First published in 2001 by
Conari Press
an imprint of Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC
with offices at
500 Third Street, Suite 230
San Francisco, CA 94107
Copyright © 2001 by Sue Patton Thoele
All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.
Cover Photography: ©Everett Johnson/Index Stock
Book Design: Ralph Fowler
Interior Illustrations: Sandie Turchyn
Author Photo: Luke Landin
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Thoele, Sue Patton.
The courage to be yourself : a woman's guide
to emotional strength and self-esteem /
Sue Patton Thoele.-- 10th anniversary ed.
ISBN 1-57324-569-0
1. Women--Psychology. 2. Dependency (Psychology)
3. Self-help techniques. I. Title.
HQ1206 .T465 2001
158′.1′082—dc21
00-011714
Printed in the United States of America
DR
10 9 8 7 6 5
www.redwheelweiser.com/newsletter
In memory of my wonderful mother,
Virginia Faris Patton,
who had a special talent for listening,
and
my dear friend,
Kate Wagner Landin,
who had a special talent for living and giving.
Your courage, humor, and love in the face of
death blessed and inspired me beyond my
ability to describe. Thank you both from the
depths of my heart and soul.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
FINDING THE COURAGE TO BE YOURSELF
Qualities of the Divine Feminine
Emotional Strength and Self-Esteem
Courage: An Everyday Actuality
FACETS OF EMOTIONAL DEPENDENCE
What Are Limits and Boundaries?
The Have-It-All/Do-It-All Trap
ALLOWING OURSELVES TO BE INVADED