Co-dependency often feels like a loss of self. You may find yourself stuck in cycles of people-pleasing, over-functioning, or prioritising someone else’s needs at the expense of your own. The journey to recovery starts with self-awareness and journalling can be a powerful tool on that path.
Writing can give you a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your emotions, habits, and triggers. It helps you identify patterns you may not have noticed and reconnect with your own needs and desires. Journalling can reduce your anxiety, increase self-awareness and improve self-compassion. With increased insight, you can better recognise the need to set boundaries and reflect on what this looks like for you.
10 Journalling Prompts to Start Reflecting on Your Relationship Experiences
Use these prompts to gently explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours when it comes to the important relationships in your life.
- Who am I outside of my relationships?
- What do I enjoy, believe, or desire when no one else is influencing me?
- What does being needed mean to me?
- When do I feel guilty for setting boundaries?
- What story do I tell myself when I say “no”?
- In what ways have I made myself small or quiet to keep the peace in relationships?
- What emotions do I try to avoid or suppress in relationships, and why?
- When was a time I remember feeling responsible for someone else’s happiness?
- What does healthy love look and feel like to me?
- What would my life look like if I stopped seeking approval from others?
Recovery from co-dependency is about coming home to yourself. Journalling won’t fix everything overnight, but it can guide you gently toward self-trust, emotional clarity, and inner strength. Even 5 minutes of journalling a day can make a difference and gives you the opportunity to notice patterns, recurring themes and growth over time.
