Winter and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are around the corner. Trying to get more sunlight, staying socially connected, and practicing self-compassion are a few strategies for coping with the winter blues. 

The arrival of the holiday season often means increased demands at work and home, and trying to achieve the elusive work-life balance seems one more item on a never-ending list. That’s why I hope some of us will decline what events and tasks we can, set aside a few hours to do nothing, and relax. Spending some portion of this season near the fireplace with a cup of tea in hand sounds lovely.

In honor of Banned Books Week, I invite you to join me and countless other readers in reading a title you would not otherwise have picked up and celebrating the freedom to read. I love the interplay of individual legal rights and the expression of creativity that such events bring to mind. What a great way to grow as individuals, encounter new ideas, discuss issues surrounding censorship, and promote access to literature.

In my professional development journey, I have been trying to focus on building skills unrelated to a legal area of practice because such skills can help an attorney become a better legal professional. This might include developing communication skills, networking, or volunteering in a non-legal field. Being a good lawyer means more than becoming an expert in a chosen field — it is also about how we connect with clients, staff, and peers.

Wildfire smoke has not been gruesome so far this summer; hopefully, I am not jinxing the situation by stating so. I hope we will take advantage of the Pacific Northwest summer weather during lunch by being away from our desks for a bit and not worrying over the air quality index (and client matters).

In law school, I often heard that attorneys were risk-averse and cautious, careful to stick to the tried and true. This might have less to do with attorneys and more to do with human outlook in general. However, in sticking with this month’s theme, let’s challenge this default. Many of us might not have the bandwidth to change up the routine, reorganize checklists, and opt for new software or practice management systems, but it is not a bad idea to shake things up a bit.

Work, personal obligations, and long laundry lists can make it difficult to check off personal or professional bucket list items. Yet, personal growth and a healthier work-life balance arrive with the process of thoughtfully asking what is important to us. Spending the time to complete one professional bucket list item might have lasting benefits that spill over into personal life as well. This might include becoming a mentor, retiring early, starting a podcast, or using up the annual leave.

Hanging your own shingle can be daunting. Since I began writing this column, I have not written about an attorney transitioning to or starting a solo practice but would like to announce new solos who have recently made this step. So, please reach out to me if you know of any attorneys in King County who have decided to wear the dual hats of business owner and attorney.

With Earth Day around the corner, there are many ways to demonstrate support for the protection of our planet. Low-hanging fruit include printing one less page, composting that week-old sandwich sitting in the office refrigerator, and swapping out cleaning products with biodegradable equivalents. Earth Day increases awareness of environmental issues and provides an opportunity to think about the legacy we leave to future generations.

Finer weather and slightly higher temperatures might mean more outdoor activities for some of us. The mountain may not always be out, but I look forward to a quick walk through a local park during lunchtime or planning an outing to one of Washington’s state parks on the weekend. It is a great way to break away from the ever-increasing to-do list regardinng client matters, emails, and drafts.