Coming up on 7 weeks GF
"Coming out of the fog", that's how eastwester described it, and it's an accurate description. Each day I feel more present and aware and grateful. Maybe this is what my counselor meant by the honeymoon period.
I broke my wrist about 12 years ago roller skating with my kids, and the pain was intense. Had to have surgery, 4 pins sticking out of my arm and hand supporting this bizarre external stabilizing rod (It was gross looking-I scared small children!). It was 3 months of pain, incapacitation of my right hand, and when it was over I felt this same type of relief. I woke up every morning, wiggled my fingers and flexed my wrist, and thought "Wow!! I love having my life back!". But that intense appreciation didn't last very long, maybe 2 months or so. Then it just became my reality.
But when I talk about that time to someone, even now, I remember that pain and difficulty and I flex my wrist and am thankful once again that my wrist is fully functional. I think that must be the reason so many people who have had successful recoveries still go to GA or continue counseling for years and years. If they don't,they forget just how bad things were, and then the magical thinking begins.
I never went skating again, but there were fleeting moments when I thought, hey, I can try that again, just go slower, know how to fall correctly, etc. I think the same thing could happen with gambling as time goes by.
But right now I'm enjoying my honeymoon! Reveling in it, as a matter of fact. Feeling healthy and optimistic and a lot more grounded. Waking up not in the grips of this compulsion.
Gamble free Thursday!
I broke my wrist about 12 years ago roller skating with my kids, and the pain was intense. Had to have surgery, 4 pins sticking out of my arm and hand supporting this bizarre external stabilizing rod (It was gross looking-I scared small children!). It was 3 months of pain, incapacitation of my right hand, and when it was over I felt this same type of relief. I woke up every morning, wiggled my fingers and flexed my wrist, and thought "Wow!! I love having my life back!". But that intense appreciation didn't last very long, maybe 2 months or so. Then it just became my reality.
But when I talk about that time to someone, even now, I remember that pain and difficulty and I flex my wrist and am thankful once again that my wrist is fully functional. I think that must be the reason so many people who have had successful recoveries still go to GA or continue counseling for years and years. If they don't,they forget just how bad things were, and then the magical thinking begins.
I never went skating again, but there were fleeting moments when I thought, hey, I can try that again, just go slower, know how to fall correctly, etc. I think the same thing could happen with gambling as time goes by.
But right now I'm enjoying my honeymoon! Reveling in it, as a matter of fact. Feeling healthy and optimistic and a lot more grounded. Waking up not in the grips of this compulsion.
Gamble free Thursday!
Replies
Enjoy your honeymoon but always remember your \"aha\" moments. I\'m so happy for you and your progress. :-)
Thanks!
Once I committed to stopping gambling, it is a lot easier and more enjoyable than I ever thought it could be.
And I\'m so happy that you are staying the course! There\'s power in partnership. It seems like there are so many people here that come and go, it\'s really reassuring to know that I can come here and there will always be a few consistent posters, and I\'m grateful to you for being one of them :)