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The Language of Letting Go: Daily Meditations on Codependency
Written for those of us who struggle with codependency, these daily meditations offer growth and renewal, and remind us that the best thing we can do is take responsibility for our own self-care.
Melody Beattie integrates her own life experiences and fundamental recovery reflections in this unique daily meditation book written especially for those of us who struggle with the issue of codependency. Problems are made to be solved, Melody reminds us, and the best thing we can do is take responsibility for our own pain and self-care. In this daily inspirational book, Melody provides us with a thought to guide us through the day and she encourages us to remember that each day is an opportunity for growth and renewal.
Melody Beattie integrates her own life experiences and fundamental recovery reflections in this unique daily meditation book written especially for those of us who struggle with the issue of codependency. Problems are made to be solved, Melody reminds us, and the best thing we can do is take responsibility for our own pain and self-care. In this daily inspirational book, Melody provides us with a thought to guide us through the day and she encourages us to remember that each day is an opportunity for growth and renewal.
393 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
About the author
Melody Beattie
92 books881 followersOver the years, Melody Beattie has become well-known in the world of self-help literature. After turning away from a life of addiction and suffering, Melody shared her own story in order to help others change theirs. Her overnight sensation, Codependent No More, has been influencing millions for over twenty years. Her passion for writing has resulted in fifteen books, including: Co-Dependents Anonymous and The Grief Club. She has also been featured as a journalist in magazines such as Time and People. Beattie was met with many struggles as a child. After months in court-ordered rehabilitation she was struck by a spiritual awakening and entered the world with a strong conviction to help others. Her honest and compassionate words have helped shaped the self-help industry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 333 reviews
August 10, 2007
Are you a sucker in relationships? Do you say YES when you mean HELL NO? Do you give in too quickly, make concessions, or end up passive-agressively sucker punching someone psychologically because you're afraid if you tell the truth, stick up for yourself, or express your needs you won't have any friends or lovers?
Read this book.
Read this book.
February 27, 2008
Reading date: Ongoing.
I'm not much of a self-help type of person... but this one is an exception. This book is a journal, if you will, of daily thoughts. Schedule 15 minutes each morning to read a selection and write some notes about how it may affect your world and your life. You'll be surprised at the insights you have and the changes you can make in Your World.
I'm not much of a self-help type of person... but this one is an exception. This book is a journal, if you will, of daily thoughts. Schedule 15 minutes each morning to read a selection and write some notes about how it may affect your world and your life. You'll be surprised at the insights you have and the changes you can make in Your World.
September 16, 2015
This is the book that propelled me out of a depression many years ago. A special friend encouraged me to write a response to each of the daily meditations, and I learned a lot about myself by the end of the first year, most importantly how to protect love from helplessness. I have been blessed with four copies of this book. And each one eventually journeys into the hands of someone, who like me, struggles to let go. Each time I stumble upon another copy of this book, I take it as a sign that it should be revisited. It's a beautiful cycle that prevents me from ever trying to lasso anything beyond my control. And each of the hands I have put this book into are hands that I still hold.
March 9, 2008
This book is definitely a must read for everybody. In life we all experience set backs, trauma, or the unexpected and this book is a guide to help cope through these encounters.
May 23, 2008
I first met Melody Beattie at about the time that I became acquainted with John Bradshaw and all of the others who had it figured out when it comes to forgiveness and acceptance. I carried a ratty copy of "The Language of Letting Go" with me everywhere I went for many years before I passed it on to a dear friend.
What I learned? Hmmm...to let go and let God run things. The whole thing about me having any control over the big picture was just something that I held onto for way too long. I particularly like the gerbil story :) Sounds just like me in another life.
What I learned? Hmmm...to let go and let God run things. The whole thing about me having any control over the big picture was just something that I held onto for way too long. I particularly like the gerbil story :) Sounds just like me in another life.
April 8, 2017
It is wrong to put this book in the bookshelf "read", because it's permanent currently-reading book for me. It was recommended to me in a self-help group for depression and since then I try to read the daily meditation as often as I can. It gives me a lot of courage, self-confidence and inspiration for the daily struggle. Highly recommended.
November 22, 2011
This book has a thought, a meditation, for every day of the year. It is an excellent 12 step resource, a resourceful tool for those finding themselves 'stuck' in codependent relationships, and for everyone else it is a simple reminder that problems are made to be solved. I have been reading this every day for two years and I am a happier healthier person because of it.
