Chapter 1: The Value of Existence

Reflecting on my life three years ago, I recall a time when I felt mentally on the brink. When I confided in my boss, he dismissed my feelings repeatedly, likely thinking, "Oh, that's just Katie." We had unresolved past issues, which I believe contributed to our current dynamics. To him, my life seemed to hold less worth than a few hours of revenue—anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.

I will never forget the moment I decided to escalate my concerns to his superior. I hadn’t planned to do it; I simply reached a breaking point. Witnessing my boss walk away in disdain was painful after pouring my heart and soul into that company. Despite feeling manipulated, I had convinced myself that we could resolve our differences and refrained from using the leverage I had when I should have.

After six years working alongside a covert narcissist, who I mistakenly thought was my ally, I was crumbling under the weight of betrayal and gaslighting. It was heartbreaking to realize that my mental well-being wasn’t worth closing the restaurant early or allowing a much-needed break when I was dangerously close to losing it.

This reflection comes from a strong woman who dedicated nearly a decade to the restaurant industry, often neglecting her own needs. I pushed through injuries and exhaustion for the sake of my job. I believed I was demonstrating dedication and that enduring pain was a sign of honor.

In truth, people who value themselves say, "No, this is unacceptable." I accepted my situation because it felt like an improvement over my childhood, where "no" was often disregarded. It's not surprising that my adulthood mirrored those experiences, conditioned to accept abuse as normal.

This was the reality of my twenties and early thirties: a life I loved yet one that was slowly deteriorating my spirit. It astonishes me that we rarely discuss the inner work required in our careers. Often, jobs mirror our childhood experiences, with bosses representing unresolved parental issues.

I even faced backlash in a Facebook group for suggesting we explore the psychology behind workplace conflicts. The group leader focused on superficial solutions that missed the real issues at hand. We are not just machines; we are souls on a journey of growth and healing.

Back then, my job was a manifestation of my trauma. To survive in the restaurant world, one often has to be numb to pain. Twelve-hour shifts without breaks, limited sleep, and chaotic schedules were the norm. I thrived on toughness and took pride in enduring hardship.

How many times did I suffer burns, electrical shocks, or perform maintenance tasks outside my role? I did this to ensure my boss looked good, all while neglecting to respect myself. He exploited my dedication because few others were as committed.

In my first year, this dedication led to promotions, but when a new area manager took over, my passion for professional development was dismissed, and it crushed my spirit. I often wondered how to integrate all my passions into one coherent identity.

I had excelled in business, training the best talent, and found fulfillment in helping others reach their potential. However, my spiritual awakening intertwined with my business journey and mental health struggles.

I worked diligently to advocate for myself, but my blind spots nearly led to my downfall. Fortunately, when I finally reached out to my boss's superior, she recognized my plight. Having experienced her father’s suicide, she immediately prioritized my well-being over the restaurant's success.

She told me, "I care about you more than the restaurant. If you need to take three months off to get help, we’ll close it now." That moment was pivotal; it helped me recognize how poorly I had been treated throughout my career.

Ultimately, I had allowed this mistreatment for what I thought were noble reasons—supporting my family and providing for their needs. My inner child was terrified of making mistakes, and that fear shaped my success in business.

As I began to heal and realize my worth, my job began to dissipate. The universe rewards self-love, and no longer could I tolerate a job that disregarded my well-being. Three years later, I am still grappling with this realization.

Once the dust settles, what's left is you. The company will move on, but the impact on your body and family remains. When the title or relationship fades, who are you? Your worth is not tied to your performance or external validation.

While I still have a passion for business, I now understand its potential to either uplift or break you. The journey is infinitely more sacred and complex than we often acknowledge. Mental health, spirituality, inner work, and self-care are all interconnected.

We are not mere workers; we are souls expanding our consciousness. It's time for businesses to acknowledge this truth, as lives are increasingly at stake. Just because others may treat you as if you don’t matter, you absolutely do.

Even if only one person cares about you, that’s enough. Your life is valuable. If your opinions are unpopular or if you feel ignored, it doesn’t diminish your worth. You matter simply because you exist.

Your soul chose to be here, and that is far more significant than anyone's fleeting judgment. The opinions of a boss, an inconsiderate partner, or forgetful friends do not define you. You deserve to be authentically yourself, and the world must learn to accept that.

We cannot continue to sacrifice our well-being for the convenience of others. Your voice will not always please everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. You still matter, and that is the bottom line.

Chapter 2: Acknowledging Our Value

The first video, "Gosh Darn It, People Like You!" explores the importance of self-worth and the impact of external validation on our mental health.

The second video, "RAYE - Ice Cream Man," delves into themes of self-acceptance and the joy of being true to oneself amidst societal pressures.