God. I just want to savor that Subject Heading.

2 full months behind me and I'm IN my 3rd month. It's something I just never really believed could be. I know it doesn't sound like much, but I'm talking COMPLETELY gambling free. Not even a a scratch & win. Not even a lotto 649. I'm a bonafide non-gambling fool. Of course, the 'fool' part is much longer than 2 months, but I'm looking on the positive.

It's a Milestone day today so I'm going to be careful, but I'm feeling pretty good. Feeling pretty damned good.

I don't really have a lot to say in this blog but I just wanted to celebrate a date that, to be honest, I wasn't sure would ever happen. AND IT DID! WOOOOT!

I don't have any secret wisdom to share. No game changer trick that worked. Just incredibly good fortune at picking a time to quit that worked out really well. And finding determination to struggle when I needed to and also celebrate when I needed to, too (God knows I needed THAT at times).

Will I succeed in the long term? God, I hope so. That's the plan and I'm not looking for the journey to be 'over' quick or stress-free. It's enough to know that it will be easier and easier, even with the occasional urge. I haven't had one for a few days, so I'm pretty sure I"m overdue, but you know what? They're survivable and growing farther and farther apart. I'm not going to fool myself that I'm 'fixed', I never will be. But I AM going to pronounce myself out of the woods and on the path.

Positive thinking is great during the easy times and strengthens me for the harder times. I don't complain about or fear them anymore. I know that with a little work, I get past them. And seriously, that's enough. After everything that gambling has put me through, that's MORE than enough.

Today, in my 3rd month of freedom, I will not gamble. Never again.

Congratulations!

I've really enjoyed reading your blog along the way.

What a fantastic achievement, youneverknow! Well done, you. I guess you never know what you are capable of until you give it 100 and Ten percent. Success stories like yours are an inspiration for others who are still under the control of their addictions.

Please, though, don't celebrate your success with alcohol.

WitchitaLineman and Nandi,

THANKS! I was just rereading some of my blogs and had no idea there were comments, so I'm sorry if it seemed I ignored your kind words.
I'm now 6 months gambling free now (Today is the start of month 7) and it's been a great ride. Better than any gambling day I ever had.
I didn't know if anyone read these blog posts, so I was quite surprised to see your comments... and grateful.

By the way, Nandi, I didn't celebrate with alcohol - but I DID celebrate! I'm happy to say that alcohol isn't an issue I have to deal with (thankfully).

Thanks again to both of you for your congratulations and comments. VERY appreciated.