The first step 100 days...

[Linda6]

Hi Everyone

Going to try and do this and see how I go.
Going to do it 1 day at a time and hopefully the next time I get paid I will have put some things in place to make my access to cash harder!
Because I think that's key to beating this addiction.

Cheers - L

[BrittV (facilitator)]

Welcome back to the forums @Linda6!

Wishing you strength on your 100 day challenge! We're here for you! Absolutely right - 1 day at a time

Keep us posted - many members feel it helps them feel accountable, especially in these early days

Take care

[jessm86]

Hi Linda,
Good luck with your 100 day challenge
It's definitely not easy, but I find it helps to talk to like minded people. Also have you sought counselling? I was very hesitant to do so at first, but it is the best thing I have done. It has really helped me understand this addiction and the things that led me to gamble in the first place.
Look forward to hearing your updates

[Linda6]

Hi
I have had counselling and lets just say that it was not as helpful as I thought it could be.

But hey they did say I am very self aware, so I know why I do it and unfortunately I will and do gamble until I don't have a dollar to my name and then go searching for more.

Well my Step-Dad lent me $600 to get out of the poo and pay bills, it gets added to the large tab I owe him

My Dad is currently in hospital tonight and because I am home alone, in this scenario I would be at the Casino blowing all that I have because know one would know, but with having lost $800 on Monday I am staying home.
See silver lining I suppose, I also tweaked the way I get paid and now I will only have access to a third of my pay each week, I am hoping that will do the trick and help me break the cycle.

I will keep you posted.

Take care everyone and be kind to yourself

Linda

[dragon007 (facilitator)]

hi @@Linda6

At start it is very hard to rely on will power alone, putting up as many barriers as possible to slow down your gambling can help. For example, self-exclusion, automatic deductions for your bills, and limiting access to cash.

All the best.
Jack23

[Linda6]

Hi Everyone

Well I had to grab a calendar and count how many days its been 19 days. Or how I look at it 2 pay cycles free from gambling.

The separate bank accounts are working and I have money in both, that is mine, now I don't want to waste it, which is funny and sad at the same time because I scrimp and bring my lunch from home to save money and yet I can go and blow my wages on those machines. The irony is not lost on me!

What has also got me thinking is why is this challenge keeping me strong is it the bond and knowledge that I am not alone I wonder?

Feel free to jump in let me know?

Anyways it is and I am so grateful, so off to wash my smelly dog

L

[needing help]

@@Linda6 welcome and thanks for sharing.
Congrats on the pay cycles win! I’m day 2 and dreading the payday.
Stay strong! :)

[BrittV (facilitator)]

congrats linda6, I'm so glad to hear you're doing well and that the money management system is working.

Take care and I hope you're enjoying the no-longer smelly dog! Happy Monday :)

[Linda6]

Hi Everyone

Well another pay day no. 3 and I bought myself a ticket to a show and paid $100 extra of my loan, I was behind $700 and now its down to $428
and I will be able to pay another extra $100 next week too! Got savings as well.

So the test will be the show night, as I will be out on the town, so will have to make sure I have limited funds.
The voice in my head is not so load anymore, it wants to tempt me like its waiting for me to screw this up and I did so the last time I went on this journey. I got cocky and thought ah I'll just play with a $100 and I cleaned out the bank account so 90 days down the drain.

Just wanted to note my milestone.

See yeah - L

[BrittV (facilitator)]

That's an awesome milestone @Linda6 congrats :)
Awesome to hear you were able to buy show tickets, and that you're thinking about what barriers you can have in place for that night.

Stay strong, you're doing great :)