H C B A P R E S I D E N T’ S M E S S A G E A m a n d a U l i a n o – L a w O f f i c e o f A m a n d a M. U l i a n o
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demanding seasons, there is always something worth appreciating.
Sometimes reconnecting with yourself begins by reconnecting with what you’ re thankful for. Gratitude also changes how we measure success. As lawyers, it’ s easy to define ourselves by outcomes. The cases we win. The clients we help. The promotions we earn. The leadership positions we hold.
Those accomplishments matter, and they deserve to be celebrated.
But they don’ t tell the whole story. Our careers are only one part of who we are.
We are also spouses, parents, children, siblings, friends, neighbors, volunteers, mentors, travelers, readers, sports fans, musicians, food lovers, and lifelong learners. Long before we became attorneys, we were people with interests, passions, and dreams that helped shape who we are today. Those parts of ourselves deserve our attention, too. The truth is, reconnecting with yourself doesn’ t take you away from your profession. It helps you bring your very best self to it.
When we make time to reflect, to rest, to learn something new, to enjoy the people we love, or simply to be present, we return to our work with greater clarity, patience, creativity, and perspective. We remember that our worth isn’ t measured solely by our productivity, but by the character we bring to our profession and the lives we impact along the way.
As the calendar prepares to turn, resist the temptation to rush immediately into planning for the next year. Instead, spend a few quiet moments reflecting on something different. The relationships that have sustained you. The moments that made you smile. The lessons you didn’ t expect to learn. The people who believed in you. And the person you’ ve become. Then ask yourself:
• What brought me joy this year?
• What challenged me?
• Who made my year better simply by being part of it?
• What have I neglected that deserves more of my attention?
• What has this year taught me? The answers may not come all at once. But asking the questions is where reconnection begins.
A Holiday Invitation
One of my favorite HCBA traditions is our Holiday Open House on December 3. Whether you’ ve attended for years or it will be your first time, I hope you’ ll join us as we celebrate the season together. It is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with longtime friends, welcome new members into our community, and simply enjoy the company of colleagues outside the courtroom and conference room. I look forward to seeing you there. Until next time, I hope you’ ll choose to reconnect. n
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