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A Story of Hope

Last updated: 3 September 2024

Picture a world where time loses its meaning, and the glow of a screen becomes your closest companion. That was my reality for more than five years as I plunged into the world of online casino gambling. Day and night blended into bets, spins, and hopes pinned on virtual cards. The high was intoxicating, and every win further fuelled my desire to win.

It was just me and the screen. The virtual casino became my haven, and it became the only place where I felt alive, albeit fleetingly. It was a rush of emotions as I gambled away not just my money, but my sense of self and the values I once held dear.

As my bank account dwindled, I fell into a dangerous place and began hiding my gambling from the very people who cared for me the most – my family. My descent took a dark turn when I crossed a moral boundary, I never thought I would breach. The lines between right and wrong blurred. In a desperate attempt to sustain my gambling, I stole from my workplace.

The crash was inevitable, and one day, I was exposed. Desperation and guilt drove me to the edge, and I attempted to end it all. When I woke up in an ICU bed, I realised that I had a second chance that I could not squander.

I mustered the courage to confess my sins to my family. The pain in their eyes cut deeper than any punishment I could have endured. The courtroom became the stage where I laid bare my transgressions, a stark reminder of the depths my addiction had taken me. I was sentenced to three years behind bars.

Jail forged me into a new person. Education, introspection, and raw determination became my companions. As the days turned into months and then years, I began to rebuild myself from the ground up.

Upon my release, I was armed with more than just hope; I had a story to tell. I embarked on a journey of reintegration, seeking employment, forgiveness, and the chance to make amends. With each step forward, I carried the weight of my past as a reminder – a beacon to light the path for others who might have stumbled as I had.

My story is not just one of despair – it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. I share it not to glorify my past, but to inspire others who might be ensnared by their own demons. The online casino realm that once held me captive now becomes a platform for hope and change. With every word I share, I strive to remind the world that redemption is possible, that even the darkest nights can give birth to the brightest days.

Whai Awhina?
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