welcome, first of all congrats, its freakin hard to do, second your bday gift to yourself should be a gamble free day, you're almost at the 30 day mark, slowly you brain will start to free itself from the negative pattern if you go back now, you start at day 1

maybe you need a new husband.... ?

read the stories, they all end the same :(

Be good to yourself. Instead of gambling, buy yourself a nice outfit, some self help books, anything that is actually "good" for you, either spiritually, emotionally or mentally.

My birthday was just Wednesday and last year I was at the casino and won, only to go back in a few days and gave it all back, plus more. I was tempted this year, as I could remember last year, but I didn't go and feel so much better about myself. I hope you can say "no" and be good to yourself. Happy Birthday!!!!

Can you think of something you really enjoy and gift yourself with it
some examples I am referring to as possibilities
a yoga class
knitting or crochet lessons
piano or violin lessons
painting classes of some sort

These are things you can throw yourself into and lose yourself, you may meet people and I always find the antithesis of my consuming or compulsions in anything is creativity.
:)
also come here and post lots.

u have to commit to recovery 2000% dear... find new hobbies. they might bore u at first.. just keep doing itm go to meetings.. gamblers anonymous. u will gain friends there and they can give u the insight and share their stories so u can travel this recovery journey as a group. it wont be easy but itl be worth it.

Happy Birthday! And 21 days is amazing.

Isn't it just strange that we think of gambling when we want to celebrate? It's like running to a lover who is so much fun but treats you like garbage when the fun is over.... every single time.

You deserve better for your birthday Cristiana.

Welcome and congrats on 21 days and happy birthday!
Try not to focus on the negative, focus on the positive- I know that sounds stupid right now and it's tough as heck, but you gotta be thankful for what you do have. You have the 21 days without a bet, you have a goal and you are breaking the pattern. Instead of giving in, you're seeking help and making a break.
Keep things simple right now and just don't gamble today. Each day will get a little better.
Jay

I have only 63 days of being gamble free. It is a record for me - I have half-halfheartedly tried quitting many times over twenty years. (I did the same with cigarettes.) I wanted to quit but would've liked either someone else to do it for me or give me a pill that would make my desire for gambling/nicotine magically disappear.
This time I made an all out effort and firm resolve that I wanted to quit. I had to go to support groups and counseling and call help lines almost every day to get past the first 2 weeks. Now I go to a group or counseling 2-3 x per week.
I began right away to find things to do, even if they were not all that enjoyable, that were different than gambling. I do a list of 10-12 things every day to help me keep the urges down and to help remind myself I do not want to go back to gambling.

I start every day now with counting my blessings.

Then I go to this site and at least check in and do some reading. I do not always post everyday beyond check in. I strive to move my body everyday with some mild exercise, I work a assignments from my counselor at least 3 x per week. I make "play dates" at least 2 x per month with friends to do something other than gambling. (Play Cribbage with one, Scrabble with another, another likes to go on easy hikes.)
Sometimes I volunteer - the local food pantry really helps me put money/food in perspective, I think I could have supported our local pantry for 6 years with the money I threw away gambling over the last 18 months. I strive to do something creative 2-3 times per week. It does not have to be a good photo, drawing or poem or whatever, but the act of creating gives your brain something that helps regardless of the quality. (I have a photo of a self-portrait uploaded on this site. It is not a masterpiece but it expressed my feelings at the time.)

I end every day with counting my blessing and thanking my higher power for helping me to have another gamble free day.

By finding things to do when you do not have an urge, it gives your brain another option, a different path to go down when you do have an urge. (Like practicing for a fire drill) For me I had to and still have to WORK every day to achieve my goal of staying gamble free.
Friendships and relationships are some of the most damaging losses due to hours spent gambling. Rekindling friendships or making new ones is essential.
I pray that you find something, anything that fills the emptiness for you. Look for a support group, join a gym, join a book club at the local library - anything that is not gambling.

I started artwork with just coloring in children's coloring books. It helps your mind relax and can be somewhat meditative - Whatever works do it - it it doesn't work try something else. Do not give up. Keep coming back and posting and reading.
Strive for progress not perfection.
(((Hugs)))
No one will ever understand what you are going through than other problem/compulsive gamblers that have been there.

No one will ever understand what you are going through better than ...
(left a word out in above post)