Codependent No More: by Melody Beattie | Key Takeaways, Analysis & Review

Codependents often feel that if there is a higher power, or God, he has abandoned them. Or, they feel that if there is a God, he is judging them and their failures. However, this is not the case. There is a higher power, or God, and he has not abandoned the codependent. The codependent has abandoned themselves. More importantly, because the codependent does not have faith in themselves, or God, they do not have faith that God can truly help them.

Consequently, in order to complete the healing process, a codependent needs to learn that they cannot sequester themselves from the rest of the world for fear of being hurt again. Healthy relationships are important, and this includes caring for and allowing someone to care for them in return. Without this willingness to love and be loved in return, a person will remain stunted and will not complete their healing journey.

Plus, a key factor in gauging a person’s happiness is feeling loved and cared for, and returning that love and care to another [5]. In fact, when a person is generous with their affections, they subconsciously say that they have more than what is needed [5]. This not only reaffirms that person on a subconscious level, but it increases overall happiness [5].