I have huge past regrets too. I daydream about the wonderful place I would be in life if I hadn’t gambled. But I try to remind myself that I cannot know how life would have been. I may have had other bad experiences, I may have been hit by a bus and dead already! Who knows? Who cares? It is a complete waste to speculate and ruminate on what might have been. When these thoughts come, I try to gently remind myself to instead think of all the good thing s I can appreciate in my current life, however small, and be thankful for them in a humble way. I also try to refocus on goals for the future, and small steps I can take toward achievement of those goals. I have learned that I can be a bit happier if I take these steps.
Gambling is evil to me. It drags me into a painful past. But only if I decide to let it. I am determined to leave it behind, and take control of my present instead.
I know how you feel, been there many times. Don’t give up, and remember that by working on yourself each day there is a brighter future for you. Be patient, and believe that the pain will subside as time passes.