I will try to live through this day only and not tackle my whole life problem at once...
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Does gambling affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt sorry after gambling?
5. Do you ever gamble to get money for paying debts or to solve other financial difficulties?
6. Does gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing do you feel that you must return as soon as possible to win back your losses?
8. After a win do you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Do you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?
10. Do you ever borrow to pay for your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to pay for gambling?
12. Are you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenses?
13. Does gambling make you careless of the welfare of your family?
14. Do you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed, or thought about committing, an illegal act to pay for gambling?
17. Does gambling make you have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations give you an urge to gamble?
19. Do you ever have the urge to celebrate good luck by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self destruction as a result of your gambling?
Most compulsive gamblers will answer "Yes" to at least seven of these questions.
Just for Today, I will be happy. This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said, that "most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."
Just for Today, I will adjust myself to what is, and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my "luck" as it comes and fit myself to it.
Just for Today, I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be a mental loafer. I will read something that requires mental effort and concentration.
Just for Today, I will exercise my soul in three ways. I will do somebody a good turn and not get found out. If anybody knows of it, it will not count. I will do at least two things I do not want to do - just for exercise. I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt; they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.
Just for Today, I will be agreeable, will look as well as I can, dress becomingly, talk low, act courteously, criticise not one bit, not find fault with anything and not try to improve or regulate anybody except myself.
Just for Today, I will have a program. I may not be able to follow it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.
Just for Today, I will have a quiet half hour all by myself, and relax. During this half hour, some time, I will try to get a better perspective of my life.
Just for Today, I will be unafraid, especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.
Questions and "Just for Today" courtesy of Gamblers Anonymous.
For Gamblers Anonymous, or Gam-Anon (for families of
gamblers) in New South Wales, ring (02) 9564-1574 or 9564-1595
Or go to their Australian website: Gamblers
Anonymous
Or ring Lifeline in your State.
