When stuck in a hole, look down not up.

A small metaphor to describe brain chemistry and the feeling we have as gamblers trying to always soar out of some "hole" we place ourselves in, whether financially or psychologically.

Think of it as a deep 100ft hole you are buried in (you have stress around you, low levels of happy chemicals, screaming for relief from panic and depression).

You could slowly climb out 1 ft at a time, but all you can see is the light at the top 100ft away.

So you try to throw a rope or run up the wall to try to get up 10, 20, 50 ft at a time, craving the surface. But then you not only faked out yourself thinking you'll be so much closer, but you crash and fall hard dropping all the way down.

Instead we have to accept where we are. Slowly and safely make steps to climb out. Look at the walls around you and carve one step at a time. It will feel pointless. 99ft to go.. 98ft to go… you are barely making a dent (brain still feels down in the dumps, maybe your bank account or debt too) and you feel no safer. It is TORTURE!!

But you haven't fallen down. You kept going one step at a time. Your brain adjust to the new pattern. You start to guarantee that you can make it one step at a time and you lose track of how "deep in the hole you are". Things are stable, predictable and improve a little every step.

80ft left. Then 65. Halfway done and you didn't even hurt yourself once. 40ft left. 30ft left. You are coming back to life and think it wasn't actually so bad.

You start to reach the surface. You realize all your worries just needed some patience and focus on getting through that single "step". You then realize you can slowly, safely, take one step towards your goals, your happiness and you WILL be safe. You will have everything you need and want.

You just need to stop wishing for someone to drop a 100ft rescue helicopter. You can save yourself one step at a time.

Look for little steps everyday. A healthy distraction. A paycheck saved. The game of daily joy. The high of helping those around you. The strength and self admiration of staying consistent, patient and self-preserving.

Let's reclaim our brains and our lives!