*Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of domestic violence, drug use & sex. Listener discretion advised*
Polina is an entrepreneur/domestic violence survivor who grew up in Los Angeles, CA. After leaving an abusive relationship she was in for 3+ years, she quit her 9-5, moved by herself to Dallas and became a full-time entrepreneur. You can follow Polina on Instagram.
This week, we share our personal experiences and discuss the patterns and dynamics of abusive relationships. We highlight the importance of talking about domestic violence and breaking the silence around it. We focus on the early signs of abuse, codependency, the cycle of abuse, and the reasons why people stay in abusive relationships.
Polina also discusses the impact of toxic relationships on personal identity and family dynamics. We also touch on the challenges we faced in breaking free from these toxic and abusive relationships, and what lessons we learned about boundaries and self-compassion in thriving after abuse. 
Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction and Overview
• 09:08 - Codependency and its Role in Abusive Relationships
• 26:23 - Empowering Survivors: Turning Pain into Power
• 39:38 - Understanding Upbringing and Healing
• 48:51 - The Importance of Boundaries
• 55:59 - Embracing Personal Growth and Thriving

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Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!

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*Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of sexual abuse/rape and obstetrics violence/birth trauma. Listener discretion advised.
Mari Vega is the Chief Goddess in charge of Mari Vega LLC, a lifestyle brand encouraging women to tap into their intuition. She guides you back to your light by elevating self care into rituals of self love! Mari creates spaces for people to experience radical transformation and healing in their lives through virtual monthly healing circles, self-care events, retreats full of ritual, alchemy & womb work.
Episode 13 Highlights:

• Re-writing who you are when you remember who you're meant to be in this world
• Understanding your awakening
• Knowing that you are NOT your trauma
• Accepting/acknowledging the trauma you've experienced and how that can start the healing process
• Realizing that there is no shortcut to your healing journey
• & more!

Resources discussed during this episode:

• Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-572-SAFE
• Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-601-7200

Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide! Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

Episode 12 is all about my personal story of surviving domestic violence. Take a listen now!
*Trigger warning: This episode goes into graphic detail around acts of domestic violence/violence against women. This episode also mentions depression, suicide, sex, profanity & drug use. Listener discretion is advised.*
In many of my previous episodes, I briefly mentioned my ex-boyfriend and how that relationship completely changed my life.
Now, it's time for you guys to listen to the full, in-depth story of how I met him and what exactly happened to me.
Yes, this episode is graphic. It is the full story of what I experienced. It is a sad story. A scary story. And an impactful story...
However, I SURVIVED what I went through. And I know that happened in order for me to share my story with the world.
*If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please know that help is available. Call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for confidential support.
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide! Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

Episode 11 is all about how to thrive in life while grieving the loss of a loved one, featuring Jocary Rosario of the Jersey Aesthetician. Tune in now!
*Trigger warning: This episode mentions acts of abortion, sickness, death, suicide and strong language. Listener discretion is advised.
Jojo tragically lost her mom during the very beginning stages of CO-VID in early 2020. Her passing came very quickly and unexpectedly. Dealing with such a big loss, Jojo didn't know right from left and how she was going continue on in life without her mom. All while dealing with this grief, something incredible happened in her life and Jojo is out here THRIVING, despite dealing with such a tragic loss. Listen to this pain to purpose story that I KNOW will give you the motivation you need to find the message in the mess.
You can follow Jojo on Instagram.
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide! Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

*Trigger warning: This episode briefly mentions acts of self-harm. Listener discretion is advised*
I sat down with my daughter. Yup, my real life daughter recorded her very first podcast episode with me! #ProudMomMoment.
We had a super real conversation about what it’s like to deal with your emotions at such a vulnerable age. She talks about what it means to build your confidence as a teen, how to deal with bullying in school, steps to take in order to take your power back and so much more.
This was her very first time talking about some sensitive topics for the public to hear and I am so proud of her for sharing her story and being vulnerable AF. I promise y'all…the gems💎that my baby girl drops this week is 🔥
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
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Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide! Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

Episode 9 features a survivor's story of the Pulse Nightclub Tragedy. Take a listen now!
*Trigger Warning: This episode mentions acts of gun violence, homophobia, PTSD and hate crimes. Listener discretion is advised*
Jocelyn shares her story of the harrowing night she experienced as a survivor of the Orlando Pulse Nightclub shooting that happened during Pride Month in June 2016. I couldn't believe she was actually there the night it happened and I knew I had to share her story with y'all.
Pulse Nightclub was hosting a "Latin Night", and most of the victims were Latino. It is said to be the deadliest incident in the history of violence against LGBTQ+ people in the United States, as well as the deadliest terrorist attack in the U.S. since the September 11 attacks in 2001. It was also the deadliest mass shooting by a single gunman in U.S. history, until the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. (source: Wikipedia)
Listen in as Jocelyn takes us through her first-hand experience of a life-changing night. She is an incredible human being and I am so honored to know her. This episode is definitely one you're not going to forget!
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide! Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

