Gambling Addiction & Recovery Support Group
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 few people described by the term experience true compulsions in the clinical sense of the word. Problem gambling often is defined by whether harm is experienced by the gambler or others rather...
Yesterday, I traveled with a friend by bus to the path of totality of the Great American Eclipse. We only decided to go about two weeks ago. We are only 70 miles from the path, and it would cost of less than $30 each. We were warned that we might get caught in traffic going or getting back, that it might be cloudy, that it might be smokey (forest fires) and that we might just have a bum trip. It amazes me how a diverse group of people can think of all the negative things that can go wrong, not a one had any imagination about what might go horribly right.
Despite the naysayers, my friend and I embarked onto the bus at 7AM yesterday. We watched the eclipse with about 700 others in a huge city park (90 acres) where no one felt crowded. It was relaxing, it was awe inspiring, it was almost spiritual. Afterward we walked to a great resturant, lunched then toured the state buildings my friend had never seen, then on to pioneer museum.
The bus had no traffic on the way and we were delayed about an hour on the way back for several accidents on the freeway. But sitting in an airconditioned bus with Wi-Fi is not my idea of torture. We exercised, we ate, we learned, we bonded, we laughed and played and had a good time. We did not gamble one cent! And frankly did not think about it. All those who stayed at home, in fear of bad things, have nothing to talk about today.
For me I felt that this eclipse mirrorer my own growth in that the eclipse of gambling on my life has passed and I am free!
2 years 9 months 14 days gamble free. Have a wonderful day all, I know I will, hugs and prayers.
Alas, I was one of the Debbie downers on travel for the short spectacle. We had somewhat of an eclipse experience here, but I found myself bumbling about as I had a) not gotten the glasses b) not reached out to/found people to celebrate or do anything with c) was at a loss for any exuberant experience!
What recovery has been showing me most lately, is how LAZY is a large character defect of mine.
Some of it revolves around my mood swings -- I can be totally amped to do something at noon for that evening, then come 6pm I am 100% out.
This has led to me NOT PLANNING. Not scheduling. Not committing. And I am beyond frustrated w / the course my life has been on.
With the gambling, this fit my world PERFECTLY. I could just jump in the car on the whim (which happened quite often toward the end), wanted to be solo anyway, and make the LAZY choice of gambling - dealing w/ destruction later or not at all.
Now I don't have that option. My existence entails quite a bit of depression, of not planning (feeling INABILITY to plan) and living a boring existence of too much food, too much tv, more depression.
6 months ago - I was coming on a year gamble free and felt 100% different. I was MAKING things happen. This difference -- I have stopped smoking for nearly 5 months now and I MISS the energy/ activation it provided and the appetite suppression it provided......
Sorry to smash the fun and good experience of your post. I just am coming to a lot of realizations in the stream of this journaling.
ANY input much appreciated. I'm right behind you on the path of abstinence from gambling, thus A BETTER LIFE with that alone!
1) Making plans (some with others and some just for me)
2) Following through on plans
3) Preparing in case plan falls through (having plane B,C and D or prepared to do nothing.)
4) Exercising my body and my mind
5) Eating right
6) Sleeping well
7) Maintaining/expanding a social life
8) Taking time to pray/meditate/do artwork
9) Read affirmations
10) Be grateful for what I have (count blessings)
11) Stop all criticism - from others and from myself
12) Find something to laugh about every day
13) Try to do something for someone else every day
(I am 3 months off cigarettes)
Daily, I make an effort to remember vividly my worst days gambling, and the worst consequences from gambling, they are ultimately what keep me abstinent.
Celebrating your peace of mind today, and you gifting that along ;)