Labor Day - not my favorite holiday. I am not even sure how to appropriately observe it. The unemployment rate is at a high, it marks the end of summer, pools closings, days shorter, getting cooler, having to cloth up to go outside, back to school, advent of winter, time for flu shots, etc......
One thing I can say for labor is that it gave me s sense of self worth and value. This, I believe, is critical to a balanced psych. For over forty years, I worked for financial institutions writing software programs to accomplish the provision of services and monitoring reports. I think it was the sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that some of those programs are still running today - ten years later that I made a contribution to existence even if it was for the sake of a selfish commercial entity.
Upon retiring, I gave very thoughtful consideration as to what I could do in my remaining years to maintain my feeling of self worth and yes, even leave behind a meaningful legacy. For me, it was the Unitarian Universalist ministry. Never have I felt so fulfilled and happy with myself as I have been since entering the ministry and I only wish and hope that I may be of assistance in bringing physical, emotional, and spiritual support to others. We each have to find our own niche in life and I am so grateful that I found mine - may all others find theirs as well.
