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Key points
- Even on a holiday, it can be very easy to let work creep in.
- If possible, it can be helpful to take a day off to honor yourself, your work, and your life.
- Labor Day could be an opportunity to “dream big” about something you hope for in the future and then plan steps to make it happen.
If you live in the United States, you’re probably familiar with Labor Day.
It’s a national holiday that happens on the first Monday in September, every year. A day of rest, where banks are closed, most offices shut down and America’s workers … don’t have to work!
At least, that’s the idea.
I’ve noticed—in my own life, and in others'—that even when presented with a Very Special Day Devoted To Not Working, it’s very easy to let work creep in.
A couple of quick glances at our inbox here. A little peek at our calendar for the upcoming workweek there. And before we know it … oops! The holiday is over. We forgot to rest. And our family is looking a bit disappointed, since we chose to spend the entire day semi-tethered to our phone, instead of sharing quality time with them.
My challenge to us all?
Take a day off, to honor ourselves.
We deserve it.
Honor everything that we do at work. The tasks we love. The tasks we don’t love.
Honor all of the ways that we give and serve—making other people’s lives easier.
Honor everything that it took to build the life and career that we’ve got, even if it’s not “perfect.”
Honor our friends and family. Honor the neighbors in our community. Honor all of the people—outside of our work-universe—who sweeten our life.
For those who don’t have the day off work, wouldn’t it be nice if you could schedule your own personal Labor Day, on a different day, to unplug and refuel?
And if it feels right …
Consider taking some time, this Labor Day, to let yourself dream … big.
Dream about the type of work you’d like to do, one day.
Maybe some readers will want to dream about a bigger, more influential career—touching thousands, or millions, with their message.
Maybe other readers will want to dream about a smaller, simpler career—downshifting to a slower pace, letting go of some pressure and stress.
And then …
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could take one small baby step towards making that dream a reality?
Maybe that means sketching out a plan. Maybe that means making a phone call to a previous employer—after Labor Day is over, of course. Maybe that means reaching out to a mentor.
Whatever your first step may be, it’s important to believe that you can do it—and more.
It’s important to believe that you can work towards bringing this new dream to reality.
Happy Labor Day … or Big, Beautiful Dreamer Day … or Baby Stepper Day … or Gettin’ Off The Internet Day … or whatever you choose to call this special Monday.
Make it a beautiful one.
….
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Contact your qualified provider before implementing or modifying any personal growth or wellness program or technique, and with questions about your well-being.
Copyright ©2021 Dr. Suzanne Gelb, Ph.D., JD. All rights reserved.
