Lindy Korn
BridgeTower Media Newswires
There are several articles recounting the addictions and depression of lawyers who often become weary of the stressful nature of bearing the responsibility of lawyering. In our own circles we can share stories of how difficult caseloads become, how much time it takes to provide service to existing clients, and then, navigating the waters with “difficult clients.”
So, I began to think about ways to keep the practice of law joyful. What steps can we take to make sure that we stay healthy and vibrant, like we did in the beginning.
My list is a work in progress, and I add to it on a daily basis. I welcome readers’ comments and suggestions—so here it goes:
1. Keep moving. Since our job requires us to sit and be stationary, we must build in time to be mobile. Find time to leave the office by foot and take a half-hour walk around the building.
2. Go out to eat for lunch at least once a week with a colleague or acquaintance or a new friend. These connections are healthy and help in solving existing problems.
3. Write an actual note—delivered by actual mail—once a week to show appreciation or to console someone who is ill, or to congratulate another.
4. Pay attention to nature. With every season there is something to smell, to photograph or to ponder outdoors. Being curious about life outside leads to new questions and answers and continued learning outside our skill set.
5. Develop or perfect a hobby. It does not need to be competitive or practiced in a group, but rather something that takes effort to perform. It might be athletic, observatory or a game.
6. Join a book club and meet to discuss issues of concern.
7. Take a three-week vacation that pushes your boundaries. In the past four years, I have taken to walking trails, as my deceased husband used to do. One was the Dingle Way in Ireland, which runs about 110 miles, and recently I completed walking 75 miles of El Camino de Santiago in Portugal into Spain. Walking sure clears one’s head and what happens on the trail forces one to grow.
8. Practice meditation or visit a monastery where you can stay and be quiet for a couple of days. These reflective moments allow one to think!
9. Realize that time is fleeting, and find a way to perform a kind act that no one will ever know about.
10. Rescue an animal that you can love. Gratitude will be shown between you and an animal of your choice. Caring for an animal encourages positivity.
These 10 suggestions may not be on your list, but they may inspire your own list to find joy and relieve stress in our role as attorneys and counselors at law!
—————
Lindy Korn practices at The Law Office of Lindy Korn and can be reached at lkorn@lkorn-law.com, (716) 856-KORN (5676) or www.lindykorn.com.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://www.legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
