A New Way of Living

I came into the CoDA rooms in 2020 when a friend handed me the number for an online meeting. Codependent? Who me? Sure, I'm totally independent! God loves us. Little did I know. As I went to meetings and still do 6 years later, a few a week sometimes, I got to find out about this disease that I definitely have. For 50 years I had been the best human being to everyone I came in contact with. If you wanted me inside out, no problem, upside down, no problem, go here, do that, absolutely no problem. Not once considering Me, what I wanted! 

From a dysfunctional family of origin, to friendships, to marriage, I saw where I had used many of the characteristics to get through my dysfunctional life. With the tools of CoDA – to mention a few like reading the meditation book, praying, journaling, and reaching out – thankfully I have broken the use of some of those characteristics. With awareness I often catch myself before I use an old way of thinking or behaving. 

I have learned that with my Higher Power’s help I can put myself first, that I am important and I am enough. It was very hard at first, when I had lived my life putting everyone and anyone first; with very low confidence I always put myself last, at the bottom of the pile. I now thankfully have a new way of looking at life. The inner peace that has replaced the turmoil that used to consume me is just amazing. I always say, what CoDA has given me is just priceless and I will be forever grateful to that friend for that number and to CoDA for giving me life as I have never known it.

Marion
March 8, 2026

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