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Guest
I’m one of those that has/had reservations. But will always commit to “just for today” and one day at a time.
But I’ll join you Shaun and Vera,
Aug 1st 2017 . Today I won’t gamble.
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Guest
Today Aug 2nd I wont gamble
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Aug 3rd I will not gamble
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Not today. Aug 4th no gambling for me.
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Aug 5th I won’t gamble.
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Guest
I won’t gamble today, August 6th.
Shaun you didn’t post yesterday, I’m posting my daily pledge on here everyday this month, in support of your commitment to get through the month gamble free, in an effort to help you, support you, and show you if you look after the single days, one day at a time, then the weeks, months, and years will look after themselves.
Hope you post your pledge for a gamble free day today.
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Sorry Geordie I did not post yesterday because I placed a bet..
I did not want to say I didn’t when I did.
Is social betting aloud?
August the 6th today.
I will not place a bet ( I did intend to but woke up with guilt feeling bad if I was to bet two days running )
Just being honest
Thanks for your support p -
Guest
Well Shaun thanks for being honest, pointless being here if you’re not going to be.
Mate it’s your life but you should know that a social bet to a compulsive gambler can be as destructive as small whiskey is to an alcoholic. It can be the start of a very slippery slope believe me.
You don’t need to apologise to me or any one else on here for gambling, you haven’t let anybody down, except maybe yourself and your family.
IF you get to the end of the month and that’s the only bet you’ve placed, then it’s not such a bad start, is it.
You managed five days mate. Five full days without gambling, something that might have seemed impossible once upon a time.
It really is as simple as getting through just one day at a time.
Did you bet online or at a bookies?
Don’t be too harsh on yourself, by the sounds of it though you do have a serious problem. Have you read my recent post “a horror story” if not, please do. Then bare in mind that once upon a time I wondered if a social bet would be ok.
Take care for now, I’m driving just stopped for a pee, otherwise I would have posted more.
Geordie
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Ye I have read the story. And wow what a story. I can only say that I’m trying to stop now before something like that happens. Thankyou for sharing that with us
I bet in the bookies as I have banned myself online (the bet won) I still have not cashed it in yet. I’m thinking of sending my partner. That’s the safest option. She is 100% by my side, has controlled my finances for about 5/6 years now. She was worried that if the bet won then I would want to gamble again which is 110% true. But your post and remembering why I’m here has stopped that urge. Yes I want to but I will choose not to. It sucked me back in for a moment but I am stronger.
I thank you again -
Guest
7th Aug just for today, I won’t gamble
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Guest
Just for today I won’t gamble.
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Strange how it works. When I think about gamblig. My heartbeat goes 10 to the dozen. Feels like it anyway.
And when I type on here that I am not going to gamble. I get the same sort of adrenaline rush.
You two have been on this forum awhile now right? In recovery for a while?
Do you still get any same feelings?
Right now I’m sat feeling like in missing the the peice of the puzzle. Gambling has took majority of my time/ thoughts in the past.
Day like today in England for example it’s pissing down with rain in the past I probably would have thought its the perfect day for horses ECT ECT.
My grandad grew up in Dublin but moved to England. He bets/ had a problem.. Would you say it get passed down in your jeans or not.
I dunno weather I think these thoughts cause I smoke weed or it’s the gambling side of me.
I read before that we all learned gambling and that we can all unlearn…. But I find that miss leading because I would struggle like mad to unlearn how to ride my bike.
Once you learned something it’s going to stay with you for ever right. How are you guys both doing after GMAToday I will not gamble 8/8/17
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Guest
Think about it carefully Shaun. Even if the bet won, what good would that do. Whatever you won, would end up going back anyway. Best off not going at all. Cut the middleman out.
I know the feeling you describe, I don’t get it now thankfully, gambling dosnt excite me in the slightest. I do know though if I let my mind wander or let my guard down, it wouldn’t be too long before I started getting them feelings again. They will subside eventually.
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I won’t gamble today
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Just for today
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Today, I won’t gamble.
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Where are you today mate?
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It’s the glorious twelfth.
Today I won’t gamble.
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Guest
I don’t panic much these days Shaun. I don’t understand your post though. Surely you should be making a commitment to a gamble free day as soon as you wake up.
It’s not about fooling yourself, more about not letting your addiction fool you.
Twelve days ago you commited not to gamble for this month, I don’t think you’ve let yourself or anyone down by not succeeding in that commitment. I think you will be letting yourself down though if you do not make a fresh commitment each and everyday not to gamble, and stick to it.
