“It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things.” Theodore Roosevelt
Happy Labor Day!
Many are gearing up for significant festivities as we celebrate Labor Day and the metaphoric end to summer! I hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend and are planning a relaxing day with family and friends. It’s just what the doctor ordered after a long work week.
As we continue on our mental health journey, there’s something to be said for a good day’s work – for honest labor. That is, in fact, what today is all about. Celebrating the tenacity, integrity, and sheer grit of the laborers upon whose backs the U.S. was strengthened.
Theodore Roosevelt is credited with today’s quote:
The sentiment shared here is precisely what we honor today – the painful efforts of labor and the abounding energy that continue to drive us forward. That unwavering courage steadies our hands, minds, and wills to move on to even better, more productive spaces.
These efforts make possible the lifestyles we are privileged to share when so many worldwide are impoverished. It’s a source of pride and a testament to cooperative ideals culminating in incredible results. We are fortunate in many ways and, if we’re strong in our convictions, tend to share our hearts, thoughts, resources, and prayers with others so that our contemporaries can also realize the blessings.
Hard work takes discipline and persistence. Here are some others’ ideas about labor:
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” Pele, Brazilian soccer player
“People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.” George Bernard Shaw, playwright
“I can say the willingness to get dirty has always defined us as a nation, and it’s a hallmark of hard work and a hallmark of fun, and dirt is not the enemy.” Mike Row, actor and producer
“Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, actor
“Without labor, nothing prospers.” Sophocles, philosopher
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
Working hard and laboring is character-building. The sacrifices we make as we throw ourselves into the things we are passionate about strengthen us and help us to realize the virtue in others. It’s a source of pride and a foundation we share with fellow laborers. And we know we’ve done well at the end of the day.
Take some time today and during the week to reflect on your work and how it’s improved you. It might be the job you’ve secured or some volunteer work that fills your glass of compassion. Then, recognize the same in someone else and congratulate them on their ability to go the distance. I’m confident your actions will be well-received and may even make their day!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
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