Hi, it’s Roslyn Saunders of the Codependency Show. This week, I’d like to delve into the topic of what codependency actually is. As I’ve mentioned before, I often refer to it as the mother of all addictions, as it underpins and influences physical, mental, and emotional addictions. Codependency is the condition of looking away, a state where we lose touch with our true selves. In the midst of giving, doing, and managing other people’s lives, we may find ourselves questioning, “Who am I?” It becomes a struggle to identify ourselves beneath these layers of external focus.
Codependency leads us to run into our addictions as a means of distraction from this self-searching process. It paralyses us with fear, prompting us to avoid facing the truth by turning to various distractions or addictions. This journey into understanding codependency is profound, requiring self-awareness and honesty that unfolds in layers. I firmly believe that navigating through codependency necessitates the support of a coach, counselor, or a reliable support person. The 12-step movement emphasizes this need for mutual support, acknowledging that no addiction can be effectively addressed in isolation.
Attempting to heal codependency on our own is challenging, as our autonomic nervous system and conditioning tend to generate excuses, hindering our progress. This is why having someone else to call us out on our patterns and guide us towards honesty becomes crucial. The healing process involves peeling away layers of denial and facing the truth, bit by bit.
Thank you for listening. If you’d like to reach out, you can find me on my website, rosalindsaunders.com.au. I also have a Facebook page, Roslyn Saunders, which focuses on codependency. Feel free to explore the information there or send me a private message. Wishing you a good week ahead.
