary is truly inspiring and makes me ever more determined to achieve a full year gamble free.

Love the positivity which shines through in your first post. A practical, realistic and determined approach to your ongoing journey.

I like the idea of referring to my debt as a "reality sandwich." I might find it more palatable thinking of it like that !!! Another 5 years to pay mine off but it is nice to know it gets smaller every month.

Total respect for your courage and resilience. Your support and understanding has been a rock for me as I have struggled during the last few months.

I am a zillion footsteps behind you on the recovery road but I am on a mission to follow your wonderful example.

Wishing you happy days, contentment and fun times...stephen x ( big hug)

Must of felt good to hit that year landmark, and like you say it's way more than money that you get back, as hours and hours of staring at a screen, just unwillingling becoming very addicted to something you think in the begining you have control over only to have your mind power stripped as you try to find free money that is not there and even if you find some its just a very short term loan. Year 2 awaits.

Hi Sharon. Wishing you a good weekend. Remember the clocks go forward tonight.

I really like the title of your new diary it reminds me that a year free from gambling is achievable.

I went to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting last night and one of the members was celebrating 3 years gamble free. I found that very inspiring. He said his life has improved greatly during that time...stephen x

Wow I can't believe how time flies. One day at a time doesn't sound like much but the gamble free days soon build up and already you are 375 days away from your last bet. So proud of your dedication to recovering your life.

My cousin David has been in touch regarding family get-togethers. I am really sad that I hadn't seen his sister Sue for several years and now she is not here. During that time I seem to have been preoccupied with gambling and everything else played second fiddle. What a terrible thing gambling addiction is.

I am off to visit my sister and her family over Easter. I have my bank card back for 2 weeks but if I have any sense of decency I will not gamble and betray the trust of my friend who has been helping me.

Once again thank you for your continuing support and encouragement.

Wishing you a good week ahead...stephen x

Hello Sharon. Wishing you an awesome, fun-filled sharonialastic Happy Easter.

Hope you have a good weekend chilling out, having fun and just being the wonderful lady that you are x (Easter Hug)

I am on day 29 and determined to make it up that gamcare mountain...stephen

Day 379
This time last year I had started out on the GF and feeling unsure of everything in my life, including the future. Slowly, very slowly! things got better and there is no place in my life for gambling. So on this rare day off I'm going to make the most of my time rather than waste hours and money with no return. Happy Friday and heres to beibg GF and leading the lives we want S:)

Hi sharon, thank you for your continued support. What a feeling it must be for you. A rare day off, no urges to gamble and loving the person you are becoming.
Happy Friday indeed. . . and Saturday. . . and Sunday . . . and. . . . You deserve it!!
All good wishes x

Hi Sharon just wanted to congratulate you on a year that’s amazing and so glad your happier as a result. You’ve inspired me so thank you. I detest gambling now it nearly destroyed me, now though I’m putting a new gf life together and won’t go back to that hell. Have great Easter. Bestest wishes x Lulu x

@Lml goes both ways! Would never have done this alone, the support here has been priceless. For many reasons I have always felt a bit isolated and a bit of a loner(sound like a right saddo!) But understanding and compassion have helped so much. Have a fab weekend yourself x

@Lulu Thanks so much, you're doing pretty good yourself! I know I dread to think what would have happened if I hadn't stopped. It has been easy by is worth it to not be trapped in a never ending cycle of misery. Happy Easter weekend take care x

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@PositiveAction agreed, not feeling isolated and positive advice are they way forward. I have chosen not to tell anyone in my 'real' life for personal reasons so this forum us gold dust to me Take care S:)

Day 382 No thoughts or urges, only when I walk past the 2 bookies on the way to work and always see the same characters hanging around and am swept over with a sense of relief but also sadness. Life has been very up and down lately but am focusing on self care, slowly clearing debts and hopefully looking for a new house to rent. Again won't happen over night but I have alot more patience these days which I have gained from recovery. Here's to another GF week Sx

Hi Sharon. Hope you have enjoyed a good Easter weekend.Sorry your life has been a bit topsy turvy lately but wonderful that you can handle it in a positive way.

It is heartwarming to see that you are being patient and working gradually towards your goals. Living life one day at a time certainly seems to be a good approach. Mind you, it is a bit scary how the days seem to pass us by in the blink of an eye.

Great feeling though, to wake up in a morning gamble free and one more day away from the last bet... Stephen x (April Hug.)

Hi Sharon. Hope your having a good weekend with some well deserved rest.

I have noticed your feet tip-toeing around the diaries offering support, advice and encouragement. That is one of the attributes I have always admired about your journey of recovery. You have always taken the time and trouble to show understanding and compassion to your fellow travellers, my self included. Many thanks for that.

Pleased to say it is 39 days since I last had a bet and I am totally committed to going a full year without gambling. I am on a mission and will not give in this time ....stephen x

Hi Stephen thank you! I do check in every day although some days don't have much to say but want to offer my support. I'm not sure what is the right word to say how I feel this far into recovery but I guess relief, lucky, calmer, more self confident are a few. 39 days is a great achievement and the friendship and support you radiate is lovely. Hope you're having a good weekend too, take care Sx