Hi CraigMac, lizzy, kin
Thanks for your posts. I can sense we are all the same journey. We are on here because we want to stop gambling.
It is good to know that others are going through the same thoughts and have had similar experiences.
Kin, you have said to me before on this thread that everyday we are all at the same starting point, we must not gamble today. I have followed that and it has helped me so much in my recovery. Other stories like the monkey and the banana – where the monkey is trapped because it won’t let go of the banana – have inspired me greatly. I have a little monkey on my keyring now to remind me. I thank you and wish you well on your journey.
lizzy, stay strong and stay committed to the reasons to stop gambling. We are so much better off without it. Each day is a new day on the path to recovery and as you say to regain our sanity. Rediscover the things that make you happy inside and keep you grounded. Hugs to you too.
CraigMac, you don’t have to apologise for ranting! What you said makes a lot of sense. I believe the greatest success CAN come from the worst of times.
Let’s make the most of everyday. Gamble free, with clearer minds, focus on the important things in our lives.
Have no more regrets only positive memories.
As a gambler sometimes, well quite often, I would have a losing bet, then wager more on my next bet to make up for it and so on and so on. You maybe know how that story goes.
Can we kind of use that mentality now? We have had losing bets but instead of continuing to up the stakes we are going to invest the next bet on ourselves to make up for it. Make up for it by overcoming the gambling addiction. To create a better version of ourselves. Do things we never did before. To really listen to and care for others that we couldn’t do before because we were distracted most of the time. To take in each day, live in the moment. Learn to be just glad to be alive, REALLY just appreciate simple things.
I have had times before, when I have been gamble free, when I have appreciated those around me and life in general. They were good times. But soon enough I have been drawn back into my inner world of gambling. Of the “just a fun bet’, or for the thrill of the chase.
This time I have to keep to the path. Never deviate, stay strong when the urges come. I like your saying “I will not gamble today as it impacts my life negatively”.
Too many times I have gambled before and ignored the consequences.
There has to be a new version of us. A rebirth if you like, a new chapter. It uses all our experiences – both positive and negative – to create the best version of ourselves.
What has happened has happened. There is a saying that things happen for a reason. Yes, unfortunately we have had a real kicking to reach this point. But now is the time for change. All the best buddy.
Day by day, it can be done, stay strong, stay positive. I look forward to hearing about all your journeys. All the best wishes.