Encouragement for the Codependent
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 →
How I’ve Repaired Relationships Impacted by Codependency (And a Few I Had to Peacefully Let Go) If codependency were an Olympic sport, I would’ve medaled in the early 2000s. Back then, I thought being the “fixer” of every emotional emergency was just what strong, loving people do. Turns out, it was just me subconsciously clinging... Continue Reading →
The Role of Trust in My Healing: Or How I Learned to Stop Side-Eyeing Myself There was a moment (okay, many moments) when I realized I didn’t really trust myself. Not with decisions, not with people, and definitely not with online shopping past 9 p.m. Healing was happening, slowly, but trust? That felt like assembling... Continue Reading →
Reflecting on the person I once was compared to who I am today fills me with immense pride. I look back and see someone who did the work, faced the challenges head-on, and persevered through moments of doubt. She learned from every experience, embraced growth, and embraced change. Now, she exudes confidence, takes pride in... Continue Reading →
Loving Without Losing Myself: A Delicate Dance There was a time when I thought love meant saying yes to everything, being available 24/7, and bending myself into a human pretzel to meet everyone else’s needs. You know what I mean, don't you? Spoiler alert: That didn’t end well. Turns out, that’s not love—it’s self-abandonment, self-neglect,... Continue Reading →
Journey On Strong 