Projection: In recovery I no longer remain in denial by accusing others of behavior that is mine to correct.

Projection can be defined in many ways … projecting an image on a screen is one example from our CoDA Book. Projection can also be defined as “a mental image viewed as reality”. The psychological definition that resonates most clearly for me in my recovery is “the unconscious transfer of one’s own desires or emotions to another person: we protect the self by a number of defense mechanisms, including repression and projection.”

In recovery I see more clearly now how I have practiced a form of denial by projecting my codependent characteristics on others. Irritating me to no end is the behavior of another person that I have not yet dealt with in myself. Learning to love myself as God, my higher power, loves me, I can do an honest inventory and then can give up to God all that no longer serves to promote healthy relationships. Projection then turns to empathy, and I can share my experience, strength and hope with those who still struggle.

Thank God for authenticity and truth in this journey. Thank God I can see clearly. Thank you, CoDA.

Debbie 05/27/2022