Now what?

I told my story at the beginning of the month about being a compulsive gambler. It started 2 years ago. First I stopped almost all deductions from my pay to maximize my money for gambling. Second, I stopped making payments on my Chapter 13 bankruptcy and moved into an apartment across the street from my job to allow me to have more money for gambling. Third, I started taking money from work for my habit. I hid it for 15 months. Then I hit "the bottom". I confessed to my boss about my addiction and what I had done. I was sent home (that was on June 14). The following week I was called in to talk to investigator and auditor for the company. On June 27th I received a phone call letting me know I was no longer employed.

I have been in extensive outpatience group therapy since June 11. I have been abstinate from drinking and gambling since. They have filled the void in my soul and have helped me termendously.

Now what?
How do you possibly get a job with a termination notice for stealing after being with them 14 years?

I'm sorry to hear what gambling has caused in your life. I hope things get brighter for you. It must be a relief not to be carrying the fear and stress that that secret must have wracked you with. There's freedom and strength in letting go of the illusion you're managing something beyond your control.

Good for you to be in a program. Although it may all seem bleak, the reality is that you've actually just stopped the horror, and once the consequences play out, you're going to be in a far better place than you've been.

Be strong and take credit for saying 'Enough is enough'. That's a mighty big step and you have the right to be proud of yourself for facing your fear and taking back your life.

When you face your problems, life has a tendency to get better. I know it will for you. I'm sending positive thoughts your way and hope the clouds start parting for you and letting the sun back in.

I know it feels like you're never going to find another job and this will follow you around for the rest of your life, but it's just not true. Life is filled with surprises & no one knows what's around the next corner. Just let today happen and don't worry about tomorrow until it's here. If there's one thing I've learned it's that you don't have to dwell on the bad stuff. It will make sure it's noticed all by itself & doesn't need your help. You've made a brave move. Dwell on that. And be proud of your good choice - the first of many, I hope!

Well done and good luck to you.

Okay, so I wrote my message on Jun 29th feeling very sorry for myself. Today is July 13th and I feel so much better that I thought I would share. I made very good money when I had a job and had absolutely no respect for it. (Complete opposite of a greedy person). To me, it was not money it was my means to get my gambling on and THAT WAS ALL I wanted or needed. In this time of unemployment I have learned how to manage my money again. Tho it's not much, it is enough to pay my bills and I even treated myself to get my nails done. I need this lesson and I know when God is ready for me to go out into that great big world, I will treat the money I make from working differently than I was when I was gambling.

I hope that this helps just one person and please don't give up on yourself or your Higher Power!

May God bless you all!