Summer is ending soon, and it’s been a labor of love!

Today is Labor Day in the United States, with many celebrating the end of summer with BBQs and relaxation.  Not to mention it’s a federal holiday from work as summer is now in most of our rearview mirrors.

I trust that you have taken full advantage of not only the summer season but also that you can refocus, refresh, and relax during summer.

We know that “time waits for no one” with the Rolling Stones recording this song in the early 70’s.

Ironically, this morning, I noticed that my yard is starting the process with leaves beginning to fall through the natural process of leaf shedding each year.

Maybe, also, I was the only one who noticed how dark it was at 8:PM and how, a few months ago, how light it was during that same time.

We slowly see changes happen before our eyes and just like that, we transition from summer to autumn.

Therefore, in less than three weeks, the Autumnal Equinox’s official passage of summer to fall will happen on September 22, 2023.

The year 2023 has moved so quickly, and autumn will be in our rearview mirror.

For some, it’s a mental signal to decide whether to continue wearing those summer clothes, depending on your climate.   For some, it is a transition from baseball to football.  Because I live in a state that’s all about college football, plenty of chatter is already happening around this year’s upcoming season.  Not to mention it’s also week one of the NFL football season for those that keep up with the Pro’s.

For some, it’s the unofficial countdown until Christmas.  Although the candy is already out for Halloween in all the stores, my local Walmart has begun the process of Christmas displays.

How many days until Christmas Day?

So, for naughty people, check your attitude because Santa may be making a list!

On a more serious note, as I think about summer ending, I’m also aware of several areas where I can physically see several homeless people on the same corners.  I see them pushing the same grocery carts up and down the avenues and streets, and I’m praying that they find shelter.

Many of these people have enjoyed the warmth of summer.  The temperatures have finally reached a comfortable setting for being outside for extended periods under the stars.

This time of year also reminds me that we are at the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane season. It is knowing that many are still recovering from recent storms.  The hurricane season is not typically over until mid-October; we can only pray for the best.

Between Hurricane Idalia’s recent landfall in Florida and the recent fires in Hawaii (Maui) with unaccounted people, the weather has impacted many this past month.

As many celebrate this federal holiday, I’d ask you to reflect on the sacrifices others have made in serving this nation regarding their labor.

Although it’s been a while since the Haymarket Riots (May 1, 1886) and labor movements established the 40-hour work week in (1938); there is always something new on the horizon.

Therefore, as we celebrate Labor Day 2023, take a moment and reflect on how far you have come in your rights working.

Maybe you remember Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” song and the 1980 comedy film of the same name.

Each of us will, at some point, choose retirement and how we want to spend our time.

I know since retiring; sometimes I feel like I’m still working the “9 to 5” staying busier than when I was working.  It’s not a complaint, it’s a fact of life.  Mainly because I enjoy doing what I like.

It is incomprehensible when I read about the statistics about those who hated their jobs during 2017 and where we are today.

Why 85% of People Hate their Jobs | Staff Squared

The World’s Broken Workplace (gallup.com)

Knowing that in 2021, we had the “Great Resignation” during the Pandemic, many continue to see a change in workplace habits and in leaders.

Therefore, as I watch from the outside, I often look at the faces of those in the workforce.  If they like their jobs, I can see without judgment from their façade.

I realize that some were never properly on-boarded and require training.  I’m also aware that some refuse to change with the times and have not or will not adapt to the culture of the now.

If summer is now in your rearview mirror, what are you doing to ensure you get beyond your blind spots and move forward in your new autumn season?

Finally, if you’re counting the days until Christmas, I’ll remind you to also think about those New Year Resolutions you made.

Before long, it will be 2024 and another season in your rearview mirror other than summer!

I found four quotes that all resonated with me concerning summer.

“One must maintain a little bit of summer, even in the middle of winter.”  – Henry David Thoreau

“The tans will fade, but the memories will last forever.” Anonymous

“New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.” – Lao Tzu

My favorite, “People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.” – Anton Chekhov

Enjoy your federal holiday and summer countdown!