Thanks to a long-distance relationship that turned toxic after she got pregnant and moved to be near her partner, Aveline Clarke had to navigate a messy five years in her late 30s. During this time she was trapped personally and geographically with two of her three children, before she could get back onto the path of her life. She introduced - and vigorously refuted - the concept of “spiritual gaslighting,” as in, "you attracted him for a reason." She talks about how she found the strength and resilience to survive this difficult chapter of her life.

Guest Bio 

Aveline is the founder of Journey Point, where she assists businesses to connect meaningfully with their core customer while helping them to connect with their purpose in business. She is the host of the 6 Star Business podcast, and the Founder and Captain of the 6 Star Community starship that helps guide and empower 6 Star Entrepreneurs to bring their voice, genius, impact and purpose to the world. She's a mum of homeschooled twin boys, tends to a veggie garden, loves Formula 1 and plant based cooking, and took up surfing in 2021 to surf with her son. 

Her journey has been an exploration of life and learning who she really is, and coming back to 'self'. Now she gets to share that with others and help inspire them to be more authentic and purposeful in business.

Turning 40 and getting a crash course in adulthood 2.0

In this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Stephanie talks to Aveline Clarke, who shares her harrowing story of being trapped personally and geographically during her late thirties and early forties. Aveline opens up about her relationship with a narcissistic partner, the birth of her twin boys, and the unraveling of her life after moving to be with her boyfriend. She recounts the emotional and financial struggles she faced, including a court order taken out against her by her partner and the subsequent legal battles. Aveline discusses the lack of support from friends and the fickle nature of relationships during difficult times. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Aveline persevered and found strength in personal growth and mindset work. Finally, she shares how she eventually escaped her situation and returned to Queensland with her boys. 

Highlights from the episode:

• Aveline's realization that her partner was only interested in control of her and their twins and the unraveling of their relationship.
• The court order he took out against her that essentially trapped her, and her challenges in the Australian legal system, including a judge who was vocal about making “mincemeat” of her. 
• The lack of support she experienced from friends and the fickle nature of relationships during difficult times.
• Aveline coped with her entrapment through personal growth and mindset work, which helped her find strength and resilience.
• The eventual escape from her situation and return to Queensland with her twin boys.

Aveline's story is a testament to resilience, gratitude, and the power of choice. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the Forty Drinks Podcast.

What are toxic relationship types?

Toxic or unhealthy relationships come in many forms and guises. Many times, we begin a relationship thinking the best of our new partner and ignoring red flags or warning signs. In this episode, Aveline didn’t learn her relationship was toxic until she was pregnant and had moved to be with her partner. In a previous episode, Toby thought her boyfriend was being thoughtful and caring when he asked her where she had been or who she had seen that day. She didn’t realize it was the first steps toward controlling behavior. Kari was in a different type of toxic relationship, where she had to make herself small so she didn’t anger her boyfriend, who she later married. Jenny was married to an alcoholic who couldn’t and wouldn’t get his addiction under control. Bottom line: any relationship in which you can’t be your full, true self is an unhealthy one. 

Guest Resources

Aveline’s Free Offer for Listeners: Want to position your business 6 Star? Take the 2-minute quiz.

Find Aveline on LinkedIn

Journey Point website

6 Star Business Podcast

Do you have the Midlife Ick? 

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.fortydrinks.com/ick

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The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications