By John R. Three immediate and huge benefits for attending a Co-Dependents Anonymous Meeting: *Look it up. Don’t expect me to do your work.
Category Archives: tools of recovery
Figure It Out is Not a Step
The promise of our program is that when we are diligent in working the program, we will achieve recovery over personal problems of codependence. This occurs differently for everyone. A common denominator is that codependents who work and follow the program increase their own spirituality. Adapted from the Newcomer’s Handbook “I just need to figureContinue reading “Figure It Out is Not a Step”
Came To Believe
In this moment, I can believe that I am never alone; I can experience the sense of freedom that having a Higher Power offers me. I can remind myself that believing is also an action, and if I am willing to practice it, one moment at a time, I will develop faith. Step Two PrayerContinue reading “Came To Believe”
This Valentine’s Day, Give Yourself a Gift… Self-Compassion
Take a Self-Compassion Break Learn more Think of a situation in your life that is difficult, that is causing you stress. Call the situation to mind, and see if you can actually feel the stress and emotional discomfort in your body. Now, say to yourself: 1. This is a moment of sufferingThat’s mindfulness. Other options include: 2.Continue reading “This Valentine’s Day, Give Yourself a Gift… Self-Compassion”
How do I get a sponsor?
This is a common question in our fellowship. Newcomers to our program often wish to find a sponsor quickly. Some of us in the program have found that sponsorship in CoDA can take many forms and proceeding slowly and carefully is advised. One-to-one sponsorship in our program can be tricky due to the nature ofContinue reading “How do I get a sponsor?“
Feelings wheel
Codependents often have difficulty identifying what they are feeling. In recovery, I am aware of my feelings and identify them, often in the moment. I know the difference between my thoughts and feelings. There are many tools to help as we learn to identify, honor and express our feelings. Here is one some of usContinue reading “Feelings wheel”
Step in 2023 with intention
As we step into 2023, we are likely to focus on the ways our lives have fallen short of our expectations. We may dream of everything we want to accomplish or changes we would like to make so that the year is happier and more fulfilling than the last one. Feelings of satisfaction often stemContinue reading “Step in 2023 with intention”
Starting a Meeting
People start new meetings for many reasons. Some may be isolated from established CoDA meetings because of inconvenient meeting times or distance, or live somewhere with no regional meetings at all. Even those not isolated from existing meetings may wish to start a new meeting, one that meets at a different time or has a different format or focus.Continue reading “Starting a Meeting”
Self-compassion toward our bodies by Dr Kristin Neff
It’s common for us to feel uncomfortable about our bodies, especially after the holiday season. We may judge them as not thin enough or attractive enough or strong enough or young enough or healthy enough. An important part of self-compassion is extending kindness and care to the physical form we inhabit, appreciating its gifts ratherContinue reading “Self-compassion toward our bodies by Dr Kristin Neff”
Step 9 Trauma-Informed
by Terrie C. The Aqua CoDA book for Step 8, which is the preparation step for making amends, advises that the first person we need to have on our list is ourselves. We have harmed ourselves the most and been unable to escape ourselves. Yet, what most often happens is that we skip over that,Continue reading “Step 9 Trauma-Informed”