Originally posted by geordie18
… gambling is always an option …
An option can be something that is available to us, or even something that is denied us; something denied, such as any leniency or lessor acceptance of a total debt being paid — the option is there, but it is not ours to choose. Gambling, although all around us, and has been existing since the beginning of of time, is in this category of one that is denied to us, denied to anyone crossing over the line and accepting that gambling for them is a problem. And if we chose to keep gambling on the table as an option, I think that it will not only be an option, but we will instead more likely allow it to soon be our singular preference.
On the other hand, not having gambling as an option does not guarantee us that all will stay gambling free (this being evident in recent post, and is the reason that I am replying to you now – to stress that "We need to develop the mindframe that gambling really is something we need to permanently eliminate from our lives – it cannot be an option for us"). To stay gambling free even without gambling being an option, it being only a ever present part of society, we do have to choose between the other options that still lay before us. As Amy posted: "Saying No is an option. Choosing a life without gambling is an option. Being a healthier person is an option. And being honest with yourself is an option.", but in my view, gambling is not an option for a CG desiring to stop, just as merely existing or enduring without intervention is not an option for any other form of a happy fulfilling and healthy life — these lessor things may "literally" be an option in the strictest sense, but in reality they only exist because of our refusing to chose from the real options. And for a CG the "figuratively" speaking term, "gambling is not an option" is in the strictest sense the only way for me to view it.
Another member has posted thoughts on options, ones that I find to be more accurate for my recovery stated, "For me, gambling is not an option, recovery is my only option" – stephen ; he also made the quote above and has a lot more of such good insights and advice in his past topics in this forum.
In closing I will quote you with words that I also share in, "Its a good point of discussion, and whatever any of us believes to get us through life is not necassarily going to be accepted by all of us", and the discussions and us opening our minds to other views keep us aware of the pitfalls we all face; as repeated in GA, take what you need and leave the rest".
Recovery is priceless because there is nothing related to the world of gambling that can compare to its benefits, no option exist that can take from or compete with its value.
LarryThanks to my Higher Power, My 3G’s – God, GA, and GT, "Day Two Is Another Day Behind" and with the help from all , I will continue to remain gambling free.