Happy Labor Day! This holiday weekend has felt different than past Labor Day weekends. This is the first year both my husband and I are fully self-employed. It has taken a combination of plain old hard work and faith to get here. It required faith in ourselves, in the vision we had for our lives, in divine timing, and in the resources and support we needed. I decided to take some time to learn more about why we celebrate Labor Day. It didn't start off as the day of leisure and consumerism it has become. On September 5, 1882, 10,000 citizens marched- bricklayers, painters, blacksmiths, railroad men, cigar makers, and more- took a day off and marched in Manhattan, New York, on what became the first Labor Day. During this time, the average American worked 12 hours a day, six days a week. Movement for the holiday grew city by city, and eventually, the state and federal authorities made it official. However, it wasn't until the Adamson Act passed on September 3, 1916, that our modern eight-hour work day was established. The labor movement's foundational values of SELF-DETERMINATION and self-reliance were guideposts that helped define and pave the way. I took this picture of a Great Blue Heron last spring and was waiting for the right time to use it. This majestic bird is considered the king of the marsh. It is the tallest of the herons, and when it flies, its head is folded back in a flat S-shaped loop. This reflects the innate wisdom of being able to maneuver through life by following your own innate wisdom and path of SELF-DETERMINATION. You know what is best for you and should be free to follow that path rather than have it defined for you. So, today I celebrate SELF-DETERMINATION and my independence. But, I am also reaffirming my commitment to fight for these fundamental rights in all areas of our lives, including the rights that have been taken away from many of us this year. #laborday #self_determination #independence #blueheron #birds #animallovers #birdphotography #entrepreneur #art #womeninbusiness #naturelovers #birds #quotes #pachamama #wildlifephotography #sobermotivation #sober #photography #photooftheday #az #totem #water #wordsofwisdom #quotesdaily (at Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiJhV4MPrbE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
