Labor Day
I trust that you have enjoyed some well-earned R&R during this past Labor Day and have ceased from your labor for a few days. We all need these breaks throughout the year, as it seems like nowadays there is less and less time in which to do more and more!
As we celebrate this Labor Day how may of us know the history behind it? Here are a few interesting facts to think about:
Labor Day holiday is not dedicated to any man, dead or alive, or to any race or sect, but has its history connected to the labor movement in the United States. Since its inception, other countries have jumped on the bandwagon and have taken this day to honor workers. It is the day when we take stock of the achievements and hard work of all men and women in the labor force.
Labor Day was instituted over 100 years ago in the United States on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. Since then, it has been observed on the first Monday of September. Today, there is still some uncertainty as to who first instituted this holiday for workers. Some believe that it was Peter J. McGuire, General Secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. Others believe that it was Matthew McGuire, a machinist, not Peter Maguire that founded the holiday.
While the holiday was first set by Trade Unions as an honor to workers, we today can benefit by having one more day to rest and think about the upcoming fall season. But does a long weekend present enough time for us to rest and rejuvenate before the next one comes, namely Thanksgiving?
Just about the time when things are going smoothly after a long weekend, do we find ourselves getting caught up again in our unhealthy thinking? Do we worry about our finances, become concerned about the future, regret the past, or become overly concerned about our to-do list? All the long weekends in a year are not sufficient enough to restore healthy psychological functioning. We must daily learn to focus our energies on taking control of our lives and overcoming some of the negative thinking that we allow which rob us of our mental well-being.
I invite you to read my newsletter where you will find some strategies that will help you do just that—get back on track!
“Give the world the best you have and the best will come back to you.”
Unknown, late 1800s
Until next time, Nurse Audrey signing off!