The trap of co-dependency....

I've read a lot on this forum over the past few years about Co-dependence. It brought me to the reality a good while back that I have the disease. (if alcohol addiction can be a disease, why can't co-dependents?) I give credit to many of the posters on this forum for helping me to move past the (denial, mental block, ignorance, self-righteousness, fear) things in my little mind that has and does prohibit me from self-awareness and the ability to see and confront myself honestly. Trying to keep this post short...I will just say that I am a middle child (two brothers) and I was the responsible one growing up....Both of my brothers probably have adhd, (never diagnosed) anyway, they were always into trouble and I was the one watching out for them at an early age. My first wife of 30 years was very dependent due to anxiety, migraines, and OCD. And of course my present wife has adhd and is on adderall. (when she remembers and decides to take it.) Anyway, I rented a movie last night called Joy. I could not set still and wanted to turn it off several times...It's based on true events, and it reminded me so much of my life...It was painful to watch. I found myself suffering right along with this lady. It's a house full of dysfunction and the best example of Co-dependence I think you see... Anyway I can report for the past year, and especially the last 6 months or so, my attempts at moving out of my co-dependent role has been mostly successful...NOT EASY :)....What I've struggled with is 1) CARE...I had to move past viewing co-dependency as acts of caring. 2) DEPENDENTS, the people who expect you to succumb to every whim, bale them out or run interference for them, they don't like it when you just smile; walk away and tell them they can handle it. Anyway, I'm getting better at recognizing my tendencies, my own life has gotten much easier to manage, and my stress level has went way down....life is good:) I know many of you do and have struggled with this also...The CARE peace is huge and hard to move past....We may know what is right, (Co-dependency only creates invalids and adults who lack the responsibility to live as productive individuals) but to wean ourselves off of it is very difficult... After watching this movie, I came away with a renewed sense of urgency to continue the road of freedom in this area....Medicine is bitter, but it will get us well....The D and the Co-D..... Blessings All... C