[neva]

As the saying goes ‘we only need to get through today’.  Don’t worry about any more than that. Something that helped me to break the habit of gambling every Saturday was to break the day down.  I was used to escaping around 2:00 on Saturdays and stayed until I was out of money and then one Saturday I realized I only need to get through 4 or 5 hours and the opportunity to gamble would pass. I’d watch a Lifetime movie, or meet my husband for a late lunch or meet up with friends or even take a nap.  That Saturday habit isn’t such a big issue anymore now that I only have to get through a few hours.  That’s just something that’s helped me and I wanted to share it with you.

[neva]

Way to get back on the wagon.  It would be wonderful if we never gambled again but we’re addicted and the best we can do is limit the damage should we decide to gamble.  I know you’ve done that by placing limits on your ATM withdrawals so you couldn’t have gotten more money than you went in with.  Recovery isn’t an all or nothing thing.  You’re making progress and working recovery the best you know how…and that’s something to be proud of.   Sherry

[neva]

I feel like my life has been on hold for many years…living in a house too small to have my family over, dragging clothes to the laundry mat for a few years and living in a house I was ashamed of.  I’d still be there if I kept gambling like I was.  Now I feel like I am actually living.  I love having a home I am proud of and friends and family coming by.  I even had one of my self centered co-workers come over to set up the magic jack.  Of course his main interest is to hunt on our property but I paid him $20 and gave him some trail mix and assured him there is no hunting allowed…I want the wildlife to feel safe here.
It’s been really windy and stormy this weekend but I still managed to get the windows cleaned, a table and chairs almost ready to set up in the house, all the drawers and most of the cabinets lined…even though I can’t seem to cut a straight line.  Anyway, I got a lot done this weekend and still more to do.  It’s rewarding to do the things I should be getting done instead of wasting time and money in a casino.  Life is good.

[neva]

Отличный пост Эд. Множество хороших моментов и инструментов для всех нас. У нас действительно есть выбор: продолжать играть или делать все, что в наших силах, чтобы не играть в азартные игры. Я не мог передать свои финансы кому-либо еще, но я сделал следующее лучшее, что сделал почти невозможным получение наличных для азартных игр. Это не раз оказывалось моей спасительной милостью! Любой выбор, который мы делаем, чтобы защитить себя от азартных игр, помогает нам сделать выбор не играть сегодня намного проще. Ты вдохновляешь всех нас. (Я знаю, что говорил это раньше, но стоит повторить.)

[neva]

Great post Ed.  Lots of good points and tools for all of us. We do have a choice to keep gambling or do everything we can so we can’t gamble.  I couldn’t hand my finances over to anyone else but I did the next best thing and made it almost impossible to get to cash for gambling.  That has proven to be my saving grace more than once! All the choices we make, an put into place, to protect ourselves from gambling, helps us make the choice to not gamble today much easier. You’re an inspiration to all of us. (I know I’ve said that before but it’s worth repeating.)

[neva]

I’m in for June too.  I agree Kathryn, it’s hard to believe it’s June already.

[neva]

Your granddaughter is a wise young woman!  Good for you in doing some self-care and rewarding yourself…you deserve both.

[neva]

That’s great to hear SG!  You’re an inspiration!

[neva]

Dear ican and Vera, the only way to protect yourselves is to make sure you can’t get to cash when the stinkin’ thinkin’ hits. It’s painful, upsetting and you feel like you’re giving up your independence but believe me, when there is absolutely no way to get money, it will be a whole lot easier…not easy but easier. I still get a little miffed when I can’t go to Pappa Murphy’s pizza unless I have cash (they don’t take American Express or checks) but enough other places do.  I wish I could carry cash and have a debit card like other people but I know it’s just leaving the door open for a gambling spree. Good for both of you willing to start again.  You’re both in my prayers too.

[neva]

Happy Birthday R2C and congratulations on 90 days.  You’ve given yourself the best possible gift.  Enjoy every minute of turning older and wiser!

[neva]

Way to go RG!!!  I’m so happy for you and all of us that made it through all of the month or just a large portion of the month.  Progress!

[neva]

We’re moved into our new home.  I love it and feel so blessed every time I walk in the door. It’s been hectic though and we still have to get our little house emptied and cleaned.  We might have a buyer but I don’t want to show it until it looks as good as it can.  That will be a relief to get rid of it!  We’ve had a ton of company but I think this weekend should be quiet. I’m hoping to get the windows cleaned and all the sticky things off of them. We still need to get the patio poured and a side walk.  money money money…but money well spent.
I was so happy to see payday today.  I think I’ll run to Home Depot and get a window cleaner kit with a long handled squeegee.  I’m just popping in to ****** you that I am not gambling and just taking care of things.  Life is really good for me at the moment.  I hope the same for all of you.

[neva]

Just a quick post to say I haven’t been gambling…like I used to when I disappeared from posting.  Been so busy with the house.  We should be in next weekend but I haven’t chosen an internet service yet so don’t know if I’ll be back for a few weeks.  I had a wonderful weekend with my sister’s family.  My life is in a great place right now.  I know it’s all possible because my time and money isn’t being consumed by gambling.  Happy Mother’s Day to all.
 

[neva]

May 12th.  Happy Mother’s Day to all us mothers. I’m still in for May…no time or money to gamble.  Hope everyone has a great gamble free Sunday!

[neva]

No gambling but lots of thinking about how easy it is to ‘flip the switch’ on a gambling binge. Guess I know to keep the barriers in place just in case.

[Author]

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