Hey Lee,
Congratulations on your courageous start in your work toward creating a better life for yourself.
I encourage you to seek out a group that can help you along the way.
I think that there are 12 Step Co-dependency groups, either in person or online. You might want to investigate that. http://www.recovery.org/topics/about-the-codependents-anonymous-12-step-recovery-program/
One of my favorite spiritual authors, Melody Beattie wrote the seminal book on co-dependence, “Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself
I believe how we change is like eating an elephant, i.e. bit by bit (one spoonful at a time). Keep practicing your emotional expression and all other of those different behaviors that support your independency.
Let us know how you are doing.
Metta,
Mark