I said good bye to toxic ppl and I left my abusive ex 5 months ago. Today was our anniversary I turned it into a celebration of mr day

@MarlenaStell

Ай бұрын

I'm SO SO happy you left your ex! It's scary, hard, and dangerous many times so be PROUD of yourself for getting out! Sending you all the love for your next stage of life- go live it how YOU want! xoxoxo

@timothysherreyehler5095

Ай бұрын

Congrats on taking your power back; you can do this! All the very best, Sherrey

@innervixenbeauty3962

Ай бұрын

@@MarlenaStell thank you for your kind words and words of encouragement. I’m definitely going to start living my life the way I want. Your video is very helpful going to rewatch and take notes . I appreciate you so very much xxoo keep being you

@BrookeAmber007

Ай бұрын

Good for you!!!! It can be done and your proof of that!!!! Sending all my love and well wishes!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

@cathygiuliana9089

Ай бұрын

Congratulations on loving yourself enough to stop others from hurting you! Please keep loving yourself and moving forward! Sending you prayers and a big healing hug!🙏🏻❤️‍🩹

I booted all the toxic people out of my life and damn it's lonely 😂 You are the genius who created MUG, I don't think you've reached your peak yet. 🙏

The other thing to remember is: it's not always about AVOIDING toxic people. We ALSO can become toxic ourselves!

@Dear9812

Ай бұрын

Yes yes yesss. We often talk about others being toxic but everyone should hold up the mirror from time to time. A few years ago, I realized my toxicity had reached a peak. Thank God for KZread and therapy. I watched sooo many videos on how to improve and they were very helpful. We can always do better 💕

I ditched 3 toxic friends within the last few months. It takes STRENGTH to do that!

I have been with you for years, bought a lot of Make up Geek products, and never missed a video! Your eye looks were my go to, I learned sooo much from you! You were on a weight loss journey at the time, as a matter of fact ! You have gone through a lot, but have remained absolutely beautiful - I'm still learning from you, and will watch you as long as you are out there! 😊

@MarlenaStell

Ай бұрын

Thank you for SUCh a sweet comment! I appreciate you so much xoxoxoxo

I'm born and raised in Cali. I'm still here and I agree it's a toxic environment.

@MarlenaStell

Ай бұрын

It's so busy in many cities :( I miss Lake Tahoe and the Redwoods though!

@chilipeprsandi

Ай бұрын

Sorry you feel this way…I love California (born and raised) and all our parks, bike trails, rivers, lakes, etc.

@rhiannonramirez2360

Ай бұрын

Born and raised in LA. I agree 💯 with you, fake people everywhere here.

@winning3329

Ай бұрын

I am stuck in California and I have never had a real friend or loving family. There's a lot of dysfunctional people in California.

Marlena, thank you SO MUCH for making this video. I really needed to hear it. I'm 44 and recently left my job that I planned on having until retirement. The decision to leave almost broke me because I loved the job, but HATED the environment. It was such a toxic situation, and I had to come to the realization that it was BEYOND my control. I am so proud of myself for leaving because I've always been a people pleaser, and I had to put myself and my health first, regardless of the fear of being jobless or what others thought. I took some time to heal. Now, I'm so thankful for the insight I gained by the situation rather than feeling guilty or regretful. Thank you for always being so open and honest with us. You are one of the few content creators I feel like I understand beyond surface level because you're so authentically you. ❤

@ynwa8374

Ай бұрын

@becca3115 I'm so proud of you for taking control over your life again 🤗 I can relate to all your feelings you shared like guiltiness, afraid of what's next in life etc .. Er should ABSOLUTELY NOT FEEL GUILTY in any shape or form !! Hope you are doin as good as possible & feel stronger now 🙏🏼☺️💝 Lots of love your way 🤗💞

@mademoisellem3529

Ай бұрын

Just did the same this week... ❤

@mw8634

Ай бұрын

Me too

@moniquegenua7287

Ай бұрын

Proud of you!

@becca3115

Ай бұрын

@ynwa8374 Thank you SO MUCH for your kind words and encouragement. I love Marlena's platform and how we are able to connect and relate to one another. I have a bad habit of sometimes isolating myself, but this makes me feel connected. I really appreciate you! 🥰

Thank you for sharing. I’m 64 and had to let a few toxic people go and one was a close family member. That was four years ago and it still hurts for the one specific person because they should always be a part of my life. You have to take care of yourself, it isn’t selfish and that’s something I was always told, “others come first.” If you don’t give yourself the oxygen first, you won’t be alive to give to your child. Ok, that’s dramatic but it is true. I hope you’re finding true peace. Give yourself oxygen first so you can be there for your family. Take good care!

@MarlenaStell

Ай бұрын

Such great advice and SO true! Hope you're doing amazing now xoxo

I am so very sorry that you had this experience. Betrayal of a friend is the worst thing next to death. 😢

@youtubeexercise7894

Ай бұрын

Yes, my BEST friend ended up marrying my Ex. What a betrayal that was!!

@jacquiwinter6282

Ай бұрын

Truth. Thanks for that important validation. There will be mourning. But we are strong and resilient. 💕

@bambina3148

Ай бұрын

@@youtubeexercise7894you’re better off without either of them in your life. Best wishes x

@youtubeexercise7894

Ай бұрын

@@bambina3148 Thank you, you are so sweet, have a good weekend!!

@josimpson7999

8 күн бұрын

I think betrayal by a family member is much harder than a friend’s betrayal. Both are horrible certainly, but family……that’s a whole different level.

I was in a toxic relationship with a narcissist for about three years. It doesn’t just happen over night. It’s slow and insidious. The way you begin to doubt your own reality, your mind, the truth. It’s devastating. With the help of my mother and a few close to me, I left when I had my daughter, and thankfully she never had to see the toxicity of our relationship. I’ve had extensive therapy to help me get back what was taken from me during that time in my life. I’m ten years out from it now, and my life is totally different for the better. I now have a loving husband who I had one more daughter with. He has raised my oldest daughter from age three as if she was his own. Thank you for sharing. It helps.

@mashenka6189

Ай бұрын

❤

Isn't it crazy how well narcissists can put it on? Cocoa Bear was on camera here and there and he was a smooth talker for sure. I'm so happy that you found a much better man (for you and for your daughter now). You guys deserve the moon.

@trishapm8874

Ай бұрын

Traits of an insecure little manchild.

@MarlenaStell

Ай бұрын

They put on SUCH a good act, and that's how they snag their victims sadly :( You don't realize how bad it is until it's late...

@gingerhalo123

Ай бұрын

@@MarlenaStellyup. And it’s a persona to cover for them so when ppl hear about the horrendous shit they’ve done they’re like “what! That can’t be possible! He’s a great guy!”

@MarlenaStell

Ай бұрын

@@gingerhalo123 THIS! That's why so many abuse victims don't speak up, because they aren't believed :( It's always one persons word against the other and the narcissist puts on the better act

@marilynmroe9077

Ай бұрын

I just love you❤ I learn so much from you and your recommendations are some of my favorites! I still use my makeup geek shadows.. some of my favorites to this day ❤ proud of you and your new found happiness ❤ anxiety is the worst thing ever to deal with.. I take medicine 💊 I have changed my environment and job . Starting to feel so much better as well 😂 I am in therapy for coping skills and triggers to help me avoid toxicity! ❤ I pray that you are doing better today than yesterday 🙏

This video hits hard. I love hearing you open up on KZread! Also I’m born and raised in LA and I hear you 100 percent on what you said about it!

@robinsnest4306

Ай бұрын

LA has gone full on wacko crazy! I’m glad I live in Alabama!

I call toxic people "psychic vampires." I am really happy for you to have had the self-knowledge to kiss toxic things goodbye. I admire you!

@yvettelatin6885

Ай бұрын

Can you explain what that is? I’m around toxic people now unfortunately 😢

@MiaHessMusic

Ай бұрын

@@yvettelatin6885 A "psychic vampire" is someone who just sucks the life out of you. Just as a vampire sucks blood, these people drain your energy, etc. YOu know the kind: the girlfriend who comesto you constantly complaiing about her boyfriend, asking for advice. You give her good advice; basically dump him. She agrees; good idea. In a few days, she's calling whiing about the boyfriend, job, mother whatever and asks for your advce. She REALLY doesn't want advice. She wants a wailing wall. I knew a lady like that. Everyone called her "the Squirrel" behind her back. She was so draining I had to change my phone number and get super nasty with her. Even in my mid-forties I was too old for that shit. Now at 70 I am REALLY too old for that shit.

I took a travel nursing assignment in CA and it was very difficult for me. I'm a southern girl so am very friendly and don't do the bare minimum. The nurses used to talk about my southern accent and called me a republican hick. It was ironic though bc when the crap hit the fan with a patient who always was asked to help? Yours truly. I couldn't wait to get out of CA and back to TX. I now live on a farm in GA and love it. I used to literally get nauseous every day before a shift. Thank goodness it was only 12 weeks and I won't go back to CA again.

@fabbys735

Ай бұрын

I’m from Pakistan and I do have an accent speaking in English but the thing the matters most to me is I’m able to speak English. Few years ago I had the same experience like you and I’m glad I’m not working with those people anymore.

@amysmithssportsandmakeup1397

Ай бұрын

@@fabbys735 English is the hardest second language to master; and based on what you wrote above you are speaking better English of those that have English as their native language. Don't get discouraged! Move to GA or TX! No one will make fun of your accent or dialect there. I'm learning Spanish now. I turn on the Spanish soap operas. That's how my friend learned lol

@fabbys735

Ай бұрын

I live in Missouri. Racism is a lot here.

@amysmithssportsandmakeup1397

Ай бұрын

@@fabbys735 Sadly it's everywhere. The nurses in CA made fun of me all the time about the way I talk and will talk to anyone. I was glad to return to TX. I'm in GA now. I'm never leaving the south.

I live in Washington State, love it here. Appreciate your honesty with cutting toxic people out of your life. I've had to cut off family members. I still love them, I just can't be around them. "Hurt" people, hurt people. ❤

@kimberdawn4424

Ай бұрын

@sandymiller3577 and @Marlena Stell, I had the same happen to me, but five years out, I slipped and let them back in, taking baby steps. The relationships were never the same. I got slapped in the face with repeat behavior, if not WORSE, within 3 years! It tore me apart, wrecked my health, even to the point of precancerous lesions, which thankfully were removed in time. I have rebounded health wise, built relationships with others I can trust and have "BLOCKED" the family members, again. I have had no contact over a year this time. This has been a HARD lesson learned. I've also realized, we can't fix NARCISSISTS nor their ENABLERS and we can't help them, either. Thank you for sharing your story. You gave me the strength to speak about mine and air this out. I feel so much better now. ❤LOVE❤ to all out there struggling with "TOXICITY". You CAN come out the other side, HAPPIER, MORE HEALTHY PHYSICALLY, SPIRITUALLY AND EMOTIONALLY❣️~ Kimber

@justjen4125

Ай бұрын

Holla from Richmond Beach, WA!

@melindasingley4434

Ай бұрын

I live by Spokane Washington! Love living here so much!

You are such a beautiful, kind and thoughtful soul and I’m so glad to know that you’re in a better place now ❤The healing journey is not a linear one but you’re one of the strongest women I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Thanks for sharing your story today. Love you friend 🥰

CA native (San Diego). I agree with you. I divorced toxic/narcissistic husband of 10+ year's too long. He passed away suddenly at 53. Last Friday was 11 year's since his death. I can still hear his negative "chatter" in my head. Ironically, my sister sold her home in La Mesa, CA and moved to WA too. Thank you for sharing. At one time, I put up sticky notes everywhere that said "you are enough" until I believed it. You are so special and genuine. ❤ your video's.

I rarely comment on any videos, but this one kind of resonated with my heart. A very wise person that I'll never forget once told me, "You can give from your reserves, but you can't give from your survival". By the time I felt the first shreds of emotional fatigue, I had already depleted my "reserves". When I realized this, I got brave...I'm only 4'10" and I packed everything I owned into a 15' moving van and, by myself, drove that van towing my car almost 400 miles one way. Some called it "running away", I called it getting my "survival" back. That was 27 years ago and I haven't looked back nor do I regret my decision---it literally saved my life. Thank you for this video, I admire your transparency---nobody deserves abuse of any kind for any reason. I wish you all my best ❤

@josimpson7999

8 күн бұрын

Well done you! That will have taken a lot of courage but glad everything worked out for you.

Girl you shared a lot here in this video. I just realized that I've been following you for at least 12 years. Glad you are in a much better place in your personal life.

I remember having an in-depth conversation with my ex-boyfriend's cousin many years ago. She was 26, happily married with a Bachelors degree, a management job and already had purchased a nice 4-bedroom home. Miles ahead of me at 30. I asked her how she had done it all. Her answer was simple: "Anyone or anything that doesn't bring something positive to my life is not allowed in it." I'll never forget that and still try to practice it daily.

Real Talk! I finally let go of everything toxic....🙏🏻

I really get you.its easy to loose passion when you’re surrounded by toxic environments especially at work.

Marlena, thank you so much for sharing! It is such a revelation when you hear someone, whom you really look up to, put on a pedestal, and respect, break it down and bring it down to Earth! To admit that their life hasn’t all been rainbows and sunshine! It takes a lot of courage, bravery, and humility to do what you just did. And as a recovering addict and alcoholic, celebrating 5.5 years clean and sober this month, I related to SOOO much, if not everything, that you shared! You are a beautiful woman, inside and out! And don’t ever forget that!! So many of us look up to you, and for good reason!! Bless you! Thank you! ✌🏼❤️🙏🏼♾️

@Patti-1962

Ай бұрын

I loved reading your comment! Congratulations on your sobriety!! I grew up with any alcoholic mother who never faced her addiction and it eventually took her life. I don't know you, but I still feel a huge sense of pride because I know what it took for you to face your demons and get clean. I hope you celebrate every day you wake up sober!! It is the greatest gift you can give yourself and the people you love!!❤❤❤

Darling, I know exactly what you mean about letting people treat you a certain way because you do not believe you deserve better. I am still trying to process things I barely remember. It is sad and makes me angry ,but I am trying not to be so angry at myself. Good job doing the hard things to better your situation. Preach girl.

I’m so sad you went through that in the prime of Makeup Geek. I always thought you were bad a@@ but, when you changed the name of the eyeshadow from Cocoa Bear to Ceetah Bear, I KNEW you were a bad a@@! I’m so happy you are better now. Your Daughter is watching you and I KNOW she will always be proud of her Mom!

I have watched you for years. I’ve laughed with you, cried with you, and rejoiced in your joy. You have mad love and respect out here my girlfriend.

❤..Im sober since Feb 1 st. No alcohol. My girlfriends, who are daily wine drinkers, do not feel comfortable around me..they are very guarded and aloof with me now. I’m on a health journey, due to hypothyroidism. …what I have noticed,is that I had personal growth and they have not. They are still miserable in their relationships, they hate their jobs and they are menopausal. They drink and party to just forget their lives…yet they love to diminish me whilst drinking.sobriety has given such clarity..I cut them out. And focus on my wonderful husband, my daughters, spending time in nature with my dogs..misery truly loves company..Joy is the elixir…❤

@beverlynelson599

Ай бұрын

U go girl!

I relate to this so much. I was in a toxic relationship for over ten years with an abusive narcissist. I just dealt with it. I was in the same mindset that I wasn't worthy and just overall human garbage. One day I was on Facebook and one of my friends reposted something that listed all the characteristic of narcissism. Suddenly in that moment everything clicked and I realized what was happening. It's been a long road to recovery and I'm still not fully there yet. But I'm so much happier and way healthier.

I literally just went through this on every level. I made a huge decision to move to the Oregon coast and have begun my journey of healing and gaining my voice back. Thank you so much for sharing your story 🙏

We love you Marlena ❤

Thank you so much for sharing. I too had to leave LA and a toxic environment. Now we live in the mountains in Virginia and could not be more at peace.

