Colin

Thank you Daniel, the second time feels harder because I have the failure of the first on my mind. I'm glad you're here supporting me though. I hope I can return the favor.

It's bittersweet to be sure Cam, but I'm so appreciative that this exists to help me get back on track. Shoot me an email sometime and we can setup a time to chat if you want.

I can't thank you enough just for the response. I'll take a look at that book right now.

It's 2:21 AM and I wasn't up completely playing games but I gamed all day and into the night. Netflix took me a few more hours and here I am. I had quit gaming for a long time. I deleted all my accounts, sold my console and PS4 account. It was hard... if I'm being honest, it really sucked. It was more painful than I'd like to admit but I was free. I was free for... I'm not sure of the exact timeline but it was at least 6 months. In that time I had some life changing experiences. A meditation retreat had me rethinking life and that lead to a new job. A good job. A job that allowed me more than enough money to "treat myself" with a shiny new PS4 and new account to go with it. This new job didn't just allow me a new PS4, but also the ability to rebuy almost my entire library of games again. I wish I could say that I'm doing great and only gaming sometimes or that I'm planning on stopping but I preordered Destiny 2... I don't want gaming to negatively impact my life but I know it does and one of the most anticipated games of the last few years is coming out in 5 days. I know the two paths in front of me and I almost assuredly know which one I'm taking... head held in shame, but walking it just the same. ?

I was off gaming for over six months. It was closer to 8/9 I think but I got a great job in that time and started thinking that it would be okay to game just here and there. Now I'm about to write my own relapse post. I don't know if we can ever be free of this, but I know you're not alone. I'm also embarrassed by my set back.

Thanks man, it's a real process. It take time and experience to get good at life without gaming. Have you thought about what this would look like as a paid Slack group?

I haven't posted in awhile. Work is going well - lots of stressors. I stumbled a little today. I installed some iPad games and played for a few hours thinking it was the same as Netflix ... it was not. I'm writing this at 2:11 AM. That's not to say I haven't binged watch some Netflix during my "detox" but generally I'll get bored and turn it off. The games kept me occupied past the evening hump. Obviously there is a lot going on right now - a new baby on the way, new job, life struggles - but the games definitely did not help me move forward in a positive way. In a way I'm glad this happened. It was a reaffirmation that my addiction to gaming is still too fresh and needs more time to heal. As not-fun as it sounds, I think I'll add some household chores to my list instead of games. I wasn't ready for the crash after an intense few weeks at work, the holidays, and then lots of money and time off to spend. So ... I'm staying on the wagon and thinking of you all often. #next90

I wanted to let you guys know that I made it and you had a large part in that. Thank you. ❤️???????? #first90 #next90

You're not alone Ben and you're also not weak or a bad person. I just posted recently in the relapse forums because it almost sucked me back in. There are replacements for the feelings you get from specific games, Minecraft -> explore, build, create, socialize, compete, etc. That's what Game Quitters teaches at its core. How to replace those feelings and that is great. It's like the first step. You can start there with your game. Why feelings or what specifically are you getting out of your favorite games and how can you get those same feelings from RL? The master class version is to sit quietly and do Heartwork through the feelings of not being able to get those feelings when you want or need them. For me, that is more difficult, painful, but also more rewarding because in the opposite side of the intense feelings is freedom and ironically the same feeling you were trying to find - only more intense. Here's a link to how to do Heartwork: https://awakentheheart.org/guided-heartwork/ Good luck, you are not alone - we are right here with you!

Feeling a little like I want to go back to gaming - new job, cold weather, darker days ... they're all new reasons to game again. Getting some great support from the forums. It's renewing and comforting to know that I have compatriots.

JimmyG, That's really awesome and I needed to hear it all. Really appreciate you being there. Thanks man!

I downloaded Minecraft yesterday, just to see how it could be any different than Netflix. Within a short time I was thinking of downloading World of Warcraft - just a few clicks away from a new account (I had deleted my previous account) I stopped myself. It's winter ... well, worse. It's cold without any snow. So, I'm not sure how to proceed. I used to enjoy going to runs and exploring the outdoors, but I feel a little shut-in. I'm also making a big change from self-directed entrepreneur to Director of Sales and Marketing with a national company. It's fun, but I haven't sorted out my routine yet so it's wreaking a little havoc on my schedule - meditations, running, workouts, etc. If you have a second, I'd really appreciate a like or quick note. Just a little support in this moment of vulnerability. #almost90days

I like the idea for anyone over 1 year in. Game Quitters Chips.sketch

My pleasure.

Thanks, all good ideas. I tagged Cam in that post you linked.