Can cope at last

cantcope

Ga meetings are going great. It was an open meeting this week and my mum came along. I think she was very surprised at some of the things she heard but am really glad she came.

Am starting to realise i need to go for the rest of my life and that it's not a quick fix.

People were getting awards for going 1 year, 2 years etc. And i sooooo want a one year pin and i am determined to get it too

Baileys_Babe

cantcope, you now appear to be coping with the help of your supportive family. You also have realised that you addiction is life long and are wanting to deal with this. Your post is a positive inspiration to others, congratulations to all you have acheived.

Anastacia

Just reading about your GA meetings & it dawned on me you are right. We all want quick fixes to everything, dont we. Crash diets & instant spending power, instantly give up gambling, drugs, shop-lifting or whatever and then everything will be okay & we can get back to normal. But if we want things to change than we have to make real lifelong changes with the committment it requires. Small shifts in everyday life. I am having time to think at the moment ( a bit too much time actually, I am not a person who should live alone i think) as OH is away visiting family & the kids are at a summer camp,and I am going to try to follow your lead and make plans for some changes.

Very inspirational post, thats Cancope, maybe I can can cope too.

Anastacia
xx

spud30

Cantcope,

I think its time you changed your name love.

You seem to be coping really well :T

cantcope

Don't know how to change my name. Maybe i should go back to using my old account. This one was set so that if my folks read the posts they wouldnt know it was me.

Dont wanna lose all my thanks lol

cantcope

Quick update.
Things are going GREAT! Am now used to not having much money spare, although i was up to my eyes in debt i always drew money out after i'd paid off my cc's so never really felt like i was broke.

But now when i see my debt graph on a downwards slant it makes the sacrifice so worth it. Have even managed to treat myself to a few bits here and there.

Managed to get a magazine subscription, Blockbusters vouchers and RAC cover with my clubcard vouchers and have had some good fortune (karma i think for stuff i've done for other recently). I placed an ad on freecycle for an exercise bike and someone emailed me saying they had one i could have for free. They live 5 minutes away too. Going to get it tomorrow.

Trying to save a bit more money and my health by not smoking. Its been 9 days today and i'm feeling ok. Just keep thinking about the new party dress i can buy at christmas if i dont smoke. And the fact i could dave anough for a holiday next year.

Folks have agreed if i dont smoke i should use the money for treats while i am paying such a huge amount off my debt each month.

Hope people who read this get some comfort. From the depths of despair i now see a beautiful future.

snoozer

What a great post. So many people on here advise parents not to help out their children in debt, but you are showing that it can be a positive step to take.

I for one could not stand by if I knew my son or daughter was in desperation, I would give them every penny I could to help them.

cantcope

Thanks snoozer. My mum was made to feel terribly guilty after helping me out by the members at the gamanon meeting. She never went back.

I've never asked them for help before and i'm 31 now, always managed on my own so this is the first time they've helped me out. I'm sure she is feeling better about it seeing as i've paid back such a massive chunk already.

I'll show her your post later, i'm sure it will make her feel better

cantcope

Thought it was time for an update.

Things are going really well for me. I actually have money in my purse that is just for me, for whatever i want to spend it on.

I am moving back to my parents at the end of January for a year (personalities permitting) which means i can clear my debt completely. Provided i dont bet. Thats a big enough incentive for me at the moment not to do it again.

I'm actually looking forward to moving home for a year. Be nice to have some company and comforting to know that by feb 08 i can start afresh with no debt.

I am looking forward to Christmas so much. I have bought all of my gifts and cannot wait to give them out.
My story was so different this time last year. I spent xmas eve and new years eve home alone. Bought my presents on xmas eve with vouchers i had "won" and was generally pretty miserable the whole period. This year i am out with friends all over the break and have enough money i've saved from smoking less and penny pinching where i can.

I hope this gives someone a bit of inspiration that things can only get better. I still have bad days and still have the usual crap. Only this weekend equifax have taken £70 from my account which they shouldnt have to there's a battle i need to confront tomorrow.

Life is good. Great even.

Wishing everyone on here a Happy Christmas x

james32_uk

Well done! :kisses3: