Survive and Thrive
What would the world be like without celebrating meaningful days? You know what it’s like when a day actually feels special. As I think back to my childhood there were several days in June that were especially exciting from the last day of school to the first day of summer. For the most part, celebrations in June include graduations and weddings. However, there are some days that are simply bizarre, such as Donald Duck Day; Name Your Poison Day; and Meteor Day. In particular, there are three special days in June that I consider my most favorite: D-Day, Flag Day and Father’s Day.
Both my father and mother served in the armed forces during World War II. My parents taught me about D-Day, a turning point in World War II that occurred on June 6th. Every D-Day anniversary they would tell me the story of allied troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy. The story telling about the past brought me closer to what my parents experienced serving our country. My parents were patriotic. As a child, Dad always displayed the Stars and Stripes on Flag Day. The flag waved on a flag pole on an angle outside the window of my home. Flag Day was first adopted on June 14, 1777 and this coming June 14th, I will proudly display the flag and commemorate this symbol of Americanism.
For the most part, I recall Father’s Day celebrated with a barbecue in my backyard. Dad placed the charcoal in a neat mound on the grill. I watched from a safe distance as he squirted lighter fluid on the coals, which turned to ash. Soon after, hotdogs and hamburgers were served along with fresh vegetables, applesauce, chocolate ice cream, and iced tea. I think my parents would get a kick out of the fact that June now includes wacky day celebrations such as Fresh Veggies Day, Applesauce Cake Day, National Chocolate Ice Cream Day and Iced Tea Day.
The undeniable proof that June is a month to celebrate is that the first Friday in June is National Donut Day. Who would have thought that there is actually a day to praise our nation’s favorite pastry? Further, June 4th is Hug Your Cat Day. Although several years have passed since my cat died at the age of 18, I plan on celebrating Hug Your Cat Day by taking out a photo of him, placing it on my desk, and reflecting on how special he was to me. Also, June 8th is Best Friend Day, a day to cherish relationships that are irreplaceable, I intend on calling best friends from my childhood who I have not spoken to in years.
To sum it up, June has its bizarre wacky days, notable observed commemorative days, and weird holidays. All things considered, this month we are given several opportunities to honor our past, celebrate our present and appreciate what is yet to come . . . July!
Barbara is a leading authority and best-selling author on managing burnout, secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma. As a nationally recognized keynote speaker, she motivates audiences to build their resilience and create work-life balance. Her programs help leaders and teams manage workplace chronic stressors and get over burnout at work.
Barbara's newest book, "But I Didn't Say Goodbye: Helping Families After a Suicide", is available now on Amazon - https://amzn.to/2FwS6JI
• Three weeks prior to giving birth to triplets, her father died by suicide. Her story was featured in the Emmy award winning documentary, Fatal Mistakes, Families Shattered by Suicide narrated by Mariette Hartley. Many employees are grieving personal loss. She offers programs for leaders on lost productivity and performance while managing grief at work.
• As a sought-after keynote speaker who has presented to over 500 groups since 1991, including corporations, state and national associations and non-profit organizations, Barbara offers work-life balance strategies for leaders to implement right away. With clarity and humor, her speaking engagements are designed to give audiences powerful and practical strategies of work-life balance, wellbeing, and self-care that can be implemented immediately.
• Barbara is a Board-Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress and Diplomate with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. She received a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Master of Arts degree in community health, with a concentration in thanatology, both from Brooklyn College.
Email: BarbaraRubel@BarbaraRubel.com
Website: www.barbararubel.com
