ham

What an eye opening experience this book was for me. I don't remember the two fellow members who recommended this book to read but I THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!!!

I could not put this book down once I got it. I could not believe how many characteristics I had. I had to order more from this author: Beyond Codependency and The Language of Letting Go Journal.

I feel so empowered that I don't want to stop the process. How great it is that I am understanding how I let things get so insane. I am starting to understand me and who I am. Don't get me wrong. I still have soooooo much to do and learn. It feels so good to have direction!!!! A plan!!!! Some of it is not easy to admit as well as do but at least I know what to work on and an idea how to work on it. What a relief that is in itself!!

I am so glad that I read this book before getting to see my AH this past weekend. I had to catch myself several times to correct my actions.

Thanks,

ham

sdg928

I am so excited about your enthusiasm that I am going to get this book asap. I am attending my first alanon meeting this evening. I want to make sure that I read something to empower myself. Right now I keep wanting to ask my AH whether or not he has made an appointment to see a specialist about his drinking, but I know that is not the right thing to do. I have to dissociate myself with his problem. I think the book and alanon will help me stop making the same mistakes over and over. Thanks for the recommendation. Best of luck to you.

JessicaNAJ

That book has helped me soooo much, but its what you put into that makes it really work. It is a huge eye opener. And there was so much I could relate to.

Good luck in your recovery - don't get discouraged, there is so much more out there. Now you have to tools to see further.

ham

sdg, you won't regret it! I will pray for you and your husband. My husband is on day 13!!! Thank God!! I can't wait until my other books come. I also will go for family week at the alcohol treatment center this weekend for a week of family therapy. Take Care and God bless!

Jessica, I agree! I am working my program. My husband is working his. I know we will have to work the program for the rest of our lives. Thanks for your encouragement!!

ham

skyleh

Yes it did help me as well...I think it is one I can read again and again as I loose track of whats really important. Beyond Codependency is also good..I am working at that one now...I am trying to get things done for my move and have not been able to read as much but I do read when I can..it helps.. I recommend them for anyone....good luck

ham

Thanks skyleh.
Good to know that Beyond Codependency is good as well.
Hope your move goes well.

ham

Star Gazer

Codependent No More really helped me,too. I am now reading her book "Journey to the Heart".

jessieandme2003

Reading Codependent No More changed my life.

How dramatic does that sound? I am never that dramatic.

But I actually mean it.

Several people here recommended it and one night I went over to Borders and got it.

I was so glad I did!

I can't recommend it highly enough.

JT

Ham...your enthusiasm is contagious! I am so excited for you!

Hugs,
JT

Blondie

My counselor recommended this book to me because I had no clue what a co-dependent was, let alone my being one. I couldn't believe it, there was my life in black and white. I wasn't weird or crazy or even alone in this--I was co-dependent and never knew it. I wish I had found this book years ago. I have read three other books by Melody Beattie and have learned a great deal from each one of them. If I could ever meet the author, I would have to hug her and thank her for being a huge part in changing my life for the better!

Peaches04

I second, third, and fouth, etc...what everyone has said! What an eye-opener! I got the book the Language of Letting Go, but haven't gotten Beyond Codependency...what is that one about? Thanks!

ham

Thanks for all the nice comments!
I just ordered a copy for my mom and a friend of mine because I do not want to give my copy up. I keep looking stuff up.

Made an oops last night with my AH and at least caught myself in the act. He had called yesterday to let me know that he was allowed to go on pass during the week from 5-10. Well, I automatically started planning on how and when to get him something to drive, etc. He never even asked me to. In fact, he was trying to tell me the whole time I was talking that he was not even worried about going on pass unless I was in town visiting but I kept on for a few minutes and then got quite because I realized what I was doing. We talked about it this morning and I told him sorry because I was being controlling about the whole pass thing.

I started writing in a journal as the author recommended. One would think that seeing things in written form would not be such a big deal but it has already changed the thoughts from going round and round and round in my mind. The thoughts are still there but have a more organized form to them. I have also been working on my relationship with God. I had put that on hold like most of the things in my life. I read the 12 steps every morning. I now have them in my Bible which I had put in a drawer and not looked at for some time until reading this book. I am working on trying to learn to meditate. I have been trying to focus on things I like to do and do them. All these things are helping. When I catch myself doing something, I have been trying to use what I have learned so far to deal with it and it really does help. I even just had a day that I cried a lot, it felt like such a relief to not have to be strong and let it out.

Take Care,

ham

Jen

Hi - Just wanted to let you know I posted a thread earlier this evening. Wanted to share with you....I went to the bookstore tonight to purchase the book and wrote a check out of my personal acct. Store wouldn't accept my check because my AH wrote checks on an acct closed - my name was NEVER on the acct but they backtracked and because we had an acct together previously, they evidently felt the need to attach his debt to me!! I was furious when I left the store, but now several hours later I think....was my HP telling me something?!?!? LOL
Anyway, can't wait to read it. I will try again tomorrow to purchase it with cash of course!!

pumuckl

Jen:

PM me your address. I'll send you my copy. No need to buy it.

Jen

Thanks Pum!!!