I’ve always been what you’d call an independent person. I was raised as an only child and would frequently be left alone to tend to my own entertainment and needs. I excelled at whatever I would set my mind to and I would only have myself to thank for it.

Approximately a year a half ago I committed myself to being codependent on someone else. I took a huge step and decided that it was okay to have somebody to lean on every now and again. I wouldn’t say that it was codependent in a negative sense either. It just meant that it wasn’t me against the world anymore.

Today I tell you that after stepping out of that codependency, I have found that there is only exactly that, an after. I came out on the other side no less independent than I was before, but instead with an understanding of how to not block others out for fear it’d intercept with my freewheeling, self-sufficient personality.

The truth is, you can still be yourself while being codependent. In fact, codependent relationships should push you to further your individualism, and to grow as a person. They should not lessen your self-worth, just as your self-worth should not be dependent on the relationship in any way, shape or form.

Just because you need that crutch, shoulder to cry on, movie buddy or whatever be it, doesn’t mean that you still aren’t you, and only you.

17mcrees@usd489.com