October 13, 2024 • 11 mins
50 Journal Prompts for Relationships
Could journaling be the key to unlocking healthier, more balanced relationships? Discover the transformative power of guided journaling prompts as we explore the nuances of codependency with insights from Lestallion, a leading online shop for mental health resources. We'll unravel how codependency often surfaces through an excessive need for validation and difficulties in setting boundaries. Our discussion focuses on the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection through specific prompts, like examining feelings of guilt when saying no and considering how personal hobbies reveal our true self-identity.
Join us in understanding the fine line between being genuinely helpful and slipping into unhealthy codependency. Reflecting on past experiences where we've felt overly responsible for others' emotions, we'll identify areas that need change to foster more meaningful and balanced relationships. This episode also emphasizes the journey toward emotional independence, reminding us that true happiness is self-derived. With practical insights and powerful journaling exercises, we aim to empower you to build stronger, self-sufficient connections. Whether you prefer a fancy notebook or a simple notepad, the goal is targeted self-reflection to enhance your emotional wellness.
LeStallion offers premium PU leather journal notebooks for writing, dedicated to all those who are pursuing their dreams and goals, or nurturing their personal development and mental health.
For More Info on LeStallion, check out:
https://lestallion.com/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Okay, so like want to dive into codependency, but
maybe you're kind of you knowtired of the usual self-help
stuff.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Yeah, that's where this deep dive gets interesting,
right.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Totally.
We're ditching the textbooksthis time.
Yeah, pick it up somethingdifferent, like way different.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Okay, I like where this is going.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
So there's this online shop called Lestallion
and they sell these journalswith prompts all about mental
health.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
I've seen those.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
And they have this one journal with 50 prompts, all
about codependency.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
Interesting, so we're using that as our source
material.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
Yep, because, like who would think that a list of
questions could be so insightful?
It's all about how you use them, you know.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Yeah, it's targeted self-reflection.
That's where the real power is,I think.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
Exactly so.
Codependency.
Just a quick reminder it's whenyou're like way too reliant on
other people that feel goodabout yourself.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
You need that external validation, constantly
seeking approval.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Right, and these prompts are supposed to help you
figure out if that's likehappening in your own life.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
It's about recognizing those patterns,
those tendencies you might noteven realize are driving your
behavior.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
OK, so let's dive into some of these prompts
because, like some of them, whoa, they really made me think.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
All right, hit me.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
One that stopped me in my tracks.
Think about a time you feltguilty for saying no, Like I
feel that all the time.
But is that a codependencything or just me?
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Well, that's the question, isn't it?
I mean, we all feel guiltysometimes when we disappoint
someone.
That's the question, isn't it?
I mean?
Speaker 1 (01:24):
we all feel guilty.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
sometimes when we disappoint someone, that's
natural Right.
But for someone struggling withcodependency, that guilt, it
runs much deeper, you know.
Speaker 1 (01:31):
Okay, so what's the connection there?
Help me understand.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
So imagine someone who always felt like they had to
be the good kid, always puttingeveryone else first.
It can get ingrained.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
Ah, so their family dynamic plays a role.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
Often, yeah, and those early experiences can
really shape how we navigaterelationships later on, even
subconsciously.
Speaker 1 (01:49):
Wow.
So this prompt, it's like itforces you to face those
patterns head on.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Exactly.
Am I saying yes because Igenuinely want to or because I'm
terrified of disappointingsomeone?
That's what it makes you askyourself.
Speaker 1 (02:01):
That is powerful.
So it's not about never feelingguilty.
It's about understanding wherethat guilt's coming from.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Exactly.
If it's rooted in this fear ofasserting your own needs, that's
a sign you might need toreevaluate some things.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
And that's where these prompts are so helpful,
right?
They make you questioneverything.
Speaking of questioningeverything, check this out.
Consider your hobbies andinterests.
How do they reflect your trueself?
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Interesting.
What was your initial reactionto that one?
Speaker 1 (02:28):
Okay, well, first I was like wait, are my hobbies
weird?
But seriously, how does thatrelate to codependency?
It seems kind of random.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Not at all.
Think about it when we're sofocused on other people, our own
passions, interests, thosethings that make us unique, they
can get pushed aside.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
So like rediscovering those things that actually
helps you have healthierrelationships.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
It's a huge part of it.
