Sage advice from a man in a red sweater

Confession: I love Mr. Rogers. He is sorely needed in today's world. He would be the first to remind us that we're not our gambling disorder. We are capable and deserving of loving and being loved, and I find that consciously reminding myself of that has done wonders to help me out of destructive negative self-talk that gambling so often brings upon me.

If you have just a minute, I find this such a useful tool for fixing up the holes I don't need in my heart:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Upm9LnuCBUM&feature=youtu.be&t=88

What a beautiful and moving video . Thank you . I needed that .

I'm glad you were able to get value out of his words, NSR! Gratitude is something that makes me feel effortlessly good every time I practice it.

How have things been going for you?

Pretty busy on the work front , actually . There's a lot of business travel in the next few weeks .That's OK since keeps my mind occupied . Winter has tended to bring on more intrusive thoughts about gambling ( I honestly can't call them urges anymore - there is no strength in them ).

My area hasn't been severely cold but I still get the winter blahs and am eagerly awaiting spring and getting into my garden again . I also had family visit for Christmas/New Year . That was hectic but fun .
I have big plans for this year and my finances are no small part of that . They're much better but it will be a few more years before I can seriously consider retirement . I'll be 60 this year .

I wish us all joy and strength in this coming year .

Oh goodness, I feel ya NSR! I too like how travel keeps me occupied... I'm going to Nashville later this month - the farthest I've ever been from home - so I'm way excited about that. It's for business but my boss is cool and we are planning on going out and having fun when possible.

It's reassuring to know that your "urges" aren't urges anymore. I am starting to relate but I still have a ways to go.

Sixty is the new twenty-one. It's gonna be a great year.