My therapist had mentioned the word “codependency” many times in our sessions over the last 4 years. I had taken the quizzes, read the books, I understood it, but I didn’t “get it”. I was reading a book about navigating breakups, and the author suggested CoDA as a resource for those looking for community and support. To be honest, I didn’t think she was serious and if she was, there was no way that such a group would exist in my area. It was 5:30 in the evening when I ran an internet search for CoDA and not 90 minutes later I attended my first meeting.

While reading through the patterns as detailed on the website, for the first time in my life, things about myself that I hadn’t quite understood or had just accepted for what it was not, clicked.

I’m one meeting in, and the road ahead will without question be long and at times challenging. I am confident in my ability to tackle that journey head on after my brief time spent with the Fellowship that welcomed me with such kindness. I know now that through this deeply personal journey, I am not alone and can look to others who have walked it before me for strength and someday lift those who will walk in my footsteps along their own.

Butch B.

10/11/2024