Thank you for being so transparent and sharing Marlena ❤ I relate to so much of this and realizing on that journey is my first step, thank you for encouraging people like me to start standing in my power.

Thank you for talking about this. It’s always so easy for someone to judge you when you are finally coming out of a toxic situation, especially when they have either never been in a similar situation (or are blind to their own). Escaping toxic relationships/habits/ situations is HARD. It’s hard for years and it’s an ongoing battle. I escaped a toxic, abusive 15 year marriage and I’m still trying to heal those wounds and rediscover who I am as a person 8 years later. Healing takes hard work and perseverance, lots of small steps forward and big steps back, and the ability to give yourself some grace and patience as you heal. ❤

Marlena I really admire and respect you for your honesty and integrity. I’m sorry you had to go through so much terrible stuff. Also your makeup looks fabulous!!

I’ve only been watching you less than 1 year and I just love you! You are a wealth of information….makeup products, business ethics, and life. Thank you for your honesty and transparency. I don’t know you personally, but you are a beautiful person, in every sense. Don’t stop doing you❣️🤩

Thank you Marlena for this honest video into your struggles. I too was in a toxic marriage (18) yrs and got out of it 13 yrs ago. My depression and anxiety was at an all time high. Was on a ton of meds to function and as the years have gone by I have gotten the rest of the toxic people and situations out of my life and my life now is so much better. I’m proud of you for taking control of your life. So many people need to hear this. Believe me it was all hard for me to do but so worth it!!! Looking forward to hearing more about what you have had to deal with, lots of hugs to you!!❤

I can't tell you how important this information is, Marlena. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your experiences so we can recognize them in our own lives.❤ I walked away from my BFF because it had become such a toxic relationship. It is hard not to doubt yourself, but now that it's over, I am thrilled to have all that drama behind me!! I'm so sorry you had to experience so much pain, but now you are able to share all of this information with us so we can learn, and possibly avoid getting in too deep with toxic people. It's heart warming to see you so happy with your lovely family!

You are a beautiful woman, I am 63 years and I have learned a lot from you. Now I enjoy wearing makeup Thank you so much ❤

I’m so sorry you had to go through all this in your life. I am grateful that you opened up to us. You are so respected, looked up to and loved. By you doing this video you have sent such a wonderful message to those who are struggling out there. ❤

Thank you Marlena for sharing your story and giving out these helpful tips. I’m currently going through a lot of toxicity and needed this. Bless you 💜

This look is FIREE!!! I will be trying this soon! Love how you're incorporating a more serious topic in a GRWM. It feels like real girl talk! I've had my own fair share of toxic people in my life and I think your steps are going to help SOO many people! Thank you!

I’m so sorry that all happened to you. You certainly didn’t deserve that especially with the big heart that you have! I’m so glad you are in your current space and have thrived having learned so many lessons. ❤

Yes gurrrrl, you are so right, get rid of the toxic. It took me too long to learn this, now I have boundaries, have blocked people out of my life and do not let just anyone into my life. Thank you Marlena, I'm so proud of you and feel you are priceless in this community and beyond. Take care of yourself, love you.

Thank you sooo much. I just set boundaries with a friend. I have been feeling so guilty. As you were speaking, I felt that burden starting to subside. There is still more work to do. But what a wonderful video to help us recovering people pleasers.

Thank you so much for making this video. And it was right on time. I went through a similar situation with a toxic friend and I felt guilty for years for blocking her. I saw her finally a few months ago and I realized I did the right thing. Thank you for sharing this.

I am so sorry you went through all of this. Prayers to you and your family!!

