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Gazing at the Crib and the Christmas tree in awe and wonder is exactly what I do too, Monica. Despite all the toil and hardship in the lead up to Christmas, every worry suddenly pales into insignificance when we sit back and enjoy the fruit of our hard labour.
Advent is a time of anticipation and Great Hope when we rejoice in the coming of our Saviour
I love Christmas.
This is exactly opposite to how we view life following a day/night of terror and stress spent gambling.
When we have peace of mind, everything suddenly lights up and comes to life.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS Monica
( I will keep your brother-in -law in the Christmas prayers)

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Doesn’t it give you a great sense of hope and freedom, I-D-I, to be suddenly aware that you are no longer compelled to do something that you know, in your heart and soul is going to cause you grief and anguish?

The spell is broken.

You are free.

The “rare and valuable” coin in your dream represents the “win” you were seeking for so long and what do you know you already had it!

The “precious jewel ” was in your possession all along and you thought it was worthless.

The key to the prison is yours. Unlock that door!

Isn’t the unconscious mind an amazing tool!

Keep a cool head.

You are on the home run…..you did it!

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…there is no quick fix for this addiction, Ady.
We can’t go over, under or around it. We need to move through it.
It can be slow. I can be bleak.
It can be painful but I can assure you that , although you don’t see it now, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Be patient.
Keep posting.

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Thanks, Sean, Kin , Lizbeth.
I feel calmer. Less overwhelmed. I’m dealing with the foreboding that haunted me for weeks.The fog is clearing.
I’m re entering reality slowly and beginning to connect with people again.
Being self excluded means I am less inclined to be tempted to “try my luck”.
There are of course lots of “First World” issues that would be nice to escape from. A few hours in the G zone has been my escape in the past , but the issues would be magnified, not solved, by gambling.
I need to keep a clear head. I’m making lists. The countdown to Christmas starts tomorrow-shopping lists, final presents to be wrapped, cards written, baking, cooking, preparing food in advance. All the things “normal” people do at Christmas and most importantly for me is the Spiritual preparation, which is the real reason for all the hustle and bustle.
I never have time to gamble at Christmas so the message is when we are busily focused on other things , gambling won’t enter our minds.
Today was a proactive day.
I have every day planned from now until Christmas.
No plans to gamble.
Standing at the check out in shops is less scary when you know your card won’t be declined.
I never again want to put myself through the hell I lived through for the last six months.
It is never worth risking life and limb “just for kicks”.
I pray that I have outgrown this addiction.
I can’t bear to waste another minute of my life performing acts of self torture .
I’m tired!

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Physical pain does strange things to the mind, Monica.
I hope the rehab programme works.
Do you get a week’s leave over Christmas?
Would pain killers (if you’re taking them) have caused you to be muddled?
Rest should help but I know how frustrating it is to be looking at the space where the Christmas tree should be and not be able to erect it.
Would you call on Pete to help or is he persona non grata in your house?
Knowing you, it will all level out.
Money worries are linked to back pain as per Louise Hay.

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You were on my mind a lot lately, Liz
My thoughts ran like this…Success in recovery is not just about having barriers and resisting urges it is about saying no to ourselves.
When the thought arises we can either resist or succumb.
Once we put that thought into action, there is no turning back.
So the bottom line (in my thoughts) is that you are not a strong or weak person. You are an unselfish person, Liz.
That trait affects every aspect of our lives.
Self gratification can be overcome through practice.
Our vices can be become our virtues .
You are a clear example of that.
You have my admiration.
God bless!

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Steve, did you settle in your new “home”” in Nantes?
I hope it’s warm and safe and in a suitable location and you can “ferme porte”.
Is the transport strike over yet?

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Thanks for your kind consideration and thoughtfulness, Kin.
I am stopped gambling.
In a bit of a daze still.
My head is frazzled.My sleep is shot. Health below par. My bank account is in a total mess.
But ALL IS WELL!
The house is decorated on the downstairs level.
Still need to clear the upper areas.
One day at a time
I think it’s over a week since my last gambling escapade.
It is like a different world really.
Thank you too, IDI
and Seanraj.
I will catch up on other threads sometime.
Just for today I will act normally sorting out presents/cards/baking/shopping.
Just for today I will not gamble.

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Happy 30th Birthday, Stephen (O! to be 30 again!!)
Condolences on the tragic death of your friend. Doesn’t it put life in perspective?
Gambling is such a waste of precious time.
I hear you on the “loneliness”.
Gambling fills a void and when we stop, that void remains.
One word of advice/caution from an “old timer”, Stephen.
Don’t look in the wrong places for happiness or fulfillment.
Knowing why we are here on earth will answer all our questions and help to fill our desires.
Be patient!

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I can feel stress rising in my system as I read about your dilemma, Steev.
I hope you will be reimbursed promptly.
Can you get an internal flight?

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….is amazing, IDI.
Ignore the Gossip Mongers.

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Я отвел глаза от пресловутого мяча, и сточные воды попали в кондиционер … Мораль истории: компьютерные игры не могут играть в азартные игры, и мы (я / я / я) не можем выполнять обещания.

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Took my eye off the proverbial ball and the effluent hit the air conditioner……
The moral of the story , CGs Cannot gamble, nor can we (I/myself/me)keep promises.

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Well done, Joe!
A marvelous achievement!

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is very different from “heavy” gambling, Kin.
People who gamble heavily can walk away, win or lose.
With a compulsion, we cannot do that.
We HAVE to go back.
That’s why we have to say NO to the next bet.
Gambling has no control over us unless we place that first bet.
When we do, we becomes slaves.
Gambling controls us from that moment on.
Today , I will NOT allow gambling to steal one moment of my time. one cent of my money or one iota of my peace.
I hope and pray you will say the same.
Thanks for posting to my thread, Kin.

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