Labor Day

Endurance, 2016 (acrylic on canvas)

The first Labor Day was held on September 5, 1882, started by the Central Labor Union in New York City. In 1884, it was moved to the first Monday in September, to honor the American labor movement, the workers, and contributions we make to the strength of our country. If you work at anything, in or outside the home, this holiday is dedicated to you. 

Labor Day is, ironically, a day off from labors. Most schools start soon after Labor Day, so many people view it as the end of summer, and the last chance for a camp-out or picnic.

Agenda Today:
1. Journal queries
2. Review my Mission
3. Dabble
4. Make apple cider!

1. Journal queries:
Since the theme today is work, it’s fitting to reflect this morning on the deeper meaning of my work, and begin to open my mind to new work adventures and paths I could take.

What ambitions or goals do I have for the next years of my life?
What work or activity would bring me the most personal fulfillment? What feels to me like “meaningful” work?
How can I be of service to the world? What group or cause do I truly long to work for, be a part of, and make an impact on?

2. Review my Mission:
Yes, I have a personal Mission Statement, which I read every week to help me decide if the work I plan is on target.

(If you haven’t done the work of writing a Mission Statement, I recommend How to Develop Your Personal Mission Statement by Stephen R. Covey.)

Today I will read my mission statement, one section at a time, and test each section:

• Visualize myself doing that work to its full extent: Does that image still thrill me? Is it so exciting, compelling, and powerful that it makes me long to get to work every day?
• Can I see myself affecting my world and the people in it by doing this work? Will it give my life meaning, and leave me feeling honorable and contented?
• Is it an honest statement of what I want to do with the next several years of my life? What would make it even better?

3. Dabble:

This is supposed to be a day off of labors, so I plan to play a little today with each of my chosen occupations: 

I will write a little, paint a little, and plan a little lesson to teach!

4. Make apple cider:
Our Labor Day tradition for the last 25-years has been to go to our friends' house in the country to make apple cider.

3. 

Making cider is laborious, but in the same tradition as a quilting bee, we turn it into an all-ages time for fun and community. 

We work together all afternoon, rotating through tasks-- cutting apples, turning the press, and siphoning off the cider (and a heck of a lot of important conversation)-- then have a fantastic potluck dinner.