I used to associate codependency with words like weak and broken. Two things I worked hard not to be.

I still can’t articulate a proper definition for codependency but what it looked like in my life was a desire to meet the needs of certain people over my own needs to the point that it affected my self-care, my identity, and my self-worth. My happiness felt contingent upon meeting their needs even if they were unspoken or unreasonable.

The journey of breaking free from codependency has been uncomfortable. It has been difficult to get this honest with myself and others. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I now see codependency as a gift. It’s a little yellow flag that tells me when there are more places to heal, to communicate my needs, or to be kind to myself. It’s helped me find the courage to be my authentic, beloved self.