Girl you speak the truth!!! Been there & learned the hard way myself about abusive relationships both on a friendship level & romantic ones. I’ve struggled with the same issues you have from domestic abuse to weight. Thinking I wasn’t good enough or was constantly brought to my knees by dirty handed hurtful comments or actions that were hidden behind an insecure person - don’t fall for this crap. We are ALL worthy of acceptance & for anyone else going through them, there IS light at the end of the tunnel. These tips are priceless! Love the way you are protecting your peace Marlena! Thanks for sharing! 💜

I can so relate to everything single thing you mentioned. Just like you I never set boundaries. Dated a narcissist for 15 years. Lived in Los Angeles as well for 30 years and it definitely changed me in a bad way. So happy to have left all of that behind. It’s so amazing when you’re finally free from all the toxicity because it truly makes you sick. Having peace is everything. So happy you feel better. It’s so incredibly important to guard our hearts. Thank you for sharing this with us ❤

Thank you Marlena for this post. You are such a beautiful person and have watched you for years. You are the best🙏🏼

Thank you for sharing! Seems like the same timeline for me, 2016-2019 and I’m just now starting to realize how bad it was. My marriage was horribly abusive and it affected everything! You are beautiful and such an inspiration for me, a fellow beauty industry veteran! Thank you 🙏

Thank you for being honest and vulnerable and letting this out. As I’ve gotten ‘wiser’ I recognize more keenly when friends’ are there only when they want something - donations, my participation in their Tupperware party, etc. Jettisoning people who leach but never give is a constructive action. Your video resonated with me…thank you again for this.

Thank you for sharing your journey. I'm impressed at your strength and commitment as you continue healing. Keep the faith Marlena.

Girl I felt this on so many levels! Thank you for this video and sharing such personal stuff. You are absolutely stunning! 💕

Bless you take your time to heal! Betrayals are the most difficult to heal. You will have ups and slips. Stand up for yourself and shine on.

Good topic to talk about. Toxic people can easily come into our lives. Im glad for you that youre doing better and had that out of your life. True you still have to be aware, it can happen without knowing it. I came across that before. It feels lighter to just have the real people who cares for you.

Hi!👋I'm new to your channel; I found you through Allie Glines. You are so spot on. I have had to cut out toxic friendships and I've had to learn to set boundaries to protect my mental health! It's not easy, but it is so, so worth it. Here's to your continued healing, Marlena. And this eye look is STUNNING! 💜

Love you Marlena!! I love your video and talk of setting boundaries even with yourself, it shows how much work you done on yourself! I recently stopped a friendship because I couldn’t contort myself anymore to fit into her wants and needs. And I miss her but I also feel free and that feels good and I still have to work on boundaries 😅And I love your makeup and eyeshadow!!!

I can totally relate!!!! I cut ties with anyone or anything that did not bring me peace and love about 3 years ago. Best and hardest decision. Omg love you Marlena ❤ thank you!

I can so relate. When the body and mind have had enough, it will stop processing correctly. Glad you are feeling better❤️

It takes a lot of guts to come out and share your story. You’re a beautiful woman. Thank you so much for sharing and inspiring other women.❤❤

I'm new to your channel, you are absolutely stunning and I love that you aren't afraid to talk about things that have gone on in your life, you're very relatable. Gorgeous makeup look too, love the eyes!

Thank you for showing yourself so vulnerable and inspiring other women to step into their true power ❤❤❤

Much Love, Marlena!!! I spent a lifetime taking care of my younger siblings, their children, friends, abusive relationships, etc… I understand where you are coming from. A few years ago I lost my daughter, I was diagnosed with a rare spinal disease(Adhesive Arachnoiditis), and I left a toxic relationship. I lost my home, my job changed.. everything. Now, having to be dependent has left me at my grandmothers and it is apparent that she only wants the home health $, the food, the resources, etc… but after going thru all of that, I blocked out everyone too. I shut down( mentally and physically). It’s still a road I’m on. I’m just now trying to find the strength to speak up, to reach out, to want to practice self-care, Heck… to even speak the truth. To type it out. I’m on the journey . It is Brave and Kind for you to share your story and open up to your community. Everyone needs support when you’re isolated, reminders when you’re off track and boundaries when it’s too much. Love🙏🏼❤️🌟✊🏼👑

Thank you for sharing! Can't wait until next week! Proud of you for moving forward!!

this talk is just what I needed. THIS eye look though???? The pick-me-up I didn't know I needed!!! Thank you for your courage and sharing your experience with us. 💗