It's okay to detach. It's okay to be healthy and whole when a family member or friend isn't. It's okay to be gentle with yourself. Look around. Realize that you are working so hard to force the outcome of everything around you, to control your life, that you are working against yourself. It's okay to let things happen. Own your power - when you are handed drama that doesn't need to belong to you, hand it back!
I can't say enough about this book. Don't go to therapy. Buy this book! I promise it will help you realize the unhealthy habits you have grown up with and it will teach you how to change them. In fact, I guarantee that you will be a happier person if you will read it and even better, you will get the tools you need to stay that way for the rest of your life :)
It's okay to detach. It's okay to be healthy and whole when a family member or friend isn't. It's okay to be gentle with yourself. Look around. Realize that you are working so hard to force the outcome of everything around you, to control your life, that you are working against yourself. It's okay to let things happen. Own your power - when you are handed drama that doesn't need to belong to you, hand it back!
I can't say enough about this book. Don't go to therapy. Buy this book! I promise it will help you realize the unhealthy habits you have grown up with and it will teach you how to change them. In fact, I guarantee that you will be a happier person if you will read it and even better, you will get the tools you need to stay that way for the rest of your life :)
June 12, 2015
Given to me by my future mother-in-law, I have found so much solace in this book. Suffering from anxiety and panic disorder, I find this book often can provide my relief in these times, in some crazy way. It's been a blessing with every passage. Not every passage applies to me, but I always take a lesson from each day's motivation.
September 9, 2012
This book was given to me during a very difficult time in my life. My copy is tagged with countless page markers and is worn from reading it again and again. The book has had such a huge impact on me that I have since bought it for at least a dozen people in the past few years. Melody Beattie offers advice in a non-judgmental, non-preachy voice that resonates with true understanding. Short daily passages focus on a different topic each day, such as Acceptance, Denial, Boundaries, Accepting Our Best, Temporary Setbacks. Melody Beattie offers encouragement and hope while being honest and realistic about the challenges we face during difficult times.
May 4, 2008
This book is my God book, it never fails that the message is exactly what I need. I read it every day, try to do a little journaling about each meditation, and think on it while I water my plants and talk to and open my mind to listen to God. I first started reading this book in 1997, and find it to be just as helpful today as the first day I opened it. It is a great book for anyone, not just people in recovery.
May 24, 2020
I enjoyed this book, there were some incredibly powerful and helpful sections, passages, examples, and stories, and throughout the reading it did help me feel better.
However, the author spends a lot of time talking about god, which does not appeal to me, and so I skipped over many of these sections.
There are also many dated references and examples, which cannot be helped, but I would be very interested in an updated, non-religious version.
Overall I found this book very helpful for a peaceful mind, albeit with some flaws.
However, the author spends a lot of time talking about god, which does not appeal to me, and so I skipped over many of these sections.
There are also many dated references and examples, which cannot be helped, but I would be very interested in an updated, non-religious version.
Overall I found this book very helpful for a peaceful mind, albeit with some flaws.
December 13, 2012
Everyday there's a new entry. This book of daily affirmations, which I've been reading every morning for many years, often offers me the right thing I need to consider at the right time. Over the years, some of the ideas have sunk in, helping make my life more manageable.
February 17, 2008
I faithfully read this book everyday...it was given to me in early sobreity and it my daily handbook for life!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2017
Good book to have by ones bedside, often will give one pause to relook at things in different ways.
January 18, 2022
Very helpful! I continue reading it and I always find something new regardless of the times I’ve read it.
December 31, 2023
12/31/22 Reading everyday for the 2nd year in a row once again had a tremendous impact!
12/31/21. Reading these meditations each day has been super impactful this past year. I think I am going to read through it again in 2022!
Update 1/10/21. I am so thankful that this year I am reading the daily meditation on the day assigned. In the past, I have always skipped around according to topic, reading only when I felt the need. I am really benefiting from daily doses of Melody Beattie.
9/11/17. I can't say enough positive things about this little book. The daily writings are just enough to get my mind back on track regarding all of those ingrained codependent tendencies. Highly recommended!
12/31/21. Reading these meditations each day has been super impactful this past year. I think I am going to read through it again in 2022!
Update 1/10/21. I am so thankful that this year I am reading the daily meditation on the day assigned. In the past, I have always skipped around according to topic, reading only when I felt the need. I am really benefiting from daily doses of Melody Beattie.
9/11/17. I can't say enough positive things about this little book. The daily writings are just enough to get my mind back on track regarding all of those ingrained codependent tendencies. Highly recommended!