Episode 8 is all about how being a single mom is f*cking hard, featuring Kristina Nicole. Take a listen now!
Kristina and I had such an incredibly open and honest conversation around so many topics. We talk about how important it is to focus on your own personal development every single day, the struggles of being a mom...especially a single mom, dealing with bullying as a teen and how it affected us into adulthood, looking for validation in all the wrong places, falling into the comparison trap especially in communities of color, and SO much more!
I promise y'all, the gems💎that she dropped this week is going to get your ENTIRE life together! Definitely a MUST listen!
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide! Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

For my first ever episode featuring guests, I sat down with Giovanna Zerillo and Jocelyn Roman while we were away on a girls trip/mini vacation. We talked about our past experiences with dealing with a narcissist. We shared our stories and talked about what we dealt with, how it affected us and our mental health, and how we were able to break free from the toxicity.
Tune in today and let me know if you can relate!
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide here! Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!
Neuro— Gum & mints to energize, calm + focus whenever you need it. Their mission is to move you away from coffee to a cleaner form of energy to get you through the day. Boost your energy when you want, focus your mind when you need. Visit Neuro to get 30% off your order today!
Future— Future connects you with world-class personal trainers at home, at the gym…anywhere! Their mission is to make access to personal training more accessible and affordable than ever. Visit Future today to try out your first month for only $19!
Purple Garden™— Purple Garden is one of the most trusted providers in the psychic advisor space. They connect you with vetted psychic & astrology advisors along with palm readings, angel insights, oracle guidance & dream analysis. Get $10 of your 1st deposit matched by using promo code "Watch Us Thrive"!
STRIP Makeup— STRIP is a company focused on creating better options for makeup removal. Visit STRIP makeup today for an exclusive discount on any bundle!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

As you already can tell, TikTok is setting me up with SO much inspiration to record these episodes for y'all. The minute I saw this week's video and listened to what was said, I was like "YES, GIRL! PREACH!!!" Immediately after, I plugged up my mic and recorded an episode diving deep into what is really means to be TIRED...and it's not only being tired of those romantic relationships that no longer serve you.
I'm talking about taking accountability. We don't live in Victim-Land on this side of town, y'all. YOU are the creator of all the decisions you make in life...and it's up to YOU to change the outcome from here on out!
If you're ready to look in the mirror, do the self-work and accept that YOU are the reason for how your life is thus far, this episode is for you!
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide here! Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!
Neuro— Gum & mints to energize, calm + focus whenever you need it. Their mission is to move you away from coffee to a cleaner form of energy to get you through the day. Boost your energy when you want, focus your mind when you need. Visit Neuro to get 30% off your order today!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.

Episode 5 is all about how you need to stop using other people to "heal" your sh*t! Listen now!
Take a journey with me as I tell you my own stories of how I use to be that scared, co-dependent, lonely girl who never knew how to truly be alone and heal through my own trauma... I know someone out there can relate to my stories! This episode will tell you about yourself (in a strong, but loving way, as always) and give you the motivation to really look deep into your own situations and muster up the courage to do your own self work.
It's so necessary to take accountability, sis. That's what we're all about here on the Watch Us Thrive podcast!
Share this podcast & leave a rating + review on Apple. New episodes premiere every Tuesday.
Follow me on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube!
Get your free copy of The Thrive Guide here! Visit my website to stay up-to date.
Sponsors:
BetterHelp®— Get professional support when you need it. Receive 10% off your 1st month with my sponsored link!
Sponsors:
Future— Future connects you with world-class personal trainers at home, at the gym…anywhere! Their mission is to make access to personal training more accessible and affordable than ever. Visit Future today to try out your first month for only $19!
Purple Garden™— Purple Garden is one of the most trusted providers in the psychic advisor space. They connect you with vetted psychic & astrology advisors along with palm readings, angel insights, oracle guidance & dream analysis. Get $10 of your 1st deposit matched by using promo code "Watch Us Thrive"!
STRIP Makeup— STRIP is a company focused on creating better options for makeup removal. Visit STRIP makeup today for an exclusive discount on any bundle!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/watch-us-thrive--5682406/support.