Stop Giving It Away: How to Stop Self-Sacrificing and Start Claiming Your Space, Power, and Happiness

"An insightful guide to navigating life's complexities.”
—Melody Beattie, bestselling author of Codependent No More, The Language of Letting Go.



“Stop Giving It Away is a crucial read for women suffering from an all-too-common problem: they take care of everyone in their lives except themselves. This personal and detailed book will inspire you to take your life back, one step at a time.”


—Dr. Andrea Bonior, Ph.D., author of The Friendship Fix



“Since the 1970s, women’s roles and choices have expanded exponentially, yet our historical training in self-sacrifice remains intact, undermining all our gains. In this straight-talking, realistic, compassionate, and deeply wise book, Cherilynn Veland nails the reasons behind our habit of “giving it away”―especially the often-ignored issue of how society and culture have shaped us to do so―and offers practical strategies for overcoming your own personal pull toward unhealthy self-sacrifice.”


—Stephanie Golden, author of Slaying the Mermaid: Women and the Culture of Sacrifice

Cherilynn Veland has worked extensively in psychiatric settings, child welfare agencies, domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance abuse treatment programs, and has consulted for corporate and employee assistance programs. A clinical social worker licensed through the State of Illinois to provide counseling for individuals, couples, and families, Veland holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. She currently runs a successful therapy and counseling practice in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago.