We all labor, paid and unpaid
Today is Labor Day here in the states, a day to cease our work and celebrate. We don’t typically have permission to take a Sunday sabbatical, so this is our secular day of rest. It has roots with labor activists and unions wanting to take stock of our work and what we have accomplished. We have one national holiday to reflect on why we work and our interdependence in a civilized society. In our current climate we individuals work very hard to make a living while the corporate profits run wild, with no requirement to channel any profits to our communities.
Speaking of community, there is growing evidence to support the theory that a rich life - meaning one full of resources, support, connection, and a sense of belonging/purpose helps to fight addiction and improve overall mental health. Not many would argue that, but it always comes down to a lack of funding to put in place community centers. Colleges and universities have common areas or a commons/community lounge in the main building that houses a lounge, dining options, post office, recreation center, or some variation of that. Where is our one stop all purpose common area to just be and get to know others? (Without having to purchase anything?!)
Many people get that connection/community from family and by belonging to various groups/clubs/sports/school affiliation/employers/coworkers and the like. Not everyone has family, or they have a very little family to connect with. I never got to meet either of my grandfather’s and the closest thing to a grandfather was my father-in-law, my husband’s step-father. He passed too soon and he is very much missed. He wasn’t a perfect person, but the most genuine guy I have had the pleasure of knowing. So, we also need a less structured place to drop-in and just be with other people without needing to spend money. Ideally run by high school youth and retired community members, who could learn from each other. That’s my dream a place where the young and old can come together as they do in a family, ideally learning from each other. This is the utopia that I dream of, so…I’ll leave you with this final though. I enjoy my work because I get to help people connect to their world. -Tina
