Quotes from Melody Beattie

A good rule of thumb is: You need to detach most when it seems the least likely or possible thing to do. I

attraction to and tolerance for the bizarre, other-centeredness that results in abandonment of self

Not two things at once, but one thing done in peace.

If you could have anything you wanted and it wouldn't be bad or wrong, what would that be? So

When a codependent discontinued his or her relationship with a troubled person, the codependent frequently sought another troubled person and repeated the codependent behaviors with that new person. These behaviors, or coping mechanisms, seemed to prevail throughout the codependent's life—if that person didn't change these behaviors.

You can spoil your fun, your day, your life—that's your business—but I won't let you spoil my fun, my day, or my life.

We can be grateful for each opportunity to generously give.

We don't have to punish ourselves by feeling guilty to prove to God or anyone else how much we care.7 We need to forgive ourselves. Take the Fourth and Fifth Steps (see the chapter on working a Twelve Step program); talk to a clergy person; talk to God; make amends; and then be done with it.

I do not deserve and will not tolerate abuse or constant mistreatment.

but the power of being emotionally stuck is far greater than the power of reason."2

Light and love are on my side.

reactionaries.