CBA Record January-February 2023

Gently I understand “gently” not in terms of mildness or pace. Rather, to me, “gently” speaks of being kind, thoughtful, and humane. Rowing for the greater good and our own. Appre ciating that we may be in different boats, but on similar journeys, rocking your boat may rock others, so go “gently.” Down the Stream The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus compared life to a river, changing from moment to moment. In the same vein, we spend our careers in a stream powered by time, ever moving us, shaking us, threatening us, surprising us. Merrily Merrily Merrily Merrily Now comes a quartet of merrilys, telling us to enjoy the journey. The merrilys are pur pose, pro bono service, work/home balance, and well-being. Purpose. Studies show that one of the best predictors of happiness and contentment across all age groups is latching onto a purpose in life. Embrace a purpose that touches the needs of humankind; what is embraced is sec ondary as long as it floats your boat. In the words of Howard Thurman, an influential mentor of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” So, set course for humankind. Pro Bono Service . Again, studies show that doing volunteer work promotes happiness by triggering the release of hormones that heighten pleasure and relieve stress. So when we help those who need legal assistance, we help ourselves. In addition, sharing your time, talents, and attention advances the interests of the client’s happiness, too. Be selfless, not self-serving, in performing pro bono. In every respect, pro bono ren ders a service to all of society and, thus, like a rising tide, lifts all boats. Work/Home Balance. The next component for maintaining a happy sense of self involves striking the right balance between work and home. Unfortunately, for too many lawyers finding a healthy balance proves an elusive quest. Without it, however, feelings of conflict bubble up, stress levels billow, and work or home or both suffer. Balancing may be difficult and present challenges, and only sometimes successful, yet, it is essential in navigating a fulfilling life. Well-being. The final “merrily” reminds us to take care of ourselves. Well-being incor porates physical, emotional, and mental fitness, from stem to stern. Prioritizing well being has the potential, by way of example, to boost morale, relieve tension, decrease health issues, and lead to greater personal satisfaction. Conversely, failure to protect your well-being can adversely affect you and your legal career. Life is but a Dream The ending confronts us with bitter truths. Life (personal and professional) is fleeting. Is unpredictable. Is fragile. Is strange. Is an enigma. Or, maybe the ending is telling us what I once saw on a bumper sticker, “If you can dream it, you can become it,” to which I add, if you row, row, row as the song instructs. I’ll leave it to you to figure out a message for lawyers in “Humpty Dumpty.”

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION L e a r n . C h i c a g o b a r . o r g N e e d t o g e t g o i n g o n y o u r M C L E R e q u i r e m e n t s ? W e ' v e g o t o v e r 2 5 0 + o n l i n e s e m i n a r s i n c l u d i n g h a r d t o f i n d P r o f e s s i o n a l R e s p o n s i b i l i t y . Available Titles Include: Lonely Lawyers: The Well-Being Impacts of Isolationism in the Legal Profession Practice Basics: State Court Motions to Dismiss Taking and Defending Depositions in State and Federal Court Understanding Financial Misstatements Increasing Impact Through Diversity Russia and Ukraine: Perspectives and Export Controls Updates Litigating High Stakes Damages Cases Annual State and Local Tax Update One-and-Done: 6-Hour Professional Responsibility Overview Business Development and Marketing for Litigators

Mechanics Liens and Construction Claims

CBA RECORD 5