Busy Day
I had a busy day today with AAU basketball. It kept my mind off of gambling, and it was nice spending the day with friends. Tomorrow, I have AAU basketball as well. The only difference is we play pretty near one of the casinos that I used to go to. I know that I will not go there because I have no desire to have to start all over from Day 1 again, and I will have a friend with me who will not let me stop, but it sometimes triggers memories of the days that I used to gamble. I just keep telling myself over and over again that they are bad memories and they almost destroyed me. Why would I want to go to a place that almost destroyed my life and everything that I hold dear to me? I know that I will be fine. I just get annoyed that I have these gambling thoughts. I just wish that they would go away and that I would never ever think of a casinos or slot machines ever again! Oh, well! I will just have to make the best of it and enjoy my day with my friends and watching basketball. I don't think that sounds like such a bad day. I just need to focus on what I can do, instead of what I can't do, or what is unhealthy for me. I am very determined to get my life back together and become a healthy person.
Replies
Hey Sue-
Near isn\'t the same as being in there. I initially struggled with that very same thing- in fact, the place where I gambled is about 5 minutes from my house, which I think facilitated me in falling into the depths... The fact of the matter is that gambling is everywhere, so you\'ll need to be able to build and keep the resolve to recognize the hazard and temptation, but to move beyond the temptation and take a bit of pride in doing so. When I drive by the place now I usually have a smile on my face because I am driving by and that I can drive by without feeling the \"pull\" to turn in.
There\'s a basic rule in GA of not testing or tempting yourself and not going in or near gambling establishments- I think that\'s a very, very sound rule, but perhaps the latter was easier to accomplish 10 or 20 years ago than it is now. Unfortunately, our resolve and fortitude must be a bit higher these days.
Hang in there!
Jay