Thank, Marlena, for that much-needed pep talk! For some of us, we stay way too long in a toxic relationship! Especially, if our decision is to flee the scene, does involve children or teens. They will not give you permission to walk, because they are unaware of the realities of what you’re living with. After 21 years in a marriage where the “leader” continued doing drugs and exhibiting mental instability, I walked. Literally. Tired of the meanness. Took nothing, no clothes, no money, zippo, just fled and started over. Never looked back or regretted leaving. My kids now 41 and 37, grew to understand the gravity of living in that environment every single day. We are super close and continue to stay connected. Neither one of them have a relationship with their dad. Life is short, and sometimes hard. In order to live out your purpose, and using your God-given talents and purpose, you have to unload the toxic baggage.I’m so proud of you, Marlena! ❤ Sending you prayers and much love🙏🏻❤️

Thank you so much for your openness and sharing your vulnerability, Marlena.❤❤❤

I love & trust your video's. I came across & clicked on it. MARLENA, I NEEDED THIS DESPERATELY!!!! Thank You for sharing your amazing story!!

Everything you said is perfectly on point. Thanks for sharing your story. Hopefully it will help those going through toxic situations. My goodness though! Your eye makeup is so beautiful!

Been there, done that… I left my abusive ex with only my daughter, two suitcases and $300 and never looked back… that was 16 years ago… Best decision ever! It’s hard but you can do anything you set your mind to! Stay strong sweet lady!!

I love that you're back making videos on the regular. Been watching you a long time. I've come to trust your opinions and look forward to hearing your advice. Have a great weekend 😊

Fairly new sub here but already I absolutely love listening to you. I’m so sorry you went through all that Merlena, but you’ve come out the other side stronger, happier, very successful, and bloody gorgeous too. Sending ❤️ and best wishes from the UK 🇬🇧😊

through all of this... it feels like my life is the same. where i live and everything is so toxic around me that my mindset has become toxic as well and im so quick to anger about the smallest things, but i am stuck. i have no business and no means of escaping. i am glad you had the chance to change your life, i hope someday i will too.

It is so hard setting boundaries, especially when you consider someone your friend! I, too, am a people pleaser, but thank God I’m married to a man who sees through people & knows when someone is taking advantage of me. I can’t tell you how many people have come into my life solely to take advantage of me by using me to get to my husband because of his profession, & also to get money. I’ve been heartbroken so many times by people I thought were truly my friends only to realize that they only wanted something from me. I’m often astonished at the sheer entitlement of some people thinking they’re entitled to someone’s money or entitled to advice from a professional!? It’s mind blowing to me! I’m getting better at not allowing just anyone into my life, keeping people at arms length until I can determine if they have intentions other than being my friend & my husband is so helpful in that department. He is such a kind & wonderful man, he also puts up with zero bullshit & can read people like a book. Thank you for sharing this, girl! It’s really nice knowing that there are good people like you out there who have the same struggles & can offer advice on how to protect yourself. Thank you! 🧡🧡🥰🥰

Recognizing toxic situations and leaving them/letting them go is not only difficult but so brave! Congratulations!!

This make up is stunning! 😍 I get it about forgetting bad moments in your life (for me, it's been years on and off). Unfortunately, I cut my mother and my sister from my life : I just couldn't take it and could no longer justify them being in my life because of the toxicity. I understand what you mean about being a recovering people-pleaser: I feel like my learning curve is very slow but sometimea, we just have to chose ourselves. Thanks for sharing Marlena. I can feel you are more at peace with where you are, where you come from and what you've achieved. Much love. ❤

Thank you for sharing! I also had a toxic friend that I said bye bye to. You are a strong woman. Love your content.

Your advice is always so helpful to so many people. I hope you do realize that.

Marlena, thank you for sharing!!! I’ve been following you since before MUG was formally established. You’ve been through so much and it truly has been my pleasure to watch you grow! ❤

@MarlenaStell

Ай бұрын

SO happy to still have you here with me! Thanks so much for this sweet comment! xoxoxo

You are such an amazing person and I am so sorry you went through all of that but now you are on the other side; you have evolved, grown as a person and that is the best revenge to any narcissist.

