Day 1 of 100 for dad of 3

[Octane79]

Still going strong in the 100 day challenge.

At the moment, all purchases and expenditure is discussed with my wife and paid by cash or by her cc.

Yesterday I went to the dentist for the first time in 4 years for a general clean and checkup. A lot of build up of plaque and tartar and it was extremely painful scraping it all off... a metaphor for my gambling none the least.

The journey continues as I reinvent myself...

[Ila123]

Good work @Octane79 !!

Keep it up

[Octane79]

Over the half way point and no urges to date! Making changes to lifestyle and finding hobbies has been refreshing!

SBS has a 4 part doco following aussies trying to overcome their addictions

830pm tonight

https://www.sbs.com.au/guide/article/20 ... uide:tile3

[Octane79]

Day 90 of 100

It will be great to get through to 100 days without gambling before the end of the year. I check in daily with the 100 day challenge App. The 90 days has coincided with me being on sick leave recovering from back surgery.

I’m feeling more strong physically and mentally and the relationship with the Mrs is slowly improving with time....

I can highly recommend the follow podcasts to listen to other people’s gambling stories and recovery strategies.

https://www.aftergambling.com/thepodcast/ (US host)

https://notadollarmore.org.au/ (AUS host)

90 days gamble free... I reflect of my past gambling behaviour everyday to ensure I never go back. I can now look at the behaviours from outside the box, I can’t believe how I was behaving when in the depths of chronic gambling.

There is light on the other side, the more people you tell, the more driven and accountable you will be to quit gambling.

[sherpa09 (facilitator)]

Hi Octane,

Its Sherpa09 here - one of the moderators on the forum. You've shown great strength in sharing your journey and well done on being 90 days gambling free! Well done on your efforts thus far and look forward to your future posts.

Sherpa09.

[Octane79]

Well, my 100 days is up!

My last bet was Sep 11, 2020.

Thanks for the support from everyone on here! The 100 day challenge app really kept me focused on remembering why I am determined to never gamble again after hitting my rock bottom moment this year.

There are so many support services out there! I was able to access a free gambling counsellor the past 3 months but what really helped was listening to other people’s stories and sharing mine.

The hardest part is telling your closest people about your habit. The fear of being judged was always a cloud over my head but having people know will make you feel so liberated and accountable for your actions to quit. I tried so many times to quit after a big loss and doing the ‘walk of shame’ when you’ve exhausted your last cent.

This episode from the After Gambling podcast had so many points I could relate to.

A must listen if you have made the decision to quit gambling for life.
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/t ... 0401799296

I’ll continue my day count for a while yet... after about 60 days, you will actually feel so different and reflect on the behaviours you were exhibiting when you were heavily entranced during your gambling days...

The financial situation has been accounted for. Relationship goals with my wife are still on tender hooks but we are civil and have reconnected somewhat... reestablishing the trust is the biggest thing and will just need more time.

All the best to everyone kicking the habit!

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!

[JB-nsw]

Well done @Octane79 , I wish you all the best for continuing to build that number well beyond 100! Thanks for sharing your story and previous posts, it helps me with my journey.

[Calvin (facilitator)]

You've done an amazing job @Octane79 !
You are now going into 2021 free from gambling!!