Writing

In acknowledgment of this Labor Day weekend, let's talk a little bit about work: the work of writing.  From Day One of this journalizing journey, I have qualified my sharings as a narcissistic indulgence that I hoped might resonate with a few folks, but honestly was intended as an outlet for my experiences and emotions.  In the course of this exposition-ing, I may pretzel a few phrases around to produce a pun, or tie together a train of tangential terms to align an alliteration, but I have no illusions that this in any way does make me a writer.  A journaler perhaps (not at all intending to imply that I'm a "journalist"), but not a real writer writer.  For that, see this week's blog thumbnail of a new novel coming Spring '24 from an exciting writer many of us know and love (OBTW: Pre-orders are available on Amazon.com The Heirloom).

Shameless plugs aside, as the aforementioned novelist can attest, writing is hard work.  It's not hard for me because: I am uncomfortable sharing my feelings.  It's not hard for me because: I've committed to having something to say each week (at times pithy, perhaps possibly poignant).  It's not even hard (futile) for me because: of the reality of 'speaking to' a base of a mere 60+ readers.  No, for yours truly, it is a labor of love: productive work performed voluntarily, often without material reward or compensation.

What do you do in your life that you might consider your 'labor of love?'  Is it helping out with childcare for twin grandchildren?  Is it gathering donations of life's most basic essentials and distributing them to homeless people in need?  Is it refurbishing abandoned dwellings to provide affordable housing for those seeking shelter and security?  Is it caring for sick (and sometimes dying) cancer patients - with tireless respect, compassion and hope?

Whether for livelihood or for love, washing dishes or writing novels, on this Labor Day take a moment to think about the work that you do - how it impacts you and how it impacts others.  It could be menial and rigorous, or meaningful and rewarding.  I hope for you that you found / find YOUR labor of love, and at times can relate to how it's not really work at all.