It’s hard sometimes just to get through one hour, never mind one day, let alone a month.
You will only gamble if YOU want to.
Imagine how good you will feel getting through the rest of this month without anymore gambling. What’s the worst that can happen if you don’t gamble? You might miss a big win? Lol lol I’m sure you’ve had plenty “winners” in the past, look where that’s got you.
Time to kiss it goodbye Shaun. If you want a better life, it’s yours for the taking. One day at a time it is possible for anyone and everyone.
Posting in the evenings is a cop out in my mind mate, two thirds of the day are gone. It says to me ” just in case I don’t make it through the day. ”
And that is fooling yourself.
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Your right I should commit from when I wake but a couple of times I had posted In the mornings and gambled later on in the day. So for my own recovery I’m trying to find the best routine for myself. As vera said previously some members found these pacts to be doing more worse than good. I was going well leading up to August but then maybe taken a few steps back.
I’m still in early days gord. I’m never going to wake up feeling a different person or changed over night. It’s going to take some time. You know that mate. -
Guest
I do know it takes a long time to change.
I also know that any compulsive gambler, who understands that they are powerless over their addiction, is capable of getting through one day without a bet.
There’s one thing that makes us gamble and that is ourselves. “I just couldn’t help it,” or “I just found myself in the bookies,” don’t hold much water, in my eyes.
You’ve proven to yourself and all the people who read the forums that you are capable of getting through a day without gambling. If you can get through one day, you can get through any day.
Vera said people had reservations about the monthly pact that was ongoing on here for a long time.
I was probably the biggest critic of it. Why make such sweeping commitments when it’s blatantly obvious that most new comers struggle to get through a day or two.
I was critical of it because it just becomes the written equivalent of lip service. “Just for today I will not gamble” becomes just words to some people, they write/say it but don’t really commit to it. So what’s the point of having a pact or pledge?
Also in those days there were a lot more using the forum and it was quite obvious sometimes that when one person went tits up it had a sort of domino effect.
35 years of my life has been consumed by gambling. I haven’t gambled at all this year.
You’ve got to find your own way through life and recovery Shaun, I’d be foolish to think that you or anyone will learn from my mistakes, I never learned from any body else’s.
I hope you keep on posting for your own good. And it would be daft you posting “just for today I won’t gamble” if you think that there’s a real chance you might.
I’m not disappointed mate. I’ve been using this forum for years and there is loads of times I’ve come on here asking for support and then just ignored it and I’m not the only one.
Answer me these two questions though please Shaun. What’s the best thing that could happen if you gamble. What’s the worst thing that will happen if you don’t?
Just for today mate, you can stop away from it.
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Thanks for the support mate. I am taking it one day at a time. Maybe the pact was a wrong idea for me at the start of it. I’m still learning and taking all the information given on board. Well done on not gambling this year you have clearly made the right choices and I hope you get many more years the same. I also hope in how ever long it takes I can be in the same boat, saying the same to someone else. It’s not that I feel there is a chance I might gamble. It’s the fact I don’t want to let my self down if I do. I am trying maybe could try harder. But I eventually want rid of the thoughts I get. Slowly but surely I’ll reach my target just like yourself and others.
The best thing that would happen if I did? I would have had my fix temperaly.
The worst thing if I did? It would try and suck me back in
The worst thing if I didn’t? Nothing at all it would be another day forgetting all about gambling.
I’m not here to lie on my posts (lying to myself) me posting is setting myself rules or barriers boundaries even.
I’m off out going to a ” guffalo spotting” place with the kids for the afternoon now.
Cheers take care -
Guest
It took me too many years mate. It’s bloody frustrating because it didn’t have to.
Aye it’s not nice watching people making the same mistakes I made and the angry outbursts I get are really aimed at my former self.
Pleased you’ve got something on today though, first day of the football season is hard for lots of people.
I’m just getting into “game of thrones” myself, never had time to get into telly when I was gambling.
One day it will all click for you mate, I hope it’s sooner rather than later.
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August 13th, just for today I won’t gamble!
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Just for today I won’t gamble.
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Just for today I won’t gamble
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Not today, not for me.
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Just for today I won’t gamble. more than half way through month.
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Just for today I won’t gamble
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Another Saturday, another day. Just for today I won’t gamble.
