Quote:
Originally Posted by BlazinAces
Gorvnive, I agree, and would like to thank you for recording and elaborating on your previous post/advice. The last few were easier to receive without feeling defensive. I appreciate the concern, I really do, and I wouldn't hope that you have given this same advice to those close to you that are going through something similar.
I'd also sincerely like to apologize to anyone that has offered me advice they feel I am neglecting, I assure you I have read every word in this thread and it has helped me more than you know.
I have lived all over the country in the last year, and I had been in LA previous to traveling around a bit. I left LA because I could not maintain sobriety, I have found it much easier to do so in Vegas and I don't think I'll ever know the why or how to that.. I guess it just feels like home, or quite possibly it's because I do fear being like that girl Brandi, whom I hope is in peace. Maybe she's been the guardian Angel over my shoulder since living here.
I am truly doing absolutely everything I can in order to get my **** together, I desire that peace of mind more than anything in the world, and I was shown through poker that it's possible for me. I was falling apart when I was acquainted with this lifestyle, but I have grown more in the last year since WSOP than I ever thought I was going to.. and I will forever love this community for giving me the opportunity to make something of my life by admitting to the "life leaks" I have. I'm extremely hard headed, and I'm working on that too. Poker has been the adviser I've always needed, one that I can not argue with (lol?)
Any advice about the HH I've posted would be nice, it's been a really long time since I've discussed openly any kind of strategy let alone given HH so I apologize if it makes you laugh, but I'm not a pro at this by any means
I will ask if there is any further advice for it to be sent to my PM, it's difficult to discuss appropriately on the open forum and has been stressful to keep up with wanting to respond but not wanting to be misunderstood. .. all poker related life advice if super welcome though, as it will help to redirect this thread back to it's original purpose, learning how to overcome adversity in order to live a life I've only ever dreamed about.
My dream is to be the best poker player "I" can be, and I don't believe that's too far fetched as it is obligatory that I become better away from the felt in order to reach this goal, one that does not necessarily reach an ending point.
This will be my 2nd WSOP, and I have many things I will be doing differently than I was last summer.
Again, thank you, all of you that have read and posted within this thread. I have a better head on my shoulders than it may appear, and will make only 1 promise. I will always reach out for help when I need it before it becomes insurmountable. I did the other night, which was the reason I shared. Not to be dark, but to not let it destroy everything I've been working towards.
I hope to be playing later this evening (not sharing where with anyone) but will share my horrific HH abilities as the night progresses. We all know how much fun that's gonna be! Am I right?
Maybe I need a HH coach? Is that a real thing?
I like this post!
I’m glad you at least understand that aside from a couple people no one has tried to attack or troll you here. As for those couple people, the only way to beat the naysayers is for you to kick life's ass.
As far as ideas on how to maintain sobriety and stay healthy. I've got one big one. Set goals. Goals are always the best thing you can give to yourself. Goals give you purpose. They give you a reason to get up in the morning and they give you something to fight for during the day. If your life has purpose it's much easier to avoid the pitfalls life can throw at you.
Obviously your goal is to become a pro poker player. Winning a bracelet can be a goal, but we all know that winning one is a crapshoot. But becoming a pro is attainable. So lay out a plan. Make a weekly schedule that puts you on that path. Tell yourself you’re going to put in x hours a day playing and x hours a day studying. The worst part about poker is that the game doesn’t give you reliable feedback. Get feedback from players you trust. Draw a line in the sand and say NO alcohol in the casino and NO pit games – both will destroy your bankroll, and that takes away from your goal.
You say you like to write too. I’ve never done it myself, but I know of a lot of people who keep journal or diary every day and swear by it. It allows you to sit down and reflect on your day. It allows you to take a more objective look at who you are, what decisions you are making, and if you’re okay with what direction you’re heading in. You can also take some writing classes at the local community college. You’ll be given prompts to write about which will give you a reason to write more and you’ll be guided by constructive feedback from a teacher and your peers.
And of course another less glamorous option is to get a part time job. It will give you some solid, steady income that will help take pressure off your poker. It might even add to your bankroll. If you’re the type of person who needs structure in their life, (I sure as hell am) a part time job will give that to you. Also, a lot of people don’t realize this but working makes you a happier person. I don’t know why, but the science is pretty clear. It also feels really, really, really freakin’ good to be able to support yourself. Nothing has made me prouder of myself than being able to be self-reliant. I’m not exaggerating.
The more I think about it, the more I recommend getting yourself part time job. You obviously don’t have to keep it forever. But until you get your feet on the ground and build the bankroll that’s necessary to succeed at poker, I think you’ll have so much to gain by getting a job.
But of course that’s just my opinion. Only you know what goals will make you happy. But as long as you find a goal, set it, and arrange your life and your acquaintances around reaching that goal you’ll kick life’s ass like you wouldn’t believe. There will be no room in your life for things that bring you down when your life has purpose.