[nacole8039]

Wow! Much of what you wrote sounds EXACTLY like my life. Thank you for reaching out to me. It is very early in my recovery, and I am taking things one hour at a time (sometimes it’s 10 minutes at a time). I think about gambling the majority of each day…but what is really getting me through these urges is receiving that e-mail notification that says I have a new comment. Coming to this forum is my lifeline. I hope you can relate to how much I look forward to these messages.

Today is the third consecutive day that I have not gambled. It might not sound like much, but this is a record for me. Working from home and having my husband work in another town has allowed me multiple gambling opportunities throughout the week. I never gambled on the weekends because he was home (which made Monday the most difficult day of each week). I am proud of myself for being conscious of my thoughts of gambling and my determination to NOT do it this week! Small victories.

Like you, I am struggling to find something to fill the void. Over the years I have been wife and mother. My needs never really were a priority. I have lost all interest in other activities. Currently, I find that I am cleaning parts of my house that I haven’t seen in years! I REALLY need a hobby. For now, this forum is giving me hope and keeping me going. Thank you for taking the time to provide me with some very encouraging words! I appreciate it.

Nacole

[nacole8039]

Sad68,

Thank you so much for reaching out to me. It was very encouraging to me to read that you (and others) understand where I am and what I’m going through. I am not alone.

I have always heard that the three most difficult things in life to say are: I love you, I’m sorry, and help me. The only one I really struggle with is the help me part. As a nurse, I am always the one taking care of others, and somewhere along the way, I have forgotten the value of taking care of me!

That has to change…and I am taking it one day at a time!

Nacole

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