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Yesterday between 8 pm to 10 pm Singapore time, I was suffering from white knuckle recovery. I notice that my anxiety level was very high, my feeling was very intense and I have a very strong urge to visit a betting house to watch live EPL football. I felt that I could not stop myself so I text a recovery friend to tell her about it, she suggested that I watch a movie instead, I didn’t question her, it was better for me to follow her direction when all else failed for me.
By 11 pm, calmness has return and life become manageable again. I survive another day from self destructive behaviors.
This too shall pass. -
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Just for today.
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You are doing yourself great credit Kin. Well done, mind over matter.
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Me too. Just for today I won’t gamble.
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Aug 22nd
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No gambling for me today.
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Not too much longer mate, are you looking forward to it?
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Guest
Sounds good mate, but don’t be making hasty decisions. You know the quality of life of an active CG mate.
Remember how hard you’ve found getting through this month without gambling, job or no job mate, do you really think you’ll have any quality of life if you don’t go?
Hard decision for you Shaun, hope you make the right one.
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Guest
Many chaps have already made the errors Shaun, you don’t really need to.
But Shaun, I know, through my own experiences, better than most, that regardless of what anyone says, we all still learn from our own mistakes not other peoples’. Even though hundreds of other people have walked the same road before us and made the mistakes. We all just need to find out for ourselves. Of course that’s absolute bollocks and we should learn from others mistakes.
Personally Shaun to me it’s a no brainer, you’ve got a place and should grab it with both hands. It was only a few weeks ago you reminded me that you wouldn’t change overnight, and no of course you won’t. So isn’t that reason enough to go to GMA?
A job for life does sound tempting, but I would think in all honesty it would be depending on you not letting the addiction drag you down again and fcking your life up.
Anyway mate, whatever you decide I hope you keep on getting support to help you through this.
My life at the minute is so up and down, stressful to say the least.
I’m pleased to say though that just for today, 24th August, I won’t gamble.
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Just for today I won’t gamble.
My first night back at work since Saturday, I am knackered, if I get a lengthy break through the night I’ll do a post Shaun. But briefly have had my daughter and grandson here they went back on 9pm train. 8.5 hrs at legoland yesterday then a midnight sightseeing trip. Any gtg my lorry’s getting loaded.
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No gambling for me, not today. Just for today I won’t gamble.
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Yes mate, it’s shite!
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Sunday 27th. Just for today I won’t gamble!
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28 days gamble free this month, one day at a time. I don’t know how many days in total, I’ve no desire to work it out either. Nowhere near 608 though, probably less than half of that, I’m really pleased for you Vera.
Just for today I won’t gamble though.
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Just coz you havnt mentioned it, have you decided against it?
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I have Geordie. I feel strong about it very positive. Something must have clicked for me because I have a genuine hate for gambling now.
Before I could imagine myself in the bookies playing games and doing bets.
Now I couldn’t think of anything worse than giving them my hard earned cash.
I have accepted my debts. ( I always thought nothing of them). I’m in no position to pay them back. And to be honest I don’t want to. But 5pound a month just to get them of my back for a while till I can sort something appropriate. I’m in no rush to pay back debts I have because of gambling.
But I have a better understanding of what’s going on in my brain now. I still need to fulfil time but that will come. I am going to find a GA where I live. To keep me on track
Thanks for checking in mate
I CAN BEAT THIS !!
Thanks mate -
Guest
Yes you can beat this Shaun, just as we all can. I hope you stick to your guns with regards to GA, as the more healthy support you can get eases your burden.
Did you get the job?
29th today, do you have any regrets about not going to GMA?
The important thing mate is to keep gambling free and you’re doing well with that.
Another day without gambling for me today, 29th August.
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Yes mate I did get the job. I’m working nights now like use. With this site and ga I hope so gord.
I would have loved going GMA mate but truthly I have 3 youngsters. My daughter is a proper daddy’s girl I could never leave her. Although it’s not a life time. It would feel like it. I am a big part of our family i am the bread winner. My partner was poorly 2015. I need to be with my family. Not 100 miles away.
I would have loved meeting new people, doing the Saturday activities, making new friends.
But is 14 weeks going to cure me. Make me gamble free?
I think of the likes of you and vera. Been to GMA but still using this site and the one day at a time techniques. So it’s down to the person.
At the end of the day. Life must continue, problem or no problem. I’m 25 now.
For a better future…
29th August. No gambling for me today one day at a time to beat this awfull habit -
Guest
Only one day of the month left, today I won’t gamble. As Vera says, CGs NEVER win, but I’m not gambling today because I don’t bloody want to, and I haven’t wanted to for ages. Why I ever did remains a mystery, maybe I’ll want to tomorrow or next week, next month or next year. But not today. Just for today I won’t gamble.