It's about you, your identity,outside of your relationships,
because the more fulfilled youare on your own the better your
relationships with others willbe.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
It's like you can't pour from an empty cup, right?
Although, knowing me, I'dprobably just try to find
someone else to fill it for me.
See, codependency is sneaky.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
It really is.
But awareness, that's the firststep, and that's what these
prompts are all about.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
Okay, so we've talked about guilt, hobbies, but what
about, like those relationshipswhere you just feel drained,
like your needs aren't being metat all?
Speaker 2 (03:19):
That's what boundaries come in, and this
journal Lestallion.
They seem big on boundaries,and for good reason.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Which makes sense right.
Codependency thrives whenboundaries are weak or
non-existent.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
Totally.
If you don't know where you endand the other person begins,
it's easy to get lost.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
Seriously so there's this prompt and this one's big.
Are there any relationshipswhere your boundaries are often
crossed?
Speaker 2 (03:43):
Whoa.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Makes you think.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Because it forces you to actually pinpoint those
relationships you know and thento start digging deeper.
Why are those boundaries soblurry?
Is it fear of conflict?
Speaker 1 (03:54):
People pleasing so it's getting real, real fast.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
It is.
It's about honesty, beinghonest with yourself about those
dynamics.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Speaking of honesty, can I just point something out?
This whole shipping to withinthe USA only tagline on their
website.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
What about it?
Speaker 1 (04:08):
Like is codependency only a problem here?
Probably not, but it's kind offunny how specific it is.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
I see your point.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
It got me thinking, though, about all these other
journal prompts they have.
I was looking at their blog andthere's like 50 journal prompts
for mental health, 50meditation journal prompts, even
50 social emotional journalprompts.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
Wow, that's a lot of journaling.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Are we, like, obsessed with journaling our
feelings these days, orsomething?
Speaker 2 (04:34):
It's definitely a trend, but why?
Good question.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
Right, but one thing's for sure People clearly
want this kind of guidance, thisself-reflection stuff.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
Definitely.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
And Lestallion.
They're tapping into that withtheir journals.
The whole horse theme.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
It's very on brand for them, I guess.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
Total branding.
But OK, before we get too offtrack talking about stationary,
let's get back to codependency.
We've only just started withthese prompts.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Barely scratched the surface.
Speaker 1 (05:00):
We've only just started with these prompts
Barely scratched the surface,exactly, and in the next part of
this deep dive, we're going tounpack the prompts that go
beyond just identifying theproblem.
We're talking solutions.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
How to actually build those healthier relationships.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
So stick with us.
It's going to get good.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
It's kind of crazy, you know.
We can go our whole lives withthese habits and patterns,
especially in relationships, andnever really stop and think
about them.
Totally on autopilot habits andpatterns, especially in
relationships, and never reallystop and think about them
totally on autopilot exactly,and that's the beauty of
journaling prompts like theseit's like hitting the pause
button, you know makes you stepoff the treadmill for a second
and really examine why you dothe things you do.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
Love that okay, ready for another prompt get me all
right.
This one's a doozy right abouta time you felt you had to fix
someone else's problems.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Ooh, that's a good one Right.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
And listen, I am a total fixer by nature, so this
one, like, spoke to my soul.
But how do you know when it'sjust you being helpful and when
it crosses that line intocodependency?
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Million dollar question and, honestly, there's
no easy answer, because wantingto help someone, wanting to take
away their pain, that's a goodthing, right Of course.
But for someone who struggleswith codependency, that urge to
fix it can become a way to like,exert control, to feel needed
or even avoid their own issues.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
So it's not about the action itself, it's the
motivation behind it.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Exactly.
Think about it Someone who'salways jumping in to solve their
partner's problems, givingadvice they didn't ask for,
taking on extra responsibilities.
It might look helpful from theoutside, but underneath it could
be this need to beindispensable or to control the
situation, maybe even avoidfeeling inadequate themselves.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Whoa.
Okay, that is deep.
So how do you know when you'vecrossed that line?
When does wanting to helpbecome unhealthy?
Speaker 2 (06:44):
Self-reflection is key.
This prompt, it's not aboutmaking you feel bad for wanting
to help people.
It's about getting honest withyourself about the why.
Are you helping from a place ofgenuine love, or are you trying
to fix them to, I don't know?
