The Hardest Truth About Codependency I Learned in 50 Years of Recovery

At 87 years old, with 50 years of sobriety and more than 30 books behind her, Karen Casey joins three generations of women for an honest conversation about recovery, codependency, worthiness, and faith. Best known for Each Day a New Beginning, the first daily meditation book written for women in recovery, Karen shares her early years of fear and insecurity, the divorce that redirected her life, and the hardest truth she ever had to accept: that she could never change another person. This is a warm, wise conversation about emotional healing, personal growth for women, and the kind of generational wisdom that reminds you it is never too late to begin again.What You'll Hear in This EpisodeHow a newly sober woman wrote a book that would sell more than 4 million copiesWhy Karen believes she "came out of the womb codependent"What Al-Anon is, and why codependency can be as serious as addictionThe hardest truth Karen ever accepted about changing othersWhy so many women struggle to believe they are worthy of loveHow Each Day a New Beginning was born out of her search for GodFacing serious health challenges at 87 with peace instead of fearWhat one generation loses when it stops listening to the one before itMost Powerful MomentA year into her sobriety, Karen went home and her mother apologized, saying, "I think it's my fault you're an alcoholic," because she had not wanted the pregnancy. Karen held her while she cried, and out of that painful moment grew a closeness they had never had. It is a tender picture of how honesty between generations can heal what silence never could.About Generations WovenGenerations Woven is a podcast where three generations of women share honest conversations about relationships, healing, faith, identity, and personal growth.Each episode explores real life experiences and the wisdom that comes from walking through life together.Discover more episodes at https://www.generationswoven.comLegal DisclaimerGenerations Woven shares personal stories, encouragement, and honest conversations. We are not licensed medical or mental health professionals. If you need support beyond this conversation, please reach out to a qualified professional. We are cheering for you and we are grateful you are here.Mentioned in this episode:Mental Health Support ResourcesIf you are struggling, feeling hopeless, or having thoughts of harming yourself, you deserve support right now. If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number immediately. United States 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 (24/7) Canada 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline Call or text 988 (24/7) Australia Lifeline Australia Call 13 11 14 (24/7) Germany TelefonSeelsorge Call 116 123 (24/7, free) If you’re not sure what to say when you reach out, you can start with: “I’m not doing okay, and I need someone to talk to right now.”Legal DisclaimerAs we end today’s episode, remember this is a space for stories, encouragement, and honest conversations.​We’re not giving professional medical or mental-health advice, as we are not licensed providers. ​If you need support, please connect with a qualified professional who can help. We are cheering for you, and we’re grateful you’re here.​