31/10/2025
[PART 10] The Day I Chose Myself
I still remember that day clearly, the day I realized my loyalty and effort were being taken for granted.
After meeting with the specialist, I was devastated. I had gone in hoping for understanding, but hearing what my boss had written about me felt like betrayal. After everything I’d given, I broke down mid-meeting. The silence we shared in the office suddenly made sense...it was resentment disguised as calm.
The specialist looked at me and said, “If you continue like this, you’ll lose your mind.” He was right. I was running on empty in a toxic space. He promised to report that the situation wasn’t healthy.
That weekend, I sat with my exhaustion, sadness, and the realization that I wasn’t crazy for feeling drained. When Monday came, I couldn’t focus. The pretense was unbearable. When the report arrived, my boss disagreed and wanted to “resolve it together.” I didn’t go back. It no longer felt safe.
Then came the McDonald’s meeting ...his version of “peace.” He said I brought value, that things could get better. But when I didn’t give in, he said, “It would be hard for you to find another job right now with COVID.” That was the moment my mind said enough.
We met one more time. I was still hoping for a win-win because I knew the busy season was ahead. But I couldn’t forget what the specialist told me. So when it was time for the meeting, I prepared everything, packed my things, and walked in calm. When I saw the same gaslighting continue, I took a breath and said, “I quit.”
He looked shocked.
“Yes,” I said. “If after all I’ve done, you can’t take responsibility, this isn’t ungratefulness anymore... it’s abuse.”
I walked out, went home, and sat in my favorite chair ... my “throne.” For the first time in years, I felt peace. Not because I escaped something bad, but because I finally chose me. My grief started immediately.
✨ Sometimes choosing yourself isn’t the easy choice... it’s the only one that leads to peace.
💬 Have you ever had to choose yourself, even when it hurt? Let me know in the comments.