Day 730
Hello, my name is Larry and I am a compulsive gambler, my last bet was August 13, 2009; two years ago today. There is no GA meeting in my area today so you might find a lot of post in different areas here; the way that I can celebrate this milestone is to be active at a "meeting" that is available 24/7/365.
I read many post from those reaching single digit or more days of being gambling free and how they are surprised and amazed at their ability to not gamble over this time frame. I can now think back and recall having the same thoughts and making the same statements at my different intervals; e.g. "I can’t believe that I have gone a week, a month, or any of the days that had accumulated. We seem to be surprised that we can do good, to do what is right by making the right choice.
Now that I have advanced some in my gambling free years, albeit only two at present, I am surprised that I could not have started sooner. This is not dismissing the power of addiction, it is recognizing the power of choice, the help of fellow gamblers, and the need of letting go; "Letting go and letting God", the leading part of my 3Gs, guide and strengthen me once I did accept and became willing to change. Now that I am beginning each day with a resolve to not gamble for anything, I am not surprised to find that life is better.
I could not begin to name the individual ones that have helped me in my recovery, but I can recognize some groups, Gambling Therapy, Gamblers Anonymous, and my Friends and Family, all the ones that made my recovery a smoother course. I will also recognize another group, the collective new members just beginning, and the returning members after a slip, all the ones that join and share their stories; thanks to them and my being open to learning from others, I do not have to reenter the abyss I left. I do not have to satisfy any curiosities about the world of gambling or how I might now deal with it — with their coming here and posting of what has occurred during their gambling, I know that the only thing that has changed in my gambling world is me.
God’s speed and blessings to all. May you all find the strength and guidance in your own Higher Powers that will provide for peace and a better way of life.
Your Friend in RecoveryLarryThanks 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.
