A familiar slogan in Al-Anon is, “Detach with love.”
“Easier said than done,” is another oft used motto.
Or, maybe you’ve tried to practice, “Tough Love.”
Whatever your recovery rallying cry, the purpose of codependent 12-Step groups is to focus on our own shortcomings and healing.
With the help of friends “in the rooms” I learned to stop trying to fix someone who was breaking me—emotionally, physically, and spiritually by disturbing the peace of my soul. Detaching with love is a necessary life-challenging method of caring for self.
In time, I began to practice another slogan, “Let Go and Let God.”

Because of our basic instinct to help, detaching from a loved one’s problems is never easy. Be patient with yourself. Your Higher Power’s got this.
But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded” (2 Chronicles 15:7 NLT).