Quotes from Melody Beattie

Enough is enough. It's time to stop running. I miss myself. I want to get comfortable in my own skin. I want my soul back. I want to go home.

Yes, I know that what you're holding on to is important. Everything that I have ever had to let go of was important to me, too. If it wasn't important, letting go wouldn't be a struggle. We'd just put it down and walk away. You've been given today. Will you use it or will you miss out on today's wonder because you're too preoccupied with holding on to things that are beyond your control?

Make any decisions you need to make to take care of yourself, but don't make them to control other people. Start taking care of yourself

Many of us react as though everything is a crisis because we have lived with so many crises for so long that our reactions have become habitual.

In recovery, we learn that self-care leads us on the path to God's will and plan for our life. Self-care never leads away from our highest good; it leads toward it. Learn to nurture that voice inside. We can trust ourselves.

Even if the most important person in your world rejects you, you are still real, and you are still okay.

The busier and more hectic your life is, the greater the need to meditate. The more you meditate, the calmer and quieter your life is because you're quieter and calmer.

Codependents aren't crazier or sicker than alcoholics. But, they hurt as much or more.

I feel numb. Or I cry. Or I sit and stare. I listen to the same songs over and over. I can't work," I tell the therapist. "I can't get on with my life." What's her advice? "If you feel sad, cry. If you feel numb, feel that. Ninety-five dollars, please." It's the best money I ever spent, but it takes time to understand.

why shouldn't I react? Why shouldn't I say something back? Why shouldn't I be upset? He or she deserves to bear the brunt of my turmoil." That may be, but you don't.

I'd like to make a motion that we face reality.

Most people with codependency issues feel genuinely unlovable. They attach themselves to people by caretaking, hoping to become indispensable instead. "I'd

Listen to that quiet voice, that fleeting thought that says, Why don't you…?

Don't complicate grief. It's not abnormal. There isn't a right way to grieve. Becoming aware of a feeling neutralizes that emotion. That feeling disappears and another one takes its place.

It's been difficult for codependents to get the information and practical help they need and deserve. It's tough enough to convince alcoholics (or other disturbed people) to seek help. It's more difficult to convince codependents—those who by comparison look, but don't feel, normal—that they have problems.

There's more. Stop working for the prize. Stop dating to get married. Stop dressing to control what people think. It's all about control. Control doesn't keep us safe, even though we think it does. People die in their houses walking down their steps. Do each thing for itself. Be there while you're doing it. Stop being someplace else. Let life be what it is.

For each of us, there comes a time to let go. You will know when that time has come. When you have done all that you can do, it is time to detach. Deal with your feelings. Face your fears about losing control. Gain control of yourself and your responsibilities. Free others to be who they are. In so doing, you will set yourself free.

Robert Subby wrote codependency is "an emotional, psychological, and behavioral condition that develops as a result of an individual's prolonged exposure to, and practice of, a set of oppressive rules—rules which prevent the open expression of feeling as well as the direct discussion of personal and interpersonal problems.

Stop looking for Big. The magic happens when you stay small. Ninety-five dollars bought more than the secret to grief. It paid for the secret to life. Whatever we don't have isn't the missing piece. The moments we live for their own sake turn to moments of joy. Something way more profound and lasting than happiness is peace.

Today, I will practice loving self-care.

Each person is unique; each situation is unique. Try to tap into your own healing process.

When you learn to be aware and relax into the ordinary, it will be easier to relax in the stressful moments when you need clarity and focus.

Today, God, help me relax and enjoy the scenery. Help me know I'm right where I need to be on my journey.

Make life easier for you.