Hmmmmmm... my best piece of GA advice? Actually, it was more about a feeling of hope; a realization that I was not alone.
The message about living one day at a time was a perfect piece of advice. Simple. I heard how other people used this simple bit of advice to build time between today and their last bet. At the time, my first meetings, I didn't realize as the the days pass the urge to gamble fades and life becomes better. Today I know this is true.
For today I will not gamble, because gambling is a form of isolation for me, a very damaging and dangerous one. Because gambling leads to lying to people I love and need in my life. Because gambling leads to insanity for me, and I know this.
Good post; I love a post that makes me think. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you these posts inspire me. I called last night got as far as my name and listened. My second call just listening. Lady on phone knew I was there but I couldn't speak. Guess I'm embarrassed that I got to this point. I know I should have done at least the 20 questions. I did them myself when someone else was taking them. I only got 4 yes. We had a long family chat about why I decided in last few months to dump $$ into slots. We know why thank god. Now can heal. Nice to know it's not an addiction. I will call Wednesday again, not sure can talk tho. Thank you for these posts. God Bless

it's ok, i dont talk alot, i like to listen, and im ok w/that....i tell my friends my issues and that's good for me...for now, i may need more help as days go on, but whatever works for YOU, we all have a diff way of recovery

For me, One Day At A Time, was powerful, in that I learned to concentrate on the present, not the past or the future, but be fully aware now. The second most important, lifestyle changing thing I learned in GA is HALT. For those who are unfamiliar with AA or GA, this stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely and Tired. It is what we must question when we feel triggered to engage in our addiction, often these basic needs, when unfulfilled, make us want to run to our addiction. For myself I have a few other things that are not as basic that I check on when I have a thought to gamble or an urge: Am I bored, sad, need to celebrate, need to feel useful, in need of spiritual communion with my Higher Power, and/or confused. These were the basis of my first Relapse Prevention Plan: What will I do from now on when I am Hungry? Eat something nutritious, (not junk food), when I am angry, I will journal, when I am lonely I will call or visit a friend, when I am bored I will take out the art supplies, etc.
What it does it make one tune in and listen to your body, mind and emotions, things I had been tuning out for several decades during my active addiction. Being mindful and fully present in the moment has been what has helped me change my life and continues to help me be honest and authentic with myself and others.
Thanks for posting this ItsJustMeAgain, I do not often get to participate in the call-in and a post about subject matter sort of makes the meeting continue in a more informal way.

no problem, you guys have helped me so much, glad to do it.

Thank you, I do enjoy listening and hearing others stories. I will continue to call and do that. I don't get urges to gamble ever, never did. It was like a job to me I needed money to pay bills. So I went if I won I paid them if I didn't, well then next week I will try again. Now I don't try, now I don't have to try. Now I can be me again. And I'm ok with that. I also talk to friends, they help a lot. I'm thankful for this website and the people who share here. I know I'm not alone and I feel good.

Thanks for posting what the call was about.

I think listening to other people's stories & struggles with gambling addiction has helped me the most. It's comforting to know that I'm not alone in recovery... That there are many other CG's like me learning to live again through the process of recovery.

Also, one day at a time is a tremendous help too. When I first started to try to abstain from gambling, it was so overwhelming to me that "wow, I'm never going to gamble again". It's too much for me to wrap my brain around that. But, I can do one day at a time. It makes it doable. They say that with any goal you should have a written plan & break it down into manageable steps, or mini goals. Jay, who used to be on here regularly, used to say: How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. I think in still on his big toe LOL but hey, we will all get there one day at a time.

Peace to all my friends here on DS & all CG's doing one day at a time :D