Labor Day
Labor day is September 7th this year, so I thought, I’d reflect about what this national holiday means to me in my life. Most of the time we think about it giving a lot of us a 3-day weekend and as a marker to the end of summer. Many people have one last BBQ to celebrate. But what about the history behind Labor Day?
What is Labor Day?
Labor Day falls on the 3rd Monday every September to celebrate the workforce in America. It was established in 1894 by President Grover Cleveland as a national holiday. The first national labor day was celebrated with a parade and festival to celebrate American workers.
Many celebrations today may include parades and festivals in some cities. But most Americans either host or attend BBQs with friends and family to celebrate the end of summer during Labor Day weekend.
Reflection of the Year
I work in grocery store retail, and labor day typically is a big selling holiday as people get ready for their BBQs. So to me, I tend to think about it as just another day. So this year, even though I am working the whole weekend, I thought I would just reflect upon the year.
Since, this year has been very different because of the global pandemic of Covid-19. I have been very thankful to have had the opportunity to continue working as an essential worker in the grocery store. It has been a very stressful and frustrating time no doubt. The grocery stores have experienced an influx of business as all non-essential businesses had to close to limit the social interactions between people. So as a worker in the grocery store, we saw the most people during this time. As restaurants have opened up, with limited capacity, business at the grocery store has slowed just a bit, but not by much.
During this whole time I have stayed home more than I usually do. I am already a home body as it is, but I only go to work (where I see the general public) and home. My boyfriend stays with me, but we may go to his house at least once a week and we occasionally may go pick up a to-go food order. I visit my family every once in a while. But for the most part, I am at work or at home.
Despite all that has gone on this year, I feel that this year has been one of the best that I have experienced so far. I met my boyfriend at the beginning of the year at work, and we had some opportunities to go out to dinner before all social distancing ordinances were put into effect. I am very thankful that I met him.
End of Summer
I had moved to Durango at the end of 2018 because of the close proximity to hiking trails. The first summer I lived here, I worked 6 days a week the entire summer. So didn’t have many opportunities to do much hiking.
This past summer, I had many opportunities to do so many hiking and backpacking trips. It has been one of the best summers all things considered.
Highlights of my summer:
I have had the opportunity to spend time with my favorite person.
I have gone on four backpacking trips and several few hiking trips.
I’ve learned more about my dog, since I’ve had her for a year now. She also loves going hiking and being outdoors
I got the inspiration to starting this blog and begin working towards my business goals.
Looking Forward to Fall
I’m not the biggest fan of colder weather. I love summer and hot weather. But since I’ve lived in Durango, I have appreciated fall much more. I love the fall colors and the cooler weather. It is still warm during the day during the fall but significantly cooler at night.
What I’m looking forward to most for the fall is cooler weather so that when I go out on my runs, I am not in 90+ degree heat. I love the hot weather, but running and working out in that heat is not very much fun.
I have many business plans that are in the works that I am excited to continue to pursue. I am enjoying the journey that I am currently on and learning to remain mindful during every moment.
So as we approach Labor Day, remember why it began and take a moment to reflect on the year.
What was good for you this year?
Did you have the opportunity to meet someone new?
Did you get inspiration to do something you’re passionate about?
What opportunities did you have that you may not have had otherwise?
How did you spend your summer?
What are you looking forward to for fall?
If you are here and reading this, that means you have an interest in your health and fitness. Great, I am so excited for you! Taking care of your body is literally the best thing you can do for yourself long term. I read this quote, not sure who said it though.
I just find that so inspiring. Hard work will pay off in the future, but you also have to live in the moment and I feel like taking care of yourself is doing both. You are doing good for yourself now as well as for your future self.
If you are interested in learning more about all things health and fitness, follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram @myactivelife_stacey. I’ve got big things coming and I’d love for you to join me on this journey. Stay tuned!
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