What We Create Is Worth More Than We’re Taught to Believe

In today’s world, if work isn’t paid or publicly praised, it’s often seen as less valuable. That mindset is burning people out. What about caregiving, planning, nurturing, emotional labor—the invisible scaffolding that keeps homes, families, and communities running? There’s no paycheck for reminding others, creating and managing a household/home, or soothing someone’s meltdown. But without that work, everything would fall apart.

We live in a culture that values what can be monetized. If it doesn't come with a direct deposit, we question its worth. That’s why losing a job often feels like losing identity—we’ve been taught that our value equals our income. But what if the most sacred contributions can’t be measured in dollars? If a healer or doctor saves a life for free, does it mean the act had no value? If an artist is unpaid during their lifetime but their work later sells for millions, was it suddenly more meaningful—or were we just late to recognize it?

This system is backwards. We glorify financial success while ignoring the unpaid labor—often done by women but not always—that sustains it. No wonder so many are exhausted, unfulfilled, and walking away. Some say, “But I pay for the meals, the school, the house.” And sure—financial support absolutely matters. But let’s be honest: Paying for something isn’t the same as doing the work. Covering dinner isn’t the same as planning the meals, placing the grocery order, unpacking the bags, and figuring out what to cook. Paying tuition isn’t parenting. Emotional, logistical, and energetic labor doesn’t vanish just because the bill is covered.

Yes—you had to work to make that money. That matters. But here’s the thing: most households today are dual income. And statistically, women still earn less—roughly 82 cents on the dollar for the same role. And despite working the same or nearly the same number of hours, they’re often doing more of the unpaid, thankless tasks at home. Their careers, which are being juggled alongside life, household duties, and the constant pressure to stay beautiful (in a culture that still equates value with appearance), are still often seen as less important—simply because they generate less income. That gap isn’t just about money—it’s about respect, recognition, and real equality.

Because the truth is: The inherent value of something isn’t defined by its financial outcome—it’s defined by what it is. If you create something brilliant, something healing, something that serves or supports—you’ve already won.

SOLO TRAVEL: I TOOK THE TRAIN + LOVED IT

On a lighter note—I took the Amtrak train and loved it… and so did you guys!
This video gives you an inside look at the Roomette experience. Ask me any questions in the comments at the end of this article!

Things to keep in mind:

• Roomettes are around $200 per person each way and include dinner and a drink.

• Coach isn’t as private, but at $20/seat, my personal rec is to book two seats so you have a whole row to yourself.

• Be mindful of your arrival/departure time—some stations (like Jacksonville, FL) aren’t in ideal areas. If you're arriving late, plan a ride-share ahead or book during daylight hours for peace of mind.

@laurenschwec

welcome to my roomette @Amtrak #travel #explore #amtrak #trains #florida

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SOCIAL CURATION COLLABS 🤳

I’ve recently launched a big APP UPDATE and welcomed A TON OF NEW exciting new brand partners/collabs to the platform on Social Curation Collabs—Check them out on the app under the collab + event tabs!

How the app works here. | See my segment on BloomTV here.
Schedule a demo with Social Curation Collabs here. | Make $50* for each referred + subscribed business

Join my broadcast group to stay in the know about new TPA collabs:
 https://ig.me/j/AbYv0KRI8-JXXsu0/  

READ OR LISTEN OF THE WEEK

A Path to Personal Freedom & Love
by Bob Hoffman

BRAND HIGHLIGHT: 2ULAUNDRY

Truly a lifesaver for the busy and overwhelmed. Get FREE 1 Laundry bag on your first order.

See ya next week,
xx

Lauren Schwec