THE MEMOIRS OF SUMMER RAY

This blog is sort of off the beaten path. But there are times in life when one must travel there, just to get a glimpse of how one should correctly view the world, or themselves for that matter.

Recently, I took a job working consessions at our local theater. This theater, I so wanted to have our first premiere at. It was historical and had a vaudeville lineage that I absolutely adored. Things with the film had slowed down a bit and I was somewhat bored and in need of extra money. We used a lot of the family budget for the film. So I thought, “Why not!” When the opportunity arose for me to work there, I gladly jumped on it. I didn’t care if it was bagging popcorn. It wasn’t “beneath” me to work at the bottom so to speak. I was already a CEO of my own company. Besides, one should never get too full of themselves that they cannot humble themself. Bagging popcorn was beneath my level of experience in terms of the job market, but it was not beneath me as a human being. I did not have to lower myself to work there. I was actually proud to be a part of that amazing theater.

Sadly, that was short lived. I had to learn the hard way that people, some even those who are supposed to be leaders can be ruthless, egotistical and lack the necessary humility to just be a kind and humble soul. It can be very dangerous to mix friendship with business. I have had the awful experience myself, of having to fire friends. But, as a leader, I have to think of what is best for the company and those who are under my care. To choose friends over the reality of what is right in business, creates a pitiful chain of command. There is no buffer or protection for those who are not a “friend,” nor for those who are just starting out. If a leader “plays favorites,” he or she is no leader at all. Each person carries within themselves the same value as the next person. No one should be treated with disrespect whether that person is at the top, or at the bottom of the rung, on the coorporate ladder. Fairness matters, and one cannot be fair when there is partiality or favoritism.

My experience at this theater was an eye opener. I was blind to the fact that I put way too much trust in the goodness of my fellow man. One co-worker blatantly criticized everything and everyone. Not to mention the fact this same co-worker grabbed my arm so hard it actually hurt. She then proceeded to yell at me several times during the course of the week and sat on the counters reading a book while customers passed by. Another co-worker was rude and stuck up and treated me like a 2nd class form of life.  I was so appalled that I resigned. I did not want to be subjected to this kind of treatment. Then I was actually horrified at my own view point of the world and how I treated others.

At some point, my book and film series are going to be successful. Perhaps God allowed me to walk this beaten path, just for a moment, to get a glimpse of the person I could actually become. Fame and fortune both have a way of changing a person and not always for the good. I do not want to be like those people, nor do I want to treat people the way I was just treated. It has left such an imprint in my heart. There is no way I would want my premiere there now. Kindness matters and so does a whole lot of humility.  It is my sincere hope and prayer that I lead and will continue to lead in fairness. May I never forget what it felt like to be talked down to or to be treated with such disdain. I am worthy of respect. I believe every human being is of value and their self worth should not be diminished by someone else. Luckily, I can stand up for myself. My heart is aching for those who are not yet strong enough to do the same.

Please, I beg of you, be kind toward your fellow man. Don’t criticize the hard work of others just because you, yourself are not creative. Just because you have a college degree, doesn’t make you any better than one who does not. Privilege is an honor, not an entitlement. If you are a leader than lead in fairness, not with an already biased opinion.

I am ever so thankful I have had this experience. It has forever changed the course of how I will act and live my life from now on. A new day has dawned. The sun is rising again. May God forgive me if I ever crushed the soul of another; if I ever acted like I was better than them; and most of all, if I was rude and forgot to be kind! Sometimes life gets in the way with all of its stresses and aches and pains. But, kindness truly does matter my friends. Oh and speaking of friends, I met a very dear person while at this theater. You are a class act and I am so blessed to have met you.

The question remains. Should I have sucked it up, stayed and not said anything? I believe we have to follow the truth that is in our own hearts. My conscience did not allow me to stay. But as previously stated, I was shown a very great truth and that is:

Be the rose, not the thorn!

Till Next Time,

Juliana