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No Shaun 14 weeks won’t cure you nothing will, you have this addiction for life. Dosn’t mean you’ll gamble for life though. In fact no reason for you, or any of us, to ever gamble again.
GMA is great mate but there is no guarantee with it. Most people don’t get the chance to go there and I can understand why you’re not going.
So far so good anyway mate, I would reckon even just a month or two ago you would have thought getting through 15 days without gambling impossible for yourself.
But as you say one day at a time you can beat this.
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30 down, 1 to go. Just for today I won’t gamble.
Then that’ll be a full month of one day at a times. September tomorrow Shaun are you starting a September thread?
Getting to the end of this month, to be honest, is not a big deal. Because it is only ever no more than one day at a time.
Today I won’t gamble.
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Thanks for joining me on this thread. Dunno weather I would have done it with out your help mainly you gord. You questioned me and I felt I owed you the answers. Anyway it helped. Two months ago I was making 2 deposits some times three deposits with online gambling. The next horse race basically. Yes I stumbled at the start when the footy season started and I did place a bet or 2. But I haven’t looked at horse venue. As I have controlled the single days. The weeks have looked after me. I know more about controlling my addiction now.
Although I turned down my GMA bed space. It is important for me to continue to use this site. I dunno about a September pact? Maybe I’ll start a new thread. Think I’ll sleep on it.
But just for today August 31st I will not gamble -
Guest
How’s it going this month Shaun.
Just for today!
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I was going to ask the same Vera.
Maybe you start a Spetember daily pledge thread Shaun. It’s good to be accountable, I’ll join in if you do.
Hope alls well mate. Whatever is going on for you, you do have the same problem as me you are a CG and I believe to keep the addiction at bay you will always need suppot, just like the rest of us.
Be nice to see a few lines from you whatever is happening.
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I’m doing good guys. I have been reading. Thought about asking you the same gord couple of days ago but you posted shortly after.
I’m doing ok. CG the other day tho unplanned and it didn’t feel good. All I can say is I learnt from that, I remember the feeling it gave me and I didn’t like it. But and a big but for me I haven’t done that in a good number of days. I’m still learning.
Just a quick one tonight. Will post again shortly
Hope your both well -
Yes Christmas is around the corner and the 2 boys birthdays. Expensive time of year. Gambling would have been a priority in the past. Not this time.
The jobs going ok.. Just a poor work place, i have been at better but between that and family time iv been quite busy. Neglected my greenhouse for a week or 2 so have to find some time for that, I found it helped keep me busy and took my mind of things. It can be addictive.
Kids settled fine. Youngest daughter starts nursery next week. Scary how time passes. I’m glad I decided against GMA for those little reasons. I was afraid of going there being apart from them.
I might start one gord maybe mate. But for today I will choose not to gamble. Off to land of nodzz now. All the best -
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How’s it hanging Shaun?
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How’s it going mate.
The forums here 24/7 whether things are going good, bad or indifferent.
Would be nice to know how you’re coping.
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Not doing so good gord. Taken 10 massive steps backwards. Though I haven’t gambled as much as before. But I am still gambling away. Haven’t been online gambling just in the shops, leaving 10 mins earlier to places so I can go the bookies.
So not the best gord. Me and partner are getting on better even when she plays her face about my betting.How about your self mate?
Hope all is well -
Guest
This might sound a daft question mate, and I do understand your answer before you give it. Whatever the answer is.
Do you really want to stop, or are you happy plodding along
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Shaun theres a support group on now nobody there just me if you want to pop in for a chat. Im not gonna give you a hard time, or call you a daft so’n’so
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Mate you’re never going to have control you know. Never.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow as you know, but until you can accept that you’re always going to have the missus on your back.
Hope you can make a group one time, take care Shaun.
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fyi – setting up a one month challenge was never a good idea. I like that you got support and that was caring but it was never going to succeed and never going to end well. Once you got the month what better way to reward yourself than to place a bet. Especially after you saved extra money from not gambling.
If you want to stop you need to be honest with loved ones about your problem. Exclude from all sites and local gambling places, you need to turn over ALL finances to someone that you can trust, and then you need to admit that you are powerless to this thing and really be ready to fight the demon. You shouldn’t;t make 1 month pledges. Make lifelong pledges and make a decision to stop something that is detrimental toy you and your loved ones. -
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