August 3, 2020
I bought this book for myself in 1999. I have read those daily meditations for many years and still will pick it up if I'm having a problem and find a related subject in the index and read that day's meditation. Before I began reading this book, I didn't know what a personal boundary was. What a relief it was to be able to say, "No" with no explanation and not feel guilty. We can't choose our families, but when we become adults, we can choose who we want to be and how we want to navigate in the world. This book helped me do that.
I read a meditation in this book almost every day. I have read the book many times over. It's a staple in my spiritual life.
I read a meditation in this book almost every day. I have read the book many times over. It's a staple in my spiritual life.
April 2, 2023
A book of daily meditations surrounding codependancy issues and how to overcome them. There are good ideas contained in this book and does make a great resource for codependancy recovery... however, my one major critque is the authors use of her own relgious beliefs scattered throughout. Written from a very Christian persepctive which might make the material difficult to relate to for some readers.
October 31, 2020
While I will never be "done" reading this book, I know that it is part of my daily spiritual practice to read. The book focuses on recovery and that can be so broad or specific depending on your individual needs. I really appreciate the mediations and find they go straight to me. Definitely a great book if you need to have some grounding. Self help on steroids!
September 14, 2021
Helpful to me in that this book provided for me expression that previously was not able to put together for myself. Reinforced for me some of the behaviours that I am incorporating into my life and reminded me of those to leave behind.
I am grateful for this resource.
I am grateful for this resource.
May 30, 2021
Great daily meditations for those who have struggled with codependency. I appreciate that Higher Power is often used in addition to God, however, I think this book will be most useful for those who are religious.
January 11, 2012
One to read and re-read and buy for your bookshelf!
October 1, 2012
Has been a daily read for years! Given to me by a friend...have scooped up editions when I see them at thrift stores or yard sales and give them away...great book! Love it!
February 8, 2022
An incredibly well-written collection of daily inspiration and wisdom to help you navigate life and relationships in a healthier, functional way. I think most of us grapple with co-dependency to some extent or the other, without even knowing it. This book will shine a light on that and help you understand yourself and your blocks better so that you can live more fully, be emotionally healthy, and have a balanced mindset. I made this book part of my morning routine, reading a couple of pages each day. You can even reread it to keep reminding yourself of the lessons it imparts.
December 27, 2023
Given to me by my mother when I went to college, just reading it all the way through now. I like the concept of daily devotions. I bookmarked a good number of passages to refer to in the future, there's a lot of good stuff here. Maybe I'm just not in the place to accept everything it has to say. I am a bit cynical of the concept of "everything is as it should be". What if it isn't? What if bad things are just bad and there isn't always a lesson in it? Maybe that's a subconscious choice I'm making. I don't know. Regardless, this was nice.
August 14, 2023
As another reviewer stated, I will never be “done” with this book, just will restart and continue to take new insights. As I begin to re read it is interesting how some things resonate the same and others in a new way. Highly recommend this book for anyone in recovery of any sort, as well as for those who aren’t :) It’s a fantastic daily meditation .
December 4, 2022
I will probably always refer to this book. Some pages are just what life is supposed to be about. In my opinion. Melody has helped me in so many ways and I can’t recommend her work enough to those of us who struggle to love and trust ourselves.
Want to read
May 24, 2021im gonna be honest im only adding this to my want to read bc i read somewhere that hayley williams rec’d it
July 31, 2023
Rarely do I complete any “one year” reading plans, but I genuinely looked forward to this reading every day. So, so good.
July 20, 2014
Even though I am an atheist, I am aware of the notion of cause and effect, and of the fact that, in general, if you always try to do good in your life, then you will always like yourself. You will have integrity.
At the time I read this book I was a religious person, but even now that I am not, I would still recommend it because of its insistence on self-love and self-respect.
This book emphasizes the notion that people are not to allow themselves to be used because both the victim and the user are degraded by the experience.
Eleanor Cowan, author of : A History of a Pedophile's Wife: Memoir of a Canadian Teacher and Writer
At the time I read this book I was a religious person, but even now that I am not, I would still recommend it because of its insistence on self-love and self-respect.
This book emphasizes the notion that people are not to allow themselves to be used because both the victim and the user are degraded by the experience.
Eleanor Cowan, author of : A History of a Pedophile's Wife: Memoir of a Canadian Teacher and Writer
Displaying 1 - 30 of 333 reviews