Grace Based Families Podcast
October 25, 2023
Michelle delves into the personal experience of growing up in a family plagued by codependency. Primarily revolving around the struggles of her brother's mental illness, she shares her journey of misunderstanding the concept of codependency, often confusing it with mere neediness. Michelle describes how she adopted a posture of self-sufficiency and people-pleasing to alleviate her family's turmoil. Michelle's personal narrative aims to highlight the roots of codependency in fear and deep concern for others, ultimately demystifying its manifestations in various relationships. The conversation transitions into the importance of setting boundaries, stressing that it is not an act of selfishness but a necessity for personal well-being. Karis & Michelle discuss common misconceptions about boundaries and address the pressure of being constantly available for others. They emphasize the importance of establishing boundaries not just with others but also with oneself. The discussion leads into the exploration of false beliefs, fear-based emotions, and the need to please others, identifying these as potent drivers behind unhealthy codependent patterns. The episode concludes on a hopeful note, underscoring the power of taking small moments of autonomy for self-care and discovering one's identity outside the context of relationships. Putting Jesus in the center of one's life can lead to healthier thinking and behavior. This episode presents an enlightening discussion on navigating codependency and setting boundaries, aiming to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of these complex concepts and their importance in maintaining personal well-being.