H C B A P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E A l e x C a b a l l e r o – S e s s u m s B l a c k , P . A .
happinessinlifeand inthePracticeoflaw
aslawyerswehavedeadlines , pressures , andsituationsthatcause usstress . canwestillbehappywhileaddressingthesestressful times ? Myanswerissimple , yes .
Recently I attended a seminar where a speaker presented on the topic of happiness . The presentation focused primarily on what we as attorneys can do to be happy . Personally , the steps were simple : get more sleep , eat better , exercise regularly , and make time for yourself to do the activities that you enjoy . Professionally , the advice was also basic : make a to-do list , manage your cases , set boundaries , and interact with others professionally . Pretty basic advice .
The presentation brought me back to my philosophy of happiness . Is happiness extrinsic or intrinsic ? Does happiness come from something outside ( getting a new car , winning a trial , or having a great dinner ) that causes us to be “ happy ” or does happiness come from inside ( how you address an event , issue , or situation )?
As lawyers we have deadlines , pressures , and situations that cause us stress . Can we still be happy while addressing these stressful times ? My answer is simple , yes .
How ? The answer is likewise simple . Happiness is a state of mind . The saying , “ It is not the destination , but the trip ,” comes in handy in being happy . Doing your best and realizing that the end result does not define
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