Labor Day Notes

Here in the U.S., and this year also in Canada, it’s Labor Day. Only in Canada it’s Labour Day. (I grew up back and forth between the two countries, and learning to spell was quite a challenge. Learning who actually won the War of 1812 was worse.)

I hope you are having a great holiday, however you spell it and whatever you are doing today.

I’ve worked most of the day on a project, but took a few hours away to cook hamburgers with Dempsey and the kids. Brittany is home from college for the weekend, and Kaleem and the baby are beginning their last week with us before they return to New York City and Makai’s dad.

I’ve been thinking today about the nature of labor, and how diverse it is. Most of my past year has been consumed by the obligations of family and friendship. Now those obligations are waning, I find myself chomping at the bit to get back to “real work.” I’m eager to create products, get back to my writing projects, and expand my work with clients.

I keep reminding myself, however, that the Universe has given me a variety of tasks. Or, to be more precise, I’ve been offered a variety of life tasks, and I’ve chosen to accept them. So in that sense, my personal responsibilities are as much a part of my “labor” as the work for which I am financially compensated.

It’s all labor, and it’s all honorable. So here’s to all of us who contribute our work to the world, in so very many ways. Happy Labor/Labour Day!