Fill some void in yourself.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
So maybe I need to rethink all those times I
reorganized someone's sockdrawer when they were stressed
out.
Speaker 2 (07:04):
We've all been there.
But think of it this way byalways swooping in to save the
day, you might actually bepreventing that person from
learning to cope on their own,from building their own
resilience.
Speaker 1 (07:15):
It's like that saying give a man a fish, you feed him
for a day.
Teach a man to fish, you feedhim for a lifetime.
But in this case it's like fixa man's problem, you feed your
own.
Need to feel needed.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Nailed it.
It's about finding that sweetspot between offering support
and letting them handle theirown stuff.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
So what if you realize through journaling that
you are like totally fallinginto that fixer trap?
How do you even start tountangle from that Boundaries?
Speaker 2 (07:42):
my friend, which, like we talked about earlier, is
a huge theme in these prompts.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
All right.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
There's this one.
Reflect on a time you feltoverly responsible for someone
else's emotions.
That's a big one, becausecodependency often involves this
blurring of lines between yourfeelings and theirs.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
Oh, tell me about it.
I'm a walking talking empathysponge.
So about it I'm a walkingtalking empathy sponge, soaking
up everyone's feelings like it'smy job.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
And it's exhausting.
This prompt helps you pinpointthose times when you're
shouldering responsibilitythat's not even yours to carry.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
Because you're not responsible for other people's
happiness as much as I sometimeswish I was.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
It's a tough lesson you can be compassionate,
supportive, without becomingtheir emotional punching bag.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
Exactly, I can offer a listening ear, a shoulder to
cry on, but I don't have tobecome their therapist.
Speaker 2 (08:26):
Exactly.
Sometimes the most loving thingyou can do for someone is to
give them space to feel theirfeelings, to figure things out
for themselves.
Speaker 1 (08:33):
Okay, so we've spent a lot of time untangling
codependency, but how do youactually fix it?
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Right, because knowing the problem is only half
the battle.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
Exactly.
So how do we get to thesolution?
Does La Stallion even offerthat?
Speaker 2 (08:46):
They do.
They have these prompts focusedon building healthy
relationships and they're prettyinsightful.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
Okay, I'm listening.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
Well, check this out.
Reflect on a healthyrelationship.
You admire what makes ithealthy, and how can you apply
those qualities to your ownrelationships?
Speaker 1 (09:02):
So it's like finding a relationship, role model,
someone to look up to.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Basically, who are those couples you know, or even
a mentor-mentee relationship ora really strong friendship?
Speaker 1 (09:10):
Yeah, like, what is it about them that makes their
bond so solid?
Speaker 2 (09:14):
Exactly, is it how they talk to each other, how
they handle disagreements, theway they support each other.
It's about pinpointing thosespecific qualities and figuring
out how to apply them to yourown life.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
So you're not trying to copy their relationship, but
like extract the secretingredients that make it work.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Yes, learn from the best and then adapt it to your
own situation, your ownrelationships.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
I like it Reminds me of this other prompt Describe a
moment when you felt trulyconnected to someone else.
What factors contributed tothat connection and how can you
create more of those moments?
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Oh, that's a good one .
It's about those peakconnection moments where you
felt totally seen and understood.
It could be anything A deepconversation, laughing so hard
your sides hurt, an adventurethat brought you closer.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
It's like you're trying to recreate that feeling,
right?
Speaker 2 (10:02):
You're reverse engineering it.
What made those moments sospecial?
Was it vulnerability, sharedpassions, feeling safe and
trusting?
Once you understand what thoseelements were, you can actually
be more intentional aboutcreating more of them.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
It's like a recipe for connection.
I love it.
And this kind of ties back tosomething we talked about before
self-care.
Remember those prompts aboutindependence?
Speaker 2 (10:22):
Oh, definitely Overcoming codependency isn't
just about other people.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
It's about your relationship with yourself, too.
It all starts with you.
If you need other people tofeel good about yourself, you're
never going to be truly happy,100%.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
That's why this prompt is so important.
Think about a time when youfelt independent and
self-sufficient.
What were the circumstances andhow did it impact your sense of
freedom?
Speaker 1 (10:45):
It's like a reminder that you can be happy and
fulfilled on your own.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Exactly, you are enough, just as you are, and
tapping into those memories ofindependence, it can be really
empowering.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
OK.
