Hey everyone,
I wanted to share something that has really resonated with me throughout my recovery journey. It’s a concept I came across that’s helped me understand and navigate the ups and downs of quitting gambling. It’s about the three versions of you: Past You, Present You, and Future You. This post is inspired by a really moving post that became super popular on Reddit. I’ve just applied the same/similar concept here to gambling, but highly encourage you to read the original because it’s deeply inspiring.
- Past You: Past You made mistakes. Past You got caught up in the thrill of gambling, made impulsive bets, and faced devastating losses. For me, Past Jane was heavily involved in stock options trading, caught up in the frenzy of WallStreetBets. I lost over $100,000, including my entire 401k. I lost my job, my marriage fell apart, and I hit rock bottom. It’s easy to get stuck blaming Past You for everything. But remember, Past You also decided to seek help. Past You recognized there was a problem and took the first step towards recovery. Forgive Past You. They were doing the best they could with what they knew at the time.
- Present You: Present You is in the trenches, fighting the daily battle to stay gamble-free. Present You is dealing with cravings, stress, and the temptation to fall back into old habits. It’s tough, and some days feel like an uphill battle. But Present You is also making progress, one day at a time. Every decision you make to stay away from gambling, every time you reach out for support, you’re building a better future. For me, Present Jane is committed to managed robo-investing through Vanguard and has found solace in the support from this community and therapy sessions. Be kind to Present You. They’re doing the hard work.
- Future You: Future You is the person you’re striving to become. Future You has broken free from the grip of gambling. They have financial stability, peace of mind, and stronger relationships. Future You looks back with gratitude for the journey and the lessons learned. Visualizing Future You can be a powerful motivator. Think about how proud you will be, how much more in control and fulfilled your life will be. For me, Future Jane is someone who uses her experiences to help others, who has rebuilt her life, and found a new sense of purpose and joy. Believe in Future You. They’re worth fighting for.
As you go through your recovery journey, remember these three versions of yourself. Forgive Past You, support Present You, and strive for Future You. It’s not an easy path, but every step you take brings you closer to a better, gamble-free life.
Stay strong, and let’s support each other along the way.