We have been abandoned and neglected so often that we also abandon ourselves. – Beattie, Codependent No More, page 99

Hanging your hat on someone else
for happiness, for fulfillment,
for feeling whole, leaves you feeling less,
looking for someone else,
yet often finding that someone cannot
or will not carry that load.
I am capable, competent,
dependable…but have accepted
other opinions long enough,
often enough, I easily doubt these facts.
It is nobody else’s job to the care of me.
My Higher Power and I have it covered.
And we choose not to abandon or neglect me.
I am capable, competent and dependable
and I do no good for anyone when I forget it,
when the power of being emotionally stuck
is far greater than the power of reason.