So to wrap things up, we'vegone deep on codependency,
dissected these journal promptsand even brainstormed some
strategies for buildinghealthier, more fulfilling
relationships.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
It's a lot to digest, for sure.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
It is.
But remember, the beauty ofjournaling is that you can go at
your own pace, no pressure, andhey, if a fancy journal with a
horse on it inspires you to dothe work, go for it.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
Whatever it takes right.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
Exactly Until next time.
Okay, so like want to dive into codependency, but
maybe you're kind of you knowtired of the usual self-help
stuff.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Yeah, that's where this deep dive gets interesting,
right.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Totally.
We're ditching the textbooksthis time.
Yeah, pick it up somethingdifferent, like way different.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
Okay, I like where this is going.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
So there's this online shop called Lestallion
and they sell these journalswith prompts all about mental
health.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
I've seen those.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
And they have this one journal with 50 prompts, all
about codependency.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
Interesting, so we're using that as our source
material.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
Yep, because, like who would think that a list of
questions could be so insightful?
It's all about how you use them, you know.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Yeah, it's targeted self-reflection.
That's where the real power is,I think.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
Exactly so.
Codependency.
Just a quick reminder it's whenyou're like way too reliant on
other people that feel goodabout yourself.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
You need that external validation, constantly
seeking approval.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Right, and these prompts are supposed to help you
figure out if that's likehappening in your own life.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
It's about recognizing those patterns,
those tendencies you might noteven realize are driving your
behavior.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
OK, so let's dive into some of these prompts
because, like some of them, whoa, they really made me think.
Speaker 2 (01:08):
All right, hit me.
Speaker 1 (01:09):
One that stopped me in my tracks.
Think about a time you feltguilty for saying no, Like I
feel that all the time.
But is that a codependencything or just me?
Speaker 2 (01:19):
Well, that's the question, isn't it?
I mean, we all feel guiltysometimes when we disappoint
someone.
That's the question, isn't it?
I mean?
Speaker 1 (01:24):
we all feel guilty.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
sometimes when we disappoint someone, that's
natural Right.
But for someone struggling withcodependency, that guilt, it
runs much deeper, you know.
Speaker 1 (01:31):
Okay, so what's the connection there?
Help me understand.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
So imagine someone who always felt like they had to
be the good kid, always puttingeveryone else first.
It can get ingrained.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
Ah, so their family dynamic plays a role.
Speaker 2 (01:43):
Often, yeah, and those early experiences can
really shape how we navigaterelationships later on, even
subconsciously.
Speaker 1 (01:49):
Wow.
So this prompt, it's like itforces you to face those
patterns head on.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Exactly.
Am I saying yes because Igenuinely want to or because I'm
terrified of disappointingsomeone?
That's what it makes you askyourself.
Speaker 1 (02:01):
That is powerful.
So it's not about never feelingguilty.
It's about understanding wherethat guilt's coming from.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
Exactly.
If it's rooted in this fear ofasserting your own needs, that's
a sign you might need toreevaluate some things.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
And that's where these prompts are so helpful,
right?
They make you questioneverything.
Speaking of questioningeverything, check this out.
Consider your hobbies andinterests.
How do they reflect your trueself?
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Interesting.
What was your initial reactionto that one?
Speaker 1 (02:28):
Okay, well, first I was like wait, are my hobbies
weird?
But seriously, how does thatrelate to codependency?
It seems kind of random.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Not at all.
Think about it when we're sofocused on other people, our own
passions, interests, thosethings that make us unique, they
can get pushed aside.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
So like rediscovering those things that actually
helps you have healthierrelationships.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
It's a huge part of it.
It's about you, your identity,outside of your relationships,
because the more fulfilled youare on your own the better your
relationships with others willbe.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
It's like you can't pour from an empty cup, right?
Although, knowing me, I'dprobably just try to find
someone else to fill it for me.
See, codependency is sneaky.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
It really is.
But awareness, that's the firststep, and that's what these
prompts are all about.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
Okay, so we've talked about guilt, hobbies, but what
about, like those relationshipswhere you just feel drained,
like your needs aren't being metat all?
Speaker 2 (03:19):
That's what boundaries come in, and this
journal Lestallion.
They seem big on boundaries,and for good reason.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Which makes sense right.
Codependency thrives whenboundaries are weak or
non-existent.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
Totally.
