ARE YOU CODEPENDENT?

Do you feel exhausted from carrying other peoples’ baggage? Your lack of boundaries could be a symptom of codependency. In her book, Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself, bestselling author Melody Beattie unpacks this condition. As a codependent, you’ve probably given people more chances than they deserve. For years, you’ve told yourself that your purpose in life is to serve others without ever taking a moment to consider if your needs are being met. And when you look around, your circle consists of people who need you, in one way or another. You’re either married to an alcoholic, in a relationship with a narcissist or have friends who take you for granted. The mere thought of rejection sends you into a tailspin, so you self-sacrifice to avoid disfavour. This is how you’ve been navigating life. Only, something feels off when you realise you’ve just said yes, again, when every fibre of your being is screaming, no! Now you’re settling for breadcrumbs again when you know in your heart that you deserve more. Your frustration has led you to question why you’ve settled for a life you’re not happy with. This question plagues most codependents, and from a life-coaching perspective, the penny dropped when I discovered this book, which has countless gems for those seeking to put an end to the vicious cycle of rescuer, persecutor and victim. Melody describes this as a ‘drama triangle’. If you’ve found yourself in this situation, you’re probably feeling fatigued – and that’s exactly why you should read this. I’ve summed up the most valuable points to help you detach from the whirlwind of uncertainty and embark on a journey of healing, hope and freedom.