Anyone Struggle with Co-Dependency?

[littleblondegirl]

I just recently discovered that I am co-dependent after struggling for years trying to explain my behaviors.  It hit me really hard and I've kind of fallen apart.  I've been reading books like crazy, namely Co-Dependent No More, Breaking Free of the Co-Dependency Trap, Loving an Adult Child of an Alcoholic and Why Am I Afraid to Tell You Who I Am.  I still have more to read and I am very interested and active in changing my behaviors that have caused me and those around me so much pain and suffering.  The reading helps and gives me ideas about things I can do to change, but it's not everything (I'm not expecting an overnight cure and I know I am being too hard on myself).  I still find myself falling into my old patterns constantly even though I am trying so hard not to.  My husband tries to help, but he has no idea what I am dealing with.   

I've also recently started attending a local CoDA group which I think will help.

So, any advice for those struggling with this?  What do you find works best?    

[ElliesMomma]

awareness is the first step, so you are on your way.

is your husband one of the people you are co-dependent upon?

take it slow. accept yourself.

LOTS of people are codependent. you are in good company.

[Hollycrand]

Take one day at a time.

You WILL make mistakes and sometimes fall back into your old patterns.  What'll be different this time is your re-bound time.  What you can do, is write in a journal and analize the situation.  Something like: here is what happened.  How I felt during and after.  What I will do next time I feel the triggers coming. 

Writing it down kind of commits you to doing it, or at least thinking about it.

The 12 step plan from CoDa is interesting and worth a read. 

We cannot change the past.  We live in the present, and the choices we make today affect the future.