If you don't know where you endand the other person begins,
it's easy to get lost.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
Seriously so there's this prompt and this one's big.
Are there any relationshipswhere your boundaries are often
crossed?
Speaker 2 (03:43):
Whoa.
Speaker 1 (03:44):
Makes you think.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Because it forces you to actually pinpoint those
relationships you know and thento start digging deeper.
Why are those boundaries soblurry?
Is it fear of conflict?
Speaker 1 (03:54):
People pleasing so it's getting real, real fast.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
It is.
It's about honesty, beinghonest with yourself about those
dynamics.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Speaking of honesty, can I just point something out?
This whole shipping to withinthe USA only tagline on their
website.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
What about it?
Speaker 1 (04:08):
Like is codependency only a problem here?
Probably not, but it's kind offunny how specific it is.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
I see your point.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
It got me thinking, though, about all these other
journal prompts they have.
I was looking at their blog andthere's like 50 journal prompts
for mental health, 50meditation journal prompts, even
50 social emotional journalprompts.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
Wow, that's a lot of journaling.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Are we, like, obsessed with journaling our
feelings these days, orsomething?
Speaker 2 (04:34):
It's definitely a trend, but why?
Good question.
Speaker 1 (04:37):
Right, but one thing's for sure People clearly
want this kind of guidance, thisself-reflection stuff.
Speaker 2 (04:44):
Definitely.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
And Lestallion.
They're tapping into that withtheir journals.
The whole horse theme.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
It's very on brand for them, I guess.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
Total branding.
But OK, before we get too offtrack talking about stationary,
let's get back to codependency.
We've only just started withthese prompts.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Barely scratched the surface.
Speaker 1 (05:00):
We've only just started with these prompts
Barely scratched the surface,exactly, and in the next part of
this deep dive, we're going tounpack the prompts that go
beyond just identifying theproblem.
We're talking solutions.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
How to actually build those healthier relationships.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
So stick with us.
It's going to get good.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
It's kind of crazy, you know.
We can go our whole lives withthese habits and patterns,
especially in relationships, andnever really stop and think
about them.
Totally on autopilot habits andpatterns, especially in
relationships, and never reallystop and think about them
totally on autopilot exactly,and that's the beauty of
journaling prompts like theseit's like hitting the pause
button, you know makes you stepoff the treadmill for a second
and really examine why you dothe things you do.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
Love that okay, ready for another prompt get me all
right.
This one's a doozy right abouta time you felt you had to fix
someone else's problems.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Ooh, that's a good one Right.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
And listen, I am a total fixer by nature, so this
one, like, spoke to my soul.
But how do you know when it'sjust you being helpful and when
it crosses that line intocodependency?
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Million dollar question and, honestly, there's
no easy answer, because wantingto help someone, wanting to take
away their pain, that's a goodthing, right Of course.
But for someone who struggleswith codependency, that urge to
fix it can become a way to like,exert control, to feel needed
or even avoid their own issues.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
So it's not about the action itself, it's the
motivation behind it.
Speaker 2 (06:16):
Exactly.
Think about it Someone who'salways jumping in to solve their
partner's problems, givingadvice they didn't ask for,
taking on extra responsibilities.
It might look helpful from theoutside, but underneath it could
be this need to beindispensable or to control the
situation, maybe even avoidfeeling inadequate themselves.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Whoa.
Okay, that is deep.
So how do you know when you'vecrossed that line?
When does wanting to helpbecome unhealthy?
Speaker 2 (06:44):
Self-reflection is key.
This prompt, it's not aboutmaking you feel bad for wanting
to help people.
It's about getting honest withyourself about the why.
Are you helping from a place ofgenuine love, or are you trying
to fix them to, I don't know?
Fill some void in yourself.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
So maybe I need to rethink all those times I
reorganized someone's sockdrawer when they were stressed
out.
Speaker 2 (07:04):
We've all been there.
But think of it this way byalways swooping in to save the
day, you might actually bepreventing that person from
learning to cope on their own,from building their own
resilience.
Speaker 1 (07:15):
It's like that saying give a man a fish, you feed him
for a day.
Teach a man to fish, you feedhim for a lifetime.
But in this case it's like fixa man's problem, you feed your
own.
Need to feel needed.
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Nailed it.
