[Johnny B]

Thank you Charles!

[Johnny B]

Thank you Charles!

[Johnny B]

Merci Charles !

[Johnny B]

Thank you for your comment, I was a little worried that my “untraditional” poem would fall on deaf ears. I think all stories have a place, I enjoyed chat with you, and I hope I can be a little help in your recovery. The beauty is it is never to late to start fixing what is wrong, and be thankful you are recognizing the issue while you are still young.. It took me 30 years and several hundred thousand dollars (which makes me ill to write) to start doing something productive about my issues. I can’t say I will never try to play again, but I know I will not play today…and as much as it hurts, I know I probably shouldn’t play anymore!
Good Luck, Kick ass
John

[Johnny B]

Thank you for your comment, I was a little worried that my “untraditional” poem would fall on deaf ears. I think all stories have a place, I enjoyed chat with you, and I hope I can be a little help in your recovery. The beauty is it is never to late to start fixing what is wrong, and be thankful you are recognizing the issue while you are still young.. It took me 30 years and several hundred thousand dollars (which makes me ill to write) to start doing something productive about my issues. I can’t say I will never try to play again, but I know I will not play today…and as much as it hurts, I know I probably shouldn’t play anymore!
Good Luck, Kick ass
John

[Johnny B]

Merci pour votre commentaire, j'avais un peu peur que mon poème "non traditionnel" tombe dans l'oreille d'un sourd. Je pense que toutes les histoires ont leur place, j'ai aimé discuter avec vous et j'espère pouvoir vous aider un peu dans votre rétablissement. La beauté est qu'il n'est jamais trop tard pour commencer à réparer ce qui ne va pas, et soyez reconnaissant de reconnaître le problème alors que vous êtes encore jeune. Il m'a fallu 30 ans et plusieurs centaines de milliers de dollars (ce qui me rend malade à écrire) pour commencer faire quelque chose de productif à propos de mes problèmes. Je ne peux pas dire que je n'essaierai plus jamais de jouer, mais je sais que je ne jouerai pas aujourd'hui… et même si ça fait mal, je sais que je ne devrais probablement plus jouer ! Bonne chance, botte le cul John

[Johnny B]

I continue to be impressed by your effort to beat the cycle. You are an inspiration, and If I can be so forward, I am very proud of you. When we met, you were having issues stopping, and you have since done very well. Even if we slip, it doesn’t mean we have to fall. Keep trying, Keep the faith. You are doing really well and should be very proud of yourself!
John

[Johnny B]

You had coined one of my favorite phrases (today, I will not gamble) Although it was said before by many, I read it in your posts first. We all have our struggles, but we all have our strengths as well….. It is up to us to see which wins out. In the long run, strength will win, but the little bastard sneaks in on occasion…If we are ever going to see a rainbow, we have to stand a little rain! Keep strong! Keep fighting.
Good luck and thanks for your support
John

[Johnny B]

I agree, we cannot stay mired in the past, but I think we have to remember, because we still learn from it. I think the damage to friends and loved ones is much greater than we realize because they love us. I wish I could say I loved myself enough in the past, but as we have discussed an evil side effect of CG is the self esteem that we all lack. But alas we are strong, especially together to keep this under control. Thank you for your input over the last months, I feel we are all in this together, as long as we want to be.
Look forward to future chats!
John

[Johnny B]

IDI,
You are a strong soul.. Stronger than you give yourself credit for. I have learned a lot from you in the months we have shared on GT. I understand each of our struggles are our own, and all we can share is hope, and understanding for each other. The smallest of efforts is recognized by those we love. I have been overly honest with my family, and it has served me well. My wife is on board with my efforts and life is slowly, but surely putting my poor choices into the rearview mirror. I know I will probably face my issues again in the future, but not today. Today is a good day. I hope it is for you too!
John

[Johnny B]

Hi Alliesmum
My big brother was/is my best friend, and he was the one who tried most to take care of me. He believed in me, and even “understood” why I was wrapped up in the life I chose to live. He bailed me out many times, looking back, he enabled me. It was never his fault however, because I was the one choosing my path. I caused issues in his marriage, and with other family members. Recently I was married, and could see what I caused between him and his wife… and I feel sick about it. I have recently made good on some of the money I owe him, and I believe it has made a difference with his wife as well. My path is straight ahead for once. I am proud of the steps I have taken, and look forward to charging ahead. Good luck in all life brings you!
John

[Johnny B]

I would think of the extra pain you will experience if things go wrongly. I am sorry for you family member, but try not to add to the misery by doing something, you are almost certain will go poorly. Easier said than done, I realize, but I think looking with a clear mind is very helpful to making good decisions.
Johnny B

[Johnny B]

It is a hugely important step realize that the money is gone.. Even if you were to win it back, be honest with yourself, would you stop….Probably (and most likely not). The chase is real, and it is dangerous.
Think about all the time we gamble. We hope to win…Once we start losing we hope to get even. Once we get even, we say, cool, now I can start winning. Vicious, vicious cycle. By design by the math geniuses who came up with the games. Beat them at their own game, and don’t play. You cannot lose if you don’t play.

[Johnny B]

IDI,
As in my post to Laura, you are a big reason I keep coming back. I want to learn from your experiences, and I hopefully help with mine. I am definitely not perfect, but in my case, the lack of self esteem is a major trigger. I do feel I can make a difference for somebody. Once again, the fact the we are still here, and reading posts, and participating….are priceless learning experiences.
Good Luck in the new year. Thank you for your kind words.

[Johnny B]

Hi Laura,
I want to thank you for your contributions as well. Every time I am on here you are too, it seems. That tells me you are a selfless individual. Struggles are all too real, supporting others through the tough times is admirable. I wish you the best for your continued recovery.

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