Marlena, I wish I could give you the biggest hug. I’m so so sorry that your ex treated you so poorly. Him saying any of those things and being verbally abusive toward you is a direct reflection of the way he feels about himself that he was projecting on you. I’m so glad you got yourself out of that toxicity and found someone who treats you like gold!! You deserve all the happiness in the world and I’m so glad you found it!!!!

Thank you for sharing, Marlena. I found this topic quite relatable, and you gave me some ideas and suggestions for my own situation.

I am so blessed to have found you! I am happy to learn from you!

I have been there myself…so sorry! It’s sad that this happens to the most loveliest of people in the world, take advantage of a good heart! Sending love and hugs from the UK! Anna. 🙏🏻❤️

This look is beautiful! Thanks for sharing and being vulnerable Marlena. Going into my 30s (31 now) have been a breath of fresh air. I’ve been in a healthy relationship for a few years now and thank god for his patience as I’ve had to rid toxic things out of my life and heal throughout these few years. 💜💜💜💜 Cheers to blocking people when it’s warranted!! 😂 🥂

Thank you for sharing ❤ I needed to hear this ….. you sharing a little bit of your personal life with complete strangers is scary. I get that… Please know you helped me recognize some things in my own life just by listening to you so I THANK YOU

Marlena! This is very powerful video and message , i can 100 percent relate to your experience! Thank you for being honest!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I actually took a note pad out and wrote down your 5 steps. This is to say that I am in therapy, and have already been practicing boundaries, and blocking. I appreciate hearing from you from a very vulnerable place that we all have the capacity to become tangled up in toxic situations, and how you got out of them. I wish you all the love, happiness, and abundance. I enjoy your videos, your makeup brand, and where you are going now ❤❤❤

Thank you for this video Marlena. Today I really needed support and you speaking on this topic was it. Thank you for sharing your experience with us ❤

You are an amazing woman Marlena! Watched you from day one & still to this day miss MG!!!

You channeled your inner beauty through the story...and it came out your hands on to your face 😮😊. That look is so pretty.

@MarlenaStell

Ай бұрын

Thank you so so much!

One, your eyes are fire 🔥. Two, we are all works in progress. . Three, I'm so glad you got away from an abusive relationship. Thank you for sharing your story ❤

Thank you for being so open and honest. I too am a people pleaser and left a toxic friendship about 15 years ago. I set the boundaries after trying once to be her friend again. But it didn’t work out. She’s reached out to me more times since and I have not responded at all. I felt guilt at first but now I’m like , I’m 51 so if she hasn’t figured it out be a friend now, I’m good. And it also helps to say “someone else can step up to be her friend. It doesn’t have to be me.” 🤷‍♀️

I relate to so much about what you were saying, it’s like you were in my head. Thank you for sharing this . I wish you many blessings to come .😀❤️

Thank you for sharing this, in came from a wealthy family but in regrant years do to multiple things everything came crushing and almost immediately realized that almost everyone that surrounded me where only in my life because of what I had or what I could have them, I cannot believe the group of people that surrounds me now and it doesn’t even matter how small it is but I can finally be myself and know I’m trying to start or get the courage to do makeup and makeup related content❤!

The only guru that stayed true to herself!!! Marlena you have my outmost respect!!!

Thank you for sharing. I was going through something very similar during that exact time period! I took all the steps you lay out and my life has transformed. I do live in LA, so I understand that, too!

Marlena your amazing & your strength is commendable. I was comforted to hear you to have years you can’t account for. I lost triplets at 22 weeks & other than giving birth to them & holding them, that period & the 3 years following are a total blur. It was during my divorce from my abusive husband that I was asked what month the triplets were born. I couldn’t answer the court psychologist. They had to tell me. All a blur. Thank you, I feel we have walked very similar paths. I hope I can be as strong as you. Xx

I love and cherish these talks with so much much Marlena! Your story actually reminds me a lot of Blogilates’s as well, who is a fellow Capricorn. I think you two have more in common than you’d think! She gets so much the just for breathing--it’s crazy. It really is true that the bigger they rise, the harder they unfortunately fall. I’ve experienced it myself. Tough life lessons to grow from.

Thank you for opening up. I’ve been trying to do this for a few years now and your tips were great