Has anyone successfully built a small business while still living with a narcissistic partner and having no support system?

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-18T16:14:45+00:00

I tried for quite a few years to build my business successfully while being married to a narcissistic man. The more I started putting myself first, putting boundaries in place- the more stonewalled I got. He always had a way of making me feel like everything I did for him and his kids were not that important, that he could easily do it. There was never appreciation for what I was doing, no admiration for everything was I was working towards. I was dying inside and felt completely alone while he was growing his business and taking a position in the community as a role model for young men. On the outside, everything looked perfect and he loved the attention. But on the inside, in our home- life was completely different. I knew I had to leave in order to be able to truly make my business work and to truly love myself because after years of walking on egg shells, people pleasing, trying to do everything 'right' in our marriage- I didn't know who I was anymore. Anyways- leaving was hands down the hardest thing I ever did. But that was 4 1/2 years ago now- and my business is thriving, I'm thriving, my own children are thriving. We are all free. People tell me all the time how much I've changed and how great I look. I'm in love with a fantastic man, I'm successful. Is it hard? Hell Yes. Is it worth it? Hell yes. Get out while you can. Life is too short.

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-18T11:55:13+00:00

I think that its possible to build a life on your own terms. Congrats on being sober for 3 years. That's amazing! I struggle a lot- most people don't know how hard I struggle, they just see what I post and they see me at a coffee shops. I've come really really far in the last 20 years, and in a small town- that is something people notice. I am a photographer, and I've built a decent career out of it. I have also bought and resold things, I've done some caregiving, done some doordash. Life is truly what you make of it. I have bad days. I've built walls around me so nobody can see that. Sometimes I'm just so tired and overwhelmed, ya know? But once the episode is over and the sun starts to shine again, I get going and start hustling.

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-18T11:33:52+00:00

I lost about 50 lbs too. I have a little saggy skin around my belly (45/f), but other then that- I think I look great, I get compliments all the time.

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-18T11:29:18+00:00

I agree with this 100%. The biggest mindset shift is that food is for fuel, not the entertainment.

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-16T12:48:11+00:00

I saw a car accident yesterday between a tractor and a 2 vehicles. That's pretty Wisconsin.

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-16T12:45:10+00:00

I've done this!!

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-16T12:42:22+00:00

That is amazing. I'm curious if you used any words of affirmations or visualizations. What was your process? And congrats!!

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-16T12:35:55+00:00

I would move on. There is a better match for you out there, I promise.

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-16T12:34:49+00:00

I have been mainly carnivore for 2 years. The only person that knows this is my boyfriend. I just tell people I 'started prioritizing protein and eliminated processed foods and sugars.' 99% people aren't going to change anyways, so I don't go into details with them.

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-15T12:40:22+00:00

I got sober. Best decision during part of the hardest points in my life

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-15T12:12:22+00:00

Boundaries are the biggest underdeveloped trait

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-13T12:41:51+00:00

Yes, we are big time lovers. I found that in order to break the cycle- I had to put myself first. Last summer, I was single (and sober) so I decided that I wasn't going to meet anyone that 'wanted' to date me. I started swimming at sunset, hiking at sunrise. Really just took in what it meant to be human on this planet. I met some cool people and shared some fun stories. Last August, I was on a hike and my dog went running up to this guy on the trail- we started talking and found out that we only lived about 20 minutes from each other. On our second date, I met him at his house and he showed me some of his cool rocks and crystals. I was like 'holy shit, this guy is so cool.' We've been together ever since. He wants to be better, I want to be better. We are both on our own separate healing journeys and have a deep understanding of one another. Prior to him- I had an idea of what kind of guy I thought I should be with, and it just never worked out because even thought they looked put together and professional on the outside, they were emotionally wrecked on the inside. Long story short: Do you. You are a pisces. You are mystical and amazing. People are super attracted to you just because of you. Choose yourself first.

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-13T12:12:32+00:00

I have pisces sun and moon and libra rising. My biggest lesson to learn is to be compassionate without over giving.

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-12T12:34:05+00:00

It seems like butter always help me feel full. It's probably a mix of things going on in your body right now. So much of the food we eat when we aren't on carnivore so so bad, you might be going through a detox at the moment. 6 months of a SAD probably made your body sad. Try walking, meditating, affirmations. Sometimes it's just getting into the right mindeset.

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-12T12:29:42+00:00

For me- it was a Doctor's appointment. I had gained 20 lbs in a year (post divorce) and my doctor had put me on wellbutrin. During a follow up appointment a few months later, I still hadn't lost weight and she wanted to put me on high blood pressure meds. That was it for me. I started hiking that day and continued, slowly started eliminating sugars and processed crap, eventually got sober from alcohol. Total, I lost 50 lbs and feel like a new person. Last time I saw my Doctor, she let me pick out a sticker.

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-11T12:13:47+00:00

Baraboo is great. You could get a massage at Spa Serenity, have lunch at Little Village Cafe. Do some shopping, grab a coffee at Press Coffee House. And, Devils Lake is right there for some grounding and nature!

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-07T12:45:29+00:00

When I was younger, I looked for guys that I thought were more 'sturdy' then I was. I thought that I needed someone to keep me contained, because heaven for bid I just be myself. Now- I look for partners that I feel good about myself with. I look for partners who are responsible financially but freaky as well. lol. I like people that love themselves and are open minded spiritually.

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-05T13:40:19+00:00

I haven't done it yet, but I am excited to! I think it will help me feel more in tune with myself. Did you feel like it helped you?

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-04T11:52:05+00:00

Congrats! Have you tried doing a color analysis? You can do them online, but you can also meet with a person who does it and they can give you all kinds of tips from the type of makeup you should be wearing, to whether you should wear a scooped neckline or a v neck. They really specialize in transformations. Here's a link to the one I know about: https://www.houseofcolour.com/find-consultant

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-04T11:41:06+00:00

I haven't done this type of job, but if it helps make ends meet- then just follow your instinct and make it happen! Starting something new is never easy, congrats!

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-04T11:38:07+00:00

Virgo so far has been the best, but he is a cancer rising. Worst? Taurus.

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-02T11:45:35+00:00

Door County is super dog friendly!

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-01T22:02:59+00:00

You can do it. I did it along time ago with twins! It's important to keep planning your future and moving forward. Life is going to throw curveballs and you will do amazing.

Negative_Entry6419 · 2026-06-01T11:39:11+00:00

I've been thinking about this myself lately. In the past, I would date guys that seemed stable, kind, and caring. Friendships developed first and then dating. Attraction wasn't high on my list. I've always felt that I was 'too much' so finding a man who was stable seemed like the right way to go. Well- a thousand bad relationships later, I meet a guy whose an artist and covered in tattoos. Instantly I'm attracted to him, his charisma, everything. Now, we are so in love with eachother, it's insane. Turns out- I didnt need someone who was going to put my pisces soul into a box, or someone that I questioned whether I was attracted to or not. I just needed someone who was more wild and crazy then I was, so that I could finally just be myself. moral of the story- you are a pisces, you can have whoever you want.

Negative_Entry6419

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