Practicing gratitude can enhance relationships and reduce stress, and rather than emphasizing competition and individualism, gratitude can remind us of the interdependence we share in our personal and professional lives. Listing even one or two things that I am grateful for every day helps me focus on the important things in life and sets a better tone for that day. I might be grateful for a great interaction with a client, a kind act from a family member, or a client’s smile at pro bono clinic. Opportunities for cultivating gratitude abound everywhere.

October is recognized as a month for raising awareness of and celebrating people with special needs and disabilities. Those special needs or disabilities might be visible or invisible. Having family members with disabilities has made me aware of how living with one or more disabilities affects not only that person but profoundly impacts others within that family. It also provides a great reminder that being able-bodied is only temporary and that special needs and disability-focused communities provide a lot of support to individuals and their families.

During a recent backpacking trip in the North Cascades, my hiking boot sole fell off halfway through the 30-mile trek. Attempted repairs included duct tape, cord, and Leukotape (the Leukotape held up the best in case you’re wondering). 

The shorter days of this month hint at summer having passed by so quickly. We are just about halfway through the season and this provides an incentive to check off all those summer activities that are not yet complete or make the most of what is left of the season as autumn approaches.
 

Shifting our perspectives or stepping into the other party’s shoes offers benefits to both attorneys and clients. These benefits include improved problem-solving, a better outcome, or a more thorough understanding of the situation and each party’s interests. Just a reminder that shifts in perspectives not only allow for better professional outcomes but for better personal ones, too.

For those of us who set goals (or resolutions) at the beginning of the year, here’s a great reminder to revisit those goals and determine if we’re on track or not. After all, we’re at the halfway mark on the calendar. Personally, I plan on reviewing my book list to see if I can play catch up over the summer.

Getting outside more often (even if this means sitting in a park during lunchtime) can have numerous benefits for well-being. Stepping into nature offers a break from the office and a chance to recharge. It boosts energy levels and creates a sense of wonder at natural beauty. Join me this season in prioritizing time spent outdoors in order to recharge and de-stress.

Earth Day arriving at the end of this month provides a reminder that law firms and employees are players in environmental conservation and sustainable practices. 

It’s that time of the year again. Let’s put our best foot forward as we interact with clients and colleagues with one hour less of sleep. It’s easy to focus on the minor inconvenience, but this is a great reminder that change is the only constant in life.

I keep forgetting this year has 366 days, thereby ensuring the calendar remains synchronized and reconciling the Earth’s orbit to the calendar. Now that I get an extra day this month (and year), I have to figure out what to do with it. Actually, I’ll probably be at my desk, reading correspondence and writing, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.