It's about finding that sweetspot between offering support
and letting them handle theirown stuff.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
So what if you realize through journaling that
you are like totally fallinginto that fixer trap?
How do you even start tountangle from that Boundaries?
Speaker 2 (07:42):
my friend, which, like we talked about earlier, is
a huge theme in these prompts.
Speaker 1 (07:45):
All right.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
There's this one.
Reflect on a time you feltoverly responsible for someone
else's emotions.
That's a big one, becausecodependency often involves this
blurring of lines between yourfeelings and theirs.
Speaker 1 (07:57):
Oh, tell me about it.
I'm a walking talking empathysponge.
So about it I'm a walkingtalking empathy sponge, soaking
up everyone's feelings like it'smy job.
Speaker 2 (08:05):
And it's exhausting.
This prompt helps you pinpointthose times when you're
shouldering responsibilitythat's not even yours to carry.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
Because you're not responsible for other people's
happiness as much as I sometimeswish I was.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
It's a tough lesson you can be compassionate,
supportive, without becomingtheir emotional punching bag.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
Exactly, I can offer a listening ear, a shoulder to
cry on, but I don't have tobecome their therapist.
Speaker 2 (08:26):
Exactly.
Sometimes the most loving thingyou can do for someone is to
give them space to feel theirfeelings, to figure things out
for themselves.
Speaker 1 (08:33):
Okay, so we've spent a lot of time untangling
codependency, but how do youactually fix it?
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Right, because knowing the problem is only half
the battle.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
Exactly.
So how do we get to thesolution?
Does La Stallion even offerthat?
Speaker 2 (08:46):
They do.
They have these prompts focusedon building healthy
relationships and they're prettyinsightful.
Speaker 1 (08:52):
Okay, I'm listening.
Speaker 2 (08:53):
Well, check this out.
Reflect on a healthyrelationship.
You admire what makes ithealthy, and how can you apply
those qualities to your ownrelationships?
Speaker 1 (09:02):
So it's like finding a relationship, role model,
someone to look up to.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Basically, who are those couples you know, or even
a mentor-mentee relationship ora really strong friendship?
Speaker 1 (09:10):
Yeah, like, what is it about them that makes their
bond so solid?
Speaker 2 (09:14):
Exactly, is it how they talk to each other, how
they handle disagreements, theway they support each other.
It's about pinpointing thosespecific qualities and figuring
out how to apply them to yourown life.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
So you're not trying to copy their relationship, but
like extract the secretingredients that make it work.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Yes, learn from the best and then adapt it to your
own situation, your ownrelationships.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
I like it Reminds me of this other prompt Describe a
moment when you felt trulyconnected to someone else.
What factors contributed tothat connection and how can you
create more of those moments?
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Oh, that's a good one .
It's about those peakconnection moments where you
felt totally seen and understood.
It could be anything A deepconversation, laughing so hard
your sides hurt, an adventurethat brought you closer.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
It's like you're trying to recreate that feeling,
right?
Speaker 2 (10:02):
You're reverse engineering it.
What made those moments sospecial?
Was it vulnerability, sharedpassions, feeling safe and
trusting?
Once you understand what thoseelements were, you can actually
be more intentional aboutcreating more of them.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
It's like a recipe for connection.
I love it.
And this kind of ties back tosomething we talked about before
self-care.
Remember those prompts aboutindependence?
Speaker 2 (10:22):
Oh, definitely Overcoming codependency isn't
just about other people.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
It's about your relationship with yourself, too.
It all starts with you.
If you need other people tofeel good about yourself, you're
never going to be truly happy,100%.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
That's why this prompt is so important.
Think about a time when youfelt independent and
self-sufficient.
What were the circumstances andhow did it impact your sense of
freedom?
Speaker 1 (10:45):
It's like a reminder that you can be happy and
fulfilled on your own.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Exactly, you are enough, just as you are, and
tapping into those memories ofindependence, it can be really
empowering.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
OK.
So to wrap things up, we'vegone deep on codependency,
dissected these journal promptsand even brainstormed some
strategies for buildinghealthier, more fulfilling
relationships.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
It's a lot to digest, for sure.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
It is.
But remember, the beauty ofjournaling is that you can go at
your own pace, no pressure, andhey, if a fancy journal with a
horse on it inspires you to dothe work, go for it.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
Whatever it takes right.
Speaker 1 (11:19):
Exactly Until next time.
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