Hello folks,
I'm now three weeks free from games.
A lot has changed in that time. I', now past the huge need to catch up sleep I experienced in the first week.
I've found the Saturday Skype calls a huge inspiration, has helped think about things I would not otherwise and it has helped to keep me on the straight and narrow.
I haven't found myself craving games too much. There has been the odd flash of thoughts about my game of choice when words I see remind me of stuff in game. You also have to love google adverts for showing you links to games you used to play.
It isn't just games I have started to sort out. I was getting into some messy habits, going to bed late, then being tired in the morning so eatting lots of rubbish to fuel myself through the day on a sugar rush. I was going through bags of sweets a day to keep it all going which in the long run wasn't going to end in a happy way.
At the same time I stopped playing and signed on here, I started running again and cut out all sweets. I've managed to lose 4kg in 3 weeks, I feel a heck of a lot better for it and it's nice to feel positive about the choices I have been making.
I've been thinking about a challenge for 2014. I have been meaning to climb a proper mountain for a few years now and I realise that gaming is what was sabataging me getting fit enough to do this. I've done some initial research and I think it's doable for Summer next year if I can stay focused on building up my running over Winter.
I'm in the process of having my flat decorated. I've been putting it off for a long while. It's been quite a lot of disruption and I'm pretty fed up with the smell of paint but it will all be over soon and the place looks a lot better now. Just carpets to sort out this weekend and then I'm done.
It's pretty clear to me that I am filling my time with lots of doing which is having lots of positive effects, but I am conscious I can't keep going like this as I will burn out. I need to find a way to relax, something I've struggled with in the past. Does anyone have any ideas?
I need have a proper look through the 12 steps as I am not following them in a focused way.
So that's my update after three week.
All the best.
James.
Congrats on 3 weeks James! And thanks for sharing your successes with us.
What you feed grows, and what you starve withers away.
Nice update, it's good to see that you are staying productive and managing your free time. I recommend doing something simple to relax: Read a book, watch a movie, maybe go out for a night with some friends. Fun stuff that put too much stress on you, yet can give you a momentary diversion from the work you are doing.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Prayer for the Day: Higher Power, help me to be realistic about the challenge I'm facing and to take good care of myself. If you need help PM me! I will gladly offer you whatever aid I can.
Thanks for updating. I notice I take a LOT better care of myself when I am not gaming too. I eat better, actually cook meals for myself, and exercise. My favorite exercise is listening to a short story on MP3 and going for a nice long walk.
Grats on running, that is hard! I'll be honest I bought some running shoes but I havn't used them much. I need to make it a part of my routine!
Go for the mountain. :) It is an amazing experience. I did that myself recently. It was something I wanted to do ever since I went into recovery. I wanted to accomplish something. I think that games give us a sense of accomplishment and that we need those feelings in real life. It took me 7 hours and over 21 miles but I did it. Keep us updated!
Xande
Free from gaming since 12/23/2013
Free from marijuana since 12/30/2013
Loving life and living it!
Well done Betterlife!
I works if you work it, so work it, you are worth it!
And live it....
Olga/non member since Dec. 2008 Check out my latest video on Gaming Addiction and public awareness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-6JZLnQ29o
Hello folks,
Checking in with my 4th week update.
I'm still game free which is great. Sleep has been all over the place at times, going from one day sleeping for hours and then not falling asleep until the early hours. My body still seems to be working through stuff.
The past week has been good. As I've mentioned on the Saturday call, I've been having my flat decorated and it's become a metaphor for my recovery in many ways. Whereas before "I didn't have enough time" to focus on having a nice home, I've now been able to focus on it. I've always been a bit embarassed by the state of my flat, soon I won't have anything to be ashamed of :)
I've also been throwing away lots of clutter. There's something therapeutic about doing it!
I've been a bit under the weather the last few days so I haven't been running. I have wretched recurring sinus issues which is very frustrating so I am trying to take it easy.
I do have some regrets about how I've wasted a lot of the last 12 years but at the same time, I want to make the most of now.
I look forward to hearing from you all on the Saturday Skype call (will be my one month anniversary!)
That's all for now,
James.
Hi James,
Thanks for the update, keep up the good work!
Maggie
It's good to have goals and dreams, but while you're waiting for things to change, waiting for promises to come to pass, don't be discontent with where you are. Learn to enjoy the season that you're in--Pastor Joel Osteen
Hello folks,
I just wanted to put a quick message on here to say that I am sorry I haven't been around much.
I have been tryng to organise some quite big building work, which with work at year end has meant I haven't had any time for anything really.
Not hugely happy at the moment and pretty tired but I am ok.
I hope everyone is well,
James.
Glad you came by, James. Come back when you can stay longer! hugs
Acceptance. When I am disturbed, it is because a person, place, thing, or situation is unacceptable to me. I find no serenity until I accept my life as being exactly the way it is meant to be. Nothing happens in God’s world by mistake. Acknowledge the problem, but live the solution!