There are lots of ways of using up free time. This morning I spent about an hour deleting unwanted emails and putting those I did want to keep into the right folders. I expect I could expand that to all my free time if I worked at it. But I guess that isn’t what you mean.
You are wanting to do something inspiring, something sensational …. I can’t tell you what that is. A wiser man than me once said “the one who has a why to live can put up with any how.” In other words if you can find your own reason for being on this planet, you will put up with any hardship just to make a go of your life. So what will it be … What were you wanting to do with your life before you got sidetracked into gambling. Is this something you can pick up.
I got down and depressed for a while after I stopped gambling because my finances never got any better. Then I realised that being poor does not mean that my life has to stop – I just need to see not having money as a challenge and find ways around things. Of course the other thing you can do with your time (not gambling) is to earn more. Take on more work or find another part-time job – or buy and sell something that you know about. Be careful not to burn out though.
I think I have prattled on enough. For me – finding support in the early days of not gambling would be my priority. I hear you want to go it alone – I am just not sure that is possible. I wish you well.