Good afternoon all, and thanks Bettie for checking up on me; it has been both a hectic and grateful past few days — to paraphrase Kathryn’s closing "Experiencing life is a great adventure".
As for the storms and tornadoes, they hit around me and no direct damage was caused like in the areas just a few mile west and east of here. The most damage in my immediate area was tree limes and scattered power outages. And thankfully my family that lives closer to the main path only had a little hail damage.
The airport and small municipalities that got hit also came out on a somewhat positive side; no loss of life or serious energies. I guess I now look at the inconveniences and property loss as minor problems; after surviving my own experience in a devastating "Act of God" (A phrase that I can not understand; crediting uncontrollable and impersonal occurrences of Mother Nature make more since).
Other than being reminded of Katrina, and the much worse storms and disasters that occur around the world, my life has been going well; the benefits of living gambling free keep being manifested in many ways. Another grateful part of these past days includes, and is highlighted by the return of Justin of South Africa to this site and to his path to recovery. I am sorry about his relapse, but at the same time find his gambling a verification of the facts and truth that compulsive gamblers can not gamble for anything. Gamblers Anonymous states it this way:
Can a compulsive gambler ever gamble normally again?
No. The first bet to a problem gambler is like the first drink to an alcoholic. Sooner or later he or she falls back into the same old destructive pattern.
Once a person has crossed the invisible line into irresponsible uncontrolled gambling he or she never seems to regain control. After abstaining a few months some of our members have tried some small bet experimentation, always with disastrous results. The old obsession inevitably returned.
The stories of others also show that one can fight off the urges and live gambling free. It is good to read about the success of others, even with their sharing includes their dealings with the "ordinary"daily problems; we can stop the problems associated with gambling, but not the ones faced while experiencing that adventures of life. It is also good to read about the struggles of some; their courage and determination give inspiration to all of us as it makes them stronger and moves them closer to living the total better life.
Reading the post of another member also added to the hectic side of my past week; seeing that someone is tyring to challenge the addiction and follow the path of some others that disregarded the teaching mentioned in the GA quote above. A friend has decided to experiment with the belief that he is now strong enough to control gambling, that he can gamble on certain occasions or for special reasons. I truthfully wish him well in this endeavor (it seems that this is a thought that stays with us all), but have serious doubts that it will not lead to more devastation — Completely controlling a CG and destroying their life is the "Nature of the Beast". Anyhow, and since I see this more of a gambling experience and not necessarily a recovery one, I will say "Best of Luck".
Like I started this post, the past few days have offered an array of different experiences and feelings; nevertheless, or maybe because of or in spite of, I am still gambling free and enjoying life. Easter was a great time for me spiritually, my GA meetings are a foundation of continued strength, and my being part of this community is a life savor.
I have babbled enough, a little different than my venting and my pledges, but still a tool for me. Thanks for any time that others may take in reading, and hopefully it might be of some help to them as it is to me.
God’s speed. Stay strong. Keep aware. Be true to yourself.LarryThanks to my Higher Power, My 3G’s – God, GA, and GT, "Day Two Is Another Day Behind" and with the help from all , I will continue to remain gambling free.
