What is Gambling Addiction
Compulsive gambling is an urge or addiction to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. A preferred term among many professionals is problem gambling, as f...
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The "Terrible 2's"
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I was going to write in my journal this morning, but I decided to start a discussion instead.
I'm coming up on 2 yrs gambling free, and I've heard this is a turning point for so many. Actually, I've heard that after 2 yrs it's easy to become complacent. Do I believe this? Yes, I do. It happened to me before. Looking back, with "the wisdom to know the difference", I can see that all I had was abstinence, that first time around. I managed to grin & bare it, believing I was doing what was best for others. Today I'm focused on what's best for me. Looking back, I can also remember believing that if I was to focus on myself, I would be seen as a selfish person. I worried more about what others thought of me, than I did of what I thought of myself. Where's the wisdom in that? I did what I had always done, and guess what? Got the same pitiful results. Today I can say, with gratitude, that was then, this is now. Isn't it amazing that the wisdom has been there all along, how could it not be? Time doesn't stop and wait until we're all on the same page, it marches on. The wisdom gathers with age, what we do with that wisdom is up to us. Amazing! In the beginning of my recovery, I was baffled by the concept of "the wisdom to know the difference", but I slowly began to have faith, that if I carefully focused on my courage & serenity, "the wisdom to know the difference" would kick in. I don't want to think about the negative aspects of what the next yr could bring. Heck, I don't want to think about tomorrow, not to hard, anyway. I've enjoyed every single day of my recovery, for without it, I know I'd still be in that dark place, trapped in my own mind. So, if anyone has anything to add to my almost 2 yr discussion, I know I look forward to reading it. I also know of a couple people who are almost there with me, the 2 yr mark. Please know that if this is day 1 or day 100, we are all here for the same reason, recovery. It's possible. Grateful Hugs to all & Just for today, I will not gamble. Posted on 10/08/09, 10:10 am |
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Hi Robin .. My original first '2' years was about 'getting on my feet again. The bet lay in the recess of my mind.
I gambled because "I" wanted to. It came with boredom. Complacency ; but then I did not 'believe I 'was that 'bad. 'I found out . "I" was THAT BAD. I could not place a bet of any kind , anytime, anywhere at anything. It was never Enough. That was the Lesson waiting for me after my first '2 years of so called recovery from daily gambling. Today I have passed through ''3-- two year marks. And the only reason I say that is in sharing about the '2' year thingie. My most important time is : THE 24 HOUR MARK. for me. Every day is My goal to achieving time away from the 'bet'.. Be well. Good entry on discussion . am glad I could add my '2 cents.. lol.. or was it '2 years.. lol.. love ya . October 28 eh . SAndra gams5.. 
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Thank you, gams :)
I'm not afraid of the 2 yr mark, that's for sure. It's all been about one day at a time for me. Living my life one day at a time has enabled me to enjoy living, to embrace it. God has been good to me. Love you all xo
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Hi Robin, It is always my pleasure reading your posts and your discussions. You are such a bountiful, inspiration to me and I know to others here at daily strength. Your courage, your wisdom, your knowledge, your time is very appreciated and admired by many. I am also gamble free 5 months now, and I know that I can do it. I have faith in myself, and that is whay I rely on; my faith in me and GOD's faith in me. It is more than enough, if only like you said, we would have or could have taken notice sooner. The beauty in it all is knowing that no matter who we are or what we have done, GOD still loves us and we MUST love ourselves. Thank you again and God Bless You and Your beautiful family! mamabear21
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The 2 yr mark....looms before me....Jan 1 will be my 2 yrs free from gambling. About that time I should be on schedule to reach another milestone in my financial recovery. Will I be tempted to go back to gambling when the wolf has been chased from my door?
I don't plan to forget the devastation compulsive gambling put me in....I don't plan to forget the fear, shame, regret, and depression I lived in. My goal is to keep on the path, to remember the bad, and to keep myself working on a better life, better relationships, and especially, a better ME. Without you and the other beautiful people here, I would not be about to celebrate 2 yrs of recovery. I cannot do this alone. So tonight, I am counting my blessings...and realizing I can never withdraw, never return to the old gambling days without going back to the pain. Instead, I choose a life worth living....a life of recovery....a life aimed toward values and goals that are worthwhile. Thanks to everyone here, I am not alone, and I will be much less likely to sink back into self-delusion and despair. Wishing everyone strength, peace, and joy.... Dianne
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