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CoDA Promise 8:
I learn that it is possible for me to mend to become more loving, intimate and supportive.
I have the choice of communicating with my family in a way, which is safe for me and
respectful of them.
PERSONAL STORIES
Extract from Marys story
My first step took over a year to look at the effects my childhood had on me and how I had
integrated so many destructive behaviours in order to survive. I didnt want to feel those
feelings I had locked away for so many years. I felt that by looking at my past, I would be
disloyal to my parents. It took some time to realise this work was not about blaming my
parents, but about holding them accountable for their behaviours. I learned that
codependence is intergenerational, and that my parents were doing what was taught them.
Their dysfunction had been handed down to them , just as they had handed it down to me, and
as I had passed it on to my children. This work was simply about stopping the cycle.
(CoDA Book)
In This moment I love and accept my Family
I was a low priority on my Mothers list. When I metaphorically said knock, knock I heard
no response. There was no sharing of anything meaningful, no intimacy in this motherdaughter relationship. Now, with my mother in her 80s our relationship is evolving. My
mother talks to me and even expresses feelings. I listen well thanks to CoDA. Im learning so
much about my Mothers strengths: Shes emotionally stable, retains old friendships and has
developed a support system for dealing with my fathers dementia. I am grateful that I have
come to know my Mother better I value our new and renewed relationship
CoDA In This Moment Daily Meditations Book P 130
Mental Boundaries
It is our choice to accept or reject what others say about us and about what we think or say.
We begin to make our own choices about how we think.
We allow others to have their own thoughts without interruption or ridicule. Others thoughts
can only hurt me if I let them.
AFFIRMATIONS
I see others and myself realistically my family members are not there to
satisfy my needs
I make my own choices about when and how long I spend with my family. I
journal about my avoidant behaviour.