September Begins With A “Labour” Of Love Towards You

“At work, you think of the children you have left at home. At home, you think of the work you’ve left unfinished. Such a struggle is unleashed within yourself. Your help is rent.” – Golda Meir

The first Monday in September every year in Canada, is Labour Day. It originally gave workers the chance to campaign for better working conditions or pay. Traditionally, Labour Day was an occasion to campaign for and celebrate workers' rights with parades and picnics organized by trade unions and their families . These still play a large role on Labour Day for many Canadians, but many people see the first Monday in September as the end of the dog days of summer. Time for school and preparation for the coming fall and winter with all the celebrations the seasons bring. Although he day is now part of a long weekend for many Canadians, we can not forget that the origins of Labour Day can be traced back to April 15, 1872, when the Toronto Trades Assembly organized Canada's first significant demonstration for worker's rights.

With thoughts of worker’s desiring better working conditions, you must ask yourself - are you looking after your own working conditions? Do you schedule “you” into your workweek? Do you take time to nurture your soul and fuel your own livelihood?

We forget, as women, to self-nurture. We spend all our time looking after those around us – children, partners, bosses, colleagues, friends, family , parents – and we forget to take time for ourselves. Remembering the working rights unions fought for throughout the world, should remind you to become your own nurturing boss for the never-ending demands placed on you. Without nurturing ourselves our self-worth is squashed. We forget that we are deserved of the love we bestow on others. We are like a pitcher and when that pitcher is not continually filled with self-love then we cannot continue to pour love into our relationships with others.
So no matter where you live in this wonderful planet, focusing on things that you love to do will get you in touch with your inner being and that brings balance in your life. When circumstances come into your life that have negative energy, redirect your creative force on the things that bring you joy, and fulfill your happiness level. This will form a distraction and that helps you with maintaining balance.
One of my favorite tools to teach for helping you to regain and maintain balance is to create a nurturing support system through journaling. Follow these next steps and feel the oxygen of life fill your soul for the nest few months.
1. Take a few minutes each day and write in your journal the following:
When and what makes you more relaxed?
When and what makes you more creative?
What would your perfect workday be like?
What would your perfect day off be like?
What activities bring joy into my life everyday?
2. The answers to these questions will form the basis of your nurturing support system. This system is a list of things you can do for yourself when self-doubt or feelings of unworthiness creep into your mind. Referring to your support system when your self-esteem is dipping a bit below the “fill level” will remind you of what is important to “You.” Each item will give you the fuel you deserve. Focusing on things that you love to do will get you in touch with your inner being and that brings balance in your life. They are things that will bring you happiness – which is ultimately what life is all about.
3. Continue adding to these lists on a daily, weekly or monthly basis as new items come to you.
4. Once you create your nurturing support system, print it out and keep it with you at all times as you would a good friend. Get into the practice of choosing one item on your list and delivering it to yourself once a day. This will keep positive energy wrapped around you at all times.
5. Make “You” your “labour” of love this weekend and always…
As written by Sarah Ban Breathnach remember her poignant words with love and light,
“Today realize that Spirit has o hands, head, or heart like yours. No other woman on earth can do what you alone are called to do, can give to the world that you alone were sent to give through your authentic gifts. They may be so faint you can barely make out the message, but if you listen, you will hear it.”