Navigating Relapses in Codependency Recovery When Old Habits Creep Back In I wish I could tell you that once you start healing from codependency and people-pleasing, those old habits pack their bags, wave goodbye, and head off into the sunset forever. But let’s be real — they’re more like that neighbor who occasionally shows up... Continue Reading →
Letting Go of Deep-Rooted Resentment: Releasing the Weight I Didn’t Know I Was Carrying For a long time, I didn’t even realize what I was feeling was resentment. I just figured feeling frustrated or a little bitter was normal. I didn’t really see that I was carrying it around like an invisible backpack I had... Continue Reading →
Healing the Subconscious Mind: Changing the Scripts That Once Controlled Me If you had asked me years ago whether I had deep-rooted subconscious patterns running my life, I would have confidently said no. I was just trying to help everyone, that’s all. That was the first clue. On my blog, JourneyOnStrong.com, I have shared a... Continue Reading →
Evolving Boundaries Over Time: How My Lines Shifted as I Grew When I first started my recovery from codependency, I thought boundaries were just walls you put up to keep people from hurting you. I imagined them as invisible force fields that kept everyone at a painful distance. Honestly, I wasn’t wrong for where I... Continue Reading →
How I Respond to Guilt Trips (Without Losing Myself) There was a time when a sigh, a disappointed glance, or a few carefully chosen words could send me into a spiral of guilt. I’d drop everything to smooth things over, even if I wasn’t the one who caused the problem. That’s the grip guilt had... Continue Reading →
The Difference Between Walls and Boundaries: Finding the Sweet Spot Between Openness and Protection When I first began to set boundaries, it was confusing and difficult. I used to think I was setting healthy boundaries, but in reality I was building emotional walls, tall and thick ones. I told myself it was self-protection, a way... Continue Reading →
Today I’m Celebrating 20 Years of Recovery from Codependency and People-Pleasing!And yes—I’m throwing confetti (and maybe even dancing a little). Two decades. That’s 240 months, 1,040 weeks, and a whole lot of no’s I had to learn how to say. Today, I’m not just celebrating a milestone—I’m honoring every small, quiet, courageous step it took... Continue Reading →
When Boundaries Are Tested: Holding the Line When It’s Hard Because sometimes, “No” is a full sentence… even when it’s whispered through clenched teeth. Let’s talk about that moment when you’ve clearly drawn the line—and someone tries to tap dance all over it. You know the one: You’ve told a friend, “I’m not available to... Continue Reading →
How I’ve Built a Life That Reflects My True Values: Aligned, Caffeinated, and Content There was a time when my calendar was full, but my heart felt empty. I was busy, yes—but not with the things that truly mattered to me. Somewhere along the way, I had adopted someone else’s idea of success, and my... Continue Reading →
The Power of Saying Yes to Myself: Prioritizing Myself Without the Guilt There was a time when saying “yes” to myself felt like a betrayal to everyone else. If someone needed help, I was there. If someone needed something last-minute, I’d drop everything. If plans didn’t work for me, I’d still say yes—because saying “no”... Continue Reading →
Learning to Take Up Space: One Awkward Step at a Time There was a time when my idea of "taking up space" meant making myself as small, quiet, and unnoticeable as possible. If I could have tucked myself into a pocket or blended into a wallpaper pattern, believe me, I would have. Speaking up? Asking... Continue Reading →
How I Celebrate Myself (Without Feeling Guilty About It) There was a time when celebrating myself felt...wrong. Like, who did I think I was to throw an internal party just because I said no to something that drained me? Or because I finally kept a boundary without apologizing six times after? That, my friends, is... Continue Reading →
Journey On Strong 