Colin

Yep, three weeks now. I just noticed yesterday that Netflix has to be curbed too. I can't delete my account because it's the main profile for my family, but I tried to setup some barriers to prevent me from getting lost in the abyss. Thanks for checking in - how was the summit?

I finished my detox 166 days ago, after my third attempt. Although I did play a few hours of games with friends some 140 days ago when my brother invited old gamer friends over, but that's not important. Anything else you'd like to ask I can help you with? Not at the moment, but thanks. Maybe down the road. I'm maybe 2 weeks without games and it's easier everyday.

Thanks Alex, how long have you been without games?

Hey, sorry I'm so late to reply. Work has been feverish. You only need a few minutes of courage to delete the account and then you can mourn it's loss. You just have to trust me that it gets better with time. You feel like crap right after it happens, but if you find new things - and you will - that's when things start getting better. You start feeling better. Shoot me a text anytime you need a boost. My twitter is @ColinDentino, direct message me anytime.

Thanks, it's hard man. Also, freeing.

My Microsoft account is also marked for deletion. It takes 60 days, but then my XBOX account will also be gone forever. That chapter of my life will officially close with no way to return. I would have to start over again - still a possibility, but it's a high activation cost to get back into hardcore gaming now. It feels good actually... Like throwing out a bunch of clothes that you wear all the time but don't really like. (but never really knew)

Battle.net, all my Blizzard games, characters and perks... RIP That was a difficult process. The Blizzard reps kept messing up the tickets so I had to keep asking them to close it. I attached my passport ID no fewer than 3 times to the ticket thread and even then they just deactivated my authenticator app, but finally... After multiple attempts, success! It hurts a little, but this is a new beginning! I can't go back anymore. If I wanted to start gaming again I would have to start from scratch. #burnbridges

Okay

Oh sorry, Colin Dentino.

Find me on there. The community is a big part of it.

I don't right now, but that's a good idea. Also, I just found out that the Blizzard rep didn't cancel my account... I can feel the draw again just knowing it's there. I'm going to try and get it deleted again.

Good insight. I ended up working on business stuff that I hadn't gotten to during the week. Then I went for a run in the afternoon. It was okay, maybe not the best solution but it worked. I'll keep experimenting.

I still have the muscle but I'm a little fatter after my surgery, but I've been running and doing Freeletics for a few weeks now. I just changed my diet and that's helping with the weight. So I'm back on track but not back to where I was before surgery yet.

I told you. Deleting your characters sucks. Like really really sucks. Like you, I was embarrassed at by how much it hurt. I did it after going back and forth a few times. I did it quickly, like a bandaid. Just went through the motions and ... They were gone. My first thought... I can probably call to get them back. The thing is, the thing you can't see... Every time I cut a line, it hurt, it was hard, but then I felt a release. It's like the lines holding me back on the world were being cut and as painful as that was, they let me start moving forward again. Do yourself a favor. Cut the lines. Do it quickly, have a good cry, and feel yourself start to awaken again. In solidarity...

Weekend mornings are turning out to be my biggest challenge. Normally I would just game in the morning until afternoon. It was an awesome release or at least that's what I think it was. After watching Cam's videos maybe it wasn't really a release. It was an escape from my life. How do I find that same escape? Should I be escaping anymore? What do I replace that time with? It's silly because these are the same questions I've answered during the week, but on the weekends they haven't been answered yet. Feel free to drop your two cents below if you want. Thanks

It really feels bad when you do it. Seriously. I felt stupid at how much it hurt, but it gets better and even feels good - like you accomplished something - after awhile. Good luck man. It's not easy but you're not alone.

It's a hard process, no lie. Remember to put in the time on doing cool stuff outside gaming that deliver the same thing. Like going on adventures with the family or taking some quiet time to read a new book. We're here for you when you need us. You're not alone.

EvergreenAxe467, this is going to be the hardest thing to do, but after the intense emotional pain there is a release... delete your Destiny characters. I did it with my WoW toons and it fucking sucks... but then it's a little more okay, and a little more, and then it's actually okay.

Some people don't "wake up" in their entire lifetime. This process will take time, effort and be painful but you have support in us. Lean on us and stay the course.

You're not alone at all SanctiaV. I just went through it. I didn't delete my WoW characters until I was already into detox because it was too emotional. I didn't delete my Battle.net account until even after that so it's a process. Just stick with it. Do what you can, be gentle with yourself as you move in a new direction. It takes practice. Message me anytime you need to talk with someone. I just went through this process. I'm on Day 9.

That last post was some junk that I couldn't get rid of. It must have been a bug with the forum software GQ is using. If I delete it, it comes back so I'm just going to leave it. I haven't posted much because I'm doing well. I played a lot of chess last night, but "a lot chess" isn't even close to the same as "a lot of No Man's Sky or World of Warcraft". I think my Battle.net account was officially closed. It's not recognizing my login anymore, but I never got a confirmation email. Hopefully it's gone because I'm at the point now where I'm thinking, "Sure I can game in moderation", but I know I can't yet. After a few years of sobriety maybe, but I'm not even close yet. I'm on Day 9... lol Life isn't that much different actually. I have more time to do other things, most of which is sleep at night. The initial push was hard, really hard, but now things are getting easier. I have a new routine, it's nothing crazy like DJing in the Netherlands or spear fishing off the coast of Madagascar, but I'm hoping that will come with time. #slightedge

That's awesome and already helpful. I took some time out today to do just that. It was great. Relaxing and helped me head in the direction of my goals. Thank you for the support and suggestions. They're awesome.

Great video. I think it's going to take some practice.