I am feeling grateful to be recovering and recovered from codependent behaviors in my life.

I was raised in a large family - with much-disorganized dysfunction and verbal, emotional, and physical abuse.

As I write this, I do not remember having low self-esteem as mine is so strong now and I act upon my courage instead of fears constantly.

As a child control was not given to me, so I based my esteem on taking it by getting good grades and trying lots of sports to “own” my body.

Yet I so needed affirmations and love of others to keep going.

Now I keep using my first “boss” that the higher power of the Stars and Universal DNA has given me to pause and flow through life with acceptance.

How? I ask myself -who am I trying to please? What am I feeling right now? Where do I stand on this? Who is affected by my love or lack of it?

Josine - 2/2021

Everybody in CoDA has a story to tell. Sharing yours may help thousands of codependents still suffering. Please contribute your experience, strength and hope by emailing your story to wr@coda.org.