[SuperstarDJ]

Today’s realisation is that it is really nice not constantly thinking about when the racing starts or when the dogs begins today. So much wasted time over years and years looking up odds and trying to win when the only outcome is always losing. Makes me feel positive. Next milestone is a month which I have only ever managed three times I think? Feels good. I want this time to be different

[SuperstarDJ]

Horrible day at work. Noticed today that I don’t yet feel like a non gambler, I feel like a gambler who isn’t gambling right now. I guess you can’t feel like the latter without the former!

[SuperstarDJ]

Another successful day. I’m finding it easier to not think about gambling at all when I am with my family, rather than when I am at work. I actually LIKE not gambling. I get so much done. Need to remember this post next time the urges come. I like not going back to day 1 all the time!

[SuperstarDJ]

Yes stress is a classic trigger and I run away from confrontation. I think going to a coffee shop and pending £2.50 on a latte is going to be my coping mechanism 

[SuperstarDJ]

A lovely family day in store today. No time for mind wandering or thinking about gambling. Three weeks ago I couldn’t have done a weekend day without gambling, let alone three whole weekends without gambling, so I am feeling positive about that.

[SuperstarDJ]

Annoyed with myself as after a stressful meeting today I went into the bookies. Did not come close to gambling but I just sat in there, almost to hide. I need to go to a coffee shop or just have a walk instead. First time I have been in for 2 weeks. Trying to stay positive and not be too hard on myself as I have now not gambled for 22 days.

[SuperstarDJ]

Great day today. Daughter started school and I am proud that I have kept my promise from three weeks ago. And today – no gambling, no sitting in the bookies, no watching racing, no looking up odds. No real urges either. A good day all round.

[SuperstarDJ]

Hi – yes I strongly advise you delete it. I have no gambling apps or racing results on my phone now. It’s an important barrier. Earlier advice said think about doing something else completely – so next time this happens to me I am going to exercise / read / watch a film / cook something / do something nice with my family / do a puzzle. Well done on day 12 – keep going! 

[SuperstarDJ]

Couple of issues today. First thing this morning I was having breakfast and watched a single Australian horse race. Turned it off and didn’t bet but again I need to stop putting it on in the first place. Going to listen to radio tomorrow morning and leave the TV off! Secondly this afternoon I could feel my mind wandering and thinking how nice it would be to have a bet on the horses. Didn’t come close to acting on it, but shows I have a long way to go to crush thoughts as discussed above.

[SuperstarDJ]

I said I would always be honest. I need to work on crushing thoughts of gambling, not just gambling. Looked at the racing results yesterday on line – for about a minute – before stopping myself. Didn’t gamble but the thought of looking up odds and winners is not what gamblers do. So that’s my thing to work on for the rest of the week.

[SuperstarDJ]

I have just read your thread so far and wanted to say well done! When you are on your own – do something completely unrelated to gambling. Movies are a great idea! Keep doing what you are doing and all the best! 

[SuperstarDJ]

Day off work today with my family. Lovely time. Pleased with myself for not gambling on the American football last night. I loved doing that so the start of the season was a big test – I can honestly say I did not look at the odds at all. And even if I did I have no account to bet with. Keeping this diary going, and my barriers strong is key to long term success. I keep telling myself day 18 is easy though, as I have got this far about 5 times before. So no complacency.

[SuperstarDJ]

HORRIBLE dream last night. Dreamt I had a ton of money on an American golf match bet. I hadn’t looked at odds or anything. It was so vivid and so real. Thank goodness it wasn’t. I don’t remember dreams like that at all when I have not gambled in the past. It was almost like a panic attack when I woke up. If it happens again I need to get up and reset completely before trying to go back to sleep.

[SuperstarDJ]

Very stressful day yesterday. Until recently that would have ended up with me in the bookies but not now. Had a few urges but crushed them by doing some hard work. Family time at the weekend today, I’d rather cook my wife a nice meal and play with my kids than gamble. Off to take my daughter to swimming soon.

[SuperstarDJ]

Feeling a little bit low this morning for no particular reason. I am doing well. I am not looking at odds or thinking about what I could bet on. Yesterday I had a couple of urges in the afternoon and evening but stopped them by doing something else – work, made a cup of tea, hoovered, that sort of thing. Maybe deliberately choosing something else to do at the point the urge is triggered, rather than waiting for it to pass, is a good strategy.

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