Shame: the torment you feel when you're exposed, humiliated, or rejected; the feeling of not being good enough. It's a deeply painful and universal emotion, yet is not frequently discussed.

For some, shame lurks in the unconscious, undermining self-esteem, destroying confidence, and leading to codependency. These codependent relationships--where we overlook our own needs and desires as we try to care for, protect, or please another--often cover up abuse, addiction, or other harmful behaviors.

Shame and codependency feed off one another, making us feel stuck, never able to let go, move on, and become the true self we were meant to be.

In Conquering Shame and Codependency, Darlene Lancer sheds new light on shame: how codependents' feelings and beliefs about shame affect their identity, their behavior, and how shame can corrode relationships, destroying trust and love. She then provides eight steps to heal from shame, learn to love yourself, and develop healthy relationships.

Codependency For Dummies, 2^nd Edition is the most comprehensive book on the topic to date. Written in plain English and packed with sensitive, authoritative information, it describes the history, symptoms, causes, and relationship dynamics of codependency. The majority of the book is devoted to healing and lays out a clear plan for recovery with exercises, practical advice, and daily reminders to help you know, honor, protect, and express yourself. New to this edition are chapters on working the Twelve Steps to recover from codependency and how therapists/coaches/nurses are affected by codependency.

Codependence is primarily a learned behavior from our family of origin. Some cultures have it to a greater degree than others--some still see it as a normal way of living. Yet the costs of codependence can include distrust, faulty expectations, passive-aggressiveness, control, self-neglect, over-focus on others, manipulation, intimacy issues, and a slew of other harmful traits. Codependence causes serious pain and affects the majority of Americans--not just women and loved ones of addicts. Codependency For Dummies, 2^nd Edition offers authoritative and trusted guidance on ways to raise your self-esteem, detach and let go, set boundaries, recognize healthy vs. dysfunctional relationships, overcome guilt and resentment, and much more.

• Helps you break the pattern of conduct that keeps you in harmful relationships
• Provides trusted guidance to create healthy boundaries, coping skills, and expectations
• Offers advice for eliminating feelings of guilt, blame, and feeling overly responsible
• Explains the difference between care-giving and codependent care-taking

If you're trapped in the cycle of codependency and looking for help, Codependency For Dummies, 2^nd Edition offers trusted advice and a clear plan for recovery.

Unfettered Soul: Poems and Contemplations on Recovery is a profound inquiry into soul reclamation and healing by Darlene Lancer and nine contributors. Cry, laugh, exclaim hurray and aha as you share our grief, triumphs, and revelations on self-love and transformation. Heartfelt poetry, accompanied by colorful photos and insightful essays, offers sensitive wisdom on the following themes:

Perspectives-how we define ourselves and our world-is shaped by our early experiences and the narratives we construct. Whether we see our life as half-full or half-empty, people as safe or dangerous, or time as our friend or enemy substantially impacts our behavior, feelings, and thoughts.

Relationships reveal our wounded places. Childhood patterns can lead us to self-sacrifice, confuse love with longing, and hamper healthy interdependency. Many of the poems in this section explore using relationships and painful lessons as growth opportunities.

Angst may visit us in the form of anxiety, isolation, depression, and despair. Trauma that lingers in the shadows exacerbates our pain. Our greatest suffering usually arises from distorted thinking, shame, or loss of our dreams, abilities, or loved ones. When we feel rejected or lose a relationship, the shame of feeling unloved, unlovable, or unwanted is magnified. Yet, these painful experiences illuminate wounds we need to heal.

Our soul cries out for Change and Transformation when our lives are out of alignment, but change isn't easy. We need the courage to let go of familiar yet unhelpful patterns that have kept us safe. Learning to change our attitudes and behaviors is vital for personal growth.

Faith emerges as a guiding light on this journey, supporting transitions, and inviting us to embrace uncertainty. Rather than praying to have our wishes fulfilled, true faith opens our heart to the ever-changing aliveness of the present. It helps us acknowledge when we're powerless, relinquish the need to manage every aspect of our lives, and it empowers us to take meaningful action.

Eventually, our journey leads us to the heart of Self-love and Healing, teaching us that healing begins with compassion for ourselves. Seeking external solutions to alleviate our suffering only provides temporary relief. True healing involves self-reflection, deep listening, honoring our feelings, setting boundaries, and nurturing our emotional and physical well-being. Self-compassion allows us to discover our true self, fostering resilience and inner peace. By opening our heart and mind to the present, we channel the intrinsic energy that unites us.

Recovery isn't a destination, but an ongoing process-an adventure, rich with opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Whether you're navigating the challenges of recovery, seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, or on a quest for solace, inspiration, or transformation, Unfettered Soul offers a guiding, uplifting light through darkness. It encourages you to reflect on your own experiences, reclaim your inner strength, and embrace the beauty of your unfettered soul.