Take A Break From the Labor of Grief this Labor Day
3 Minute Read
Labor Day and Grief
Labor means work. In fact, it usually means “hard work.” Grief work is hard labor too.
Don’t underestimate the kind of work that a grieving person does every day, though it may often be done silently, discreetly, and is often invisible to others.
In our country, much of the workforce, with the exception of some industries such as retail, transportation, and hospitality, is not expected to work on Labor Day.
Take A Day Off
In my grief counseling practice, I often recommend that my clients try to take a holiday off from the labor of grieving on Labor Day. I know it sounds impossible, and it might be… but it’s worth a try. Understand that Labor Day brings the arrival of Fall and the earlier sunset, also might add a little sadness to the holiday. But you CAN get through this.
It could really be liberating to make a conscious effort to say, “Today, I will not really work at this grief. I’ll try to give myself a time-out from the tough work involved in dealing with all my feelings, and thoughts and ruminations and images in my head.”
Labor Day is a holiday, after all. There’s no guilt to be had in giving grief a holiday off from its work hours.
Wouldn’t it be such a relief to give grief its one day off?
Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash
Give it a Try
So, try to relax, breathe, watch a movie, read a fun, easy book, go out with friends, or do something else recreational … or anything … other than grief. That just might be the best holiday you could give yourself this Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 1).
Maybe try some of the 34 Summer Activity Ideas to Soak Up The Last Moments of Summer from Country Living even if you want to do it alone.
If you’re invited to a barbecue or a party or an outing that sounds good to you, go and enjoy yourself. If you feel like being alone, feel free to tell your friends or relatives that you’re just not up for it next year. And hopefully you can join them next year.
Suggested Reading
The website www.refugeingrief.com (by Megan Devine, the author of It’s Okay That You’re Not Okay) has an article with more information about Labor Day and grief.
Ask For Help
When grief is overwhelming, expert support can help. To determine if a grief counselor can benefit you press one of the buttons below, visit www.jillgriefcounselor.com, or email me at jillgriefcounselor@gmail.com.
