Codependency Central

 All Your Enemies Are Within You We've covered our external world and talked about our toxic childhoods and how both contribute to the never-ending negative thoughts and feelings we carry with us every single day like a life sentence. We feel helpless to change it. Or we think it's too hard or that 'this is just the way I am".  So today, let's cover the very important information we all need in order to take charge of our thoughts and, thereby, our lives. First, on the most superficial level, replace all the violence, negativity and frankly, stupidity that tv, movies or social media hurl at you from the moment you wake up. There are many, many programs and podcasts, speakers and books that, if used regularly, will automatically change the way you perceive the world. Second, before your feet touch the floor, say a positive statement. A word of thanks, a positive affirmation or just a simple, "All is well" will set the tone of your day. All you have to do i

Childhood - The Fountainhead Of Negativity Anyone who came up in a household where there was unhappiness, dysfunction, ongoing stress or perhaps trauma was subjected to endless negative messages every single day of their young lives.   The least harmful was just being witness to adult's dark, unhappy words and actions. The absolute worst was being the recipient of those destructive words and actions. Being told since birth that you are no good, a problem or mistake; that you're stupid or not worthy of having any of your dreams fulfilled are devastating. Just as damaging is being ignored. Emotional, mental and physical alienation is doubly painful because it sends mixed messages which, by the way, others may not notice so the child feel misunderstood and confused. Not being wanted or included is devastating for a little boy or girl. Infants who are not held from birth can't survive. Or if they do, they are often saddled with life-long challenges. What a sad way to start an i

  Finding The Light Switch When I stop and make a point of taking in all the input I receive in a normal day, it's overwhelming to realize that most of it is negative. We live in a world that appears to be determined to keep us in a constant state of anxiety and despair. The news is 100% focused on the worst. Social media is bursting with people and businesses that play on our fears.  It seems that almost everyone talks in hostile and angry tones.   Civility appears to have died. Things sure seem dark a lot of the time....but we do have control over how we perceive the world. While I'm not going get into the societal issues of the day, I am going to talk about recognizing when WE are feeding into that dark cycle, WHERE our world view  started and HOW to break free of the bond of negativity.  In this first part, we'll go into our immediate surroundings. In the Part Two, I'll write about "Childhood - The Fountainhead of Negativity". Finally, in Part Three, I'