finding personal healing in recovery

Many codependents suffer from the effects of trauma. The tools of co-dependents anonymous along with self-compassion can help the healing process. It is an individual growth process.

Step 11-finding my higher power

The principle of Step 11 is SPIRITUAL AWARENESS.  Prayer means asking.  Meditation means listening.  One of the things I love about this step is that it gives permission to define our own Higher Power.  What does my spirit tell me?    Many experiences over the last 40 years of recovery work have brought me giftsContinue reading “Step 11-finding my higher power”

The four horsemen of control

Man have I been backsliding into my old friend Control. It’s okay though as most of the world seems to be joining me. I’m watching people doing all kinds of things to try to “stay safe”, protect others…and even police the behavior of people around them. Control patterns are often the first place someone noticesContinue reading “The four horsemen of control”

Finding Guidance in Troubled Times

Once again, we can look to our Traditions to guide us as we navigate through difficult and uncharted ground.  When faced with difficult life circumstances and relationship issues, the 12 Traditions can be the principles of our meetings as well as our interactions with others.  Who hasn’t benefitted from Tradition 12’s reminder to place “principlesContinue reading “Finding Guidance in Troubled Times”

Phone a Friend

Remember that game show? Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? They’d give the contestant 3 “life lines” one of which was to “phone a friend”. In recovery, it can sometimes seem like the hardest thing to do to pick up a phone and call someone to talk. Why is it so hard to ask forContinue reading “Phone a Friend”

Just for Now

By Stephanie Just for now, Rest in me, Nowhere to be, Nothing to do, No one to save. Just for now, Quiet your mind, No answers needed, Nothing to figure out Nothing to prove. Just for now, Relax your whole being, Knowing you are held, In an eternal embrace, By something greater than you. JustContinue reading “Just for Now”

CoDA Tool Tuesday-self-care

Put the oxygen mask on yourself first. Anyone who has ever flown in a plane has heard these instructions. It’s so well known that so many of us don’t even really pay attention while they are talking. It is good safety advice and even better life wisdom. Put your oxygen mask on yourself first. IfContinue reading “CoDA Tool Tuesday-self-care”

Step One

We admitted we were powerless over others- that our lives had become unmanageable. Step One of Co-Dependents Anonymous My home group focuses on the step corresponding to the month. January is one, February…two, etc. So this week’s CoDA Tool Tuesday piece is on step one. Step one is a tool I use all the time.Continue reading “Step One”