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. Hold my Grandson
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, and here it is:

My purpose in life is 

to love and serve my family and community,

(learning equanimity and compassion);

And lead a simple life of integrity

(learning to be anti-racist and less harmful to the environment);

And testify to the world about my leadings

(nature, biking, climate change, simple living, celebration, and creativity)

with my writing, teaching, artwork, committee work, 

and actions.

(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. Hold my Grandson:

Our Labor Day tradition for the last 25-years has been to go to our friends' house in the country to make apple cider, but this is no time for gatherings. 

I will be perfectly content to sit in a rocking chair and hold my grandbaby!