acknowledge the incremental mental impact that such struggles have upon us over time . Or do we suppress thoughts like that and pretend we are okay ? While never encouraging the latter , the legal profession , for many years , sadly failed to encourage the former . That , however , is changing .
Many state and local bar associations are now emphasizing the importance of mental health . Our own Wellness Committee offers recurring activities to keep the topic front-of-mind . An entire page of the State Bar of Georgia ’ s website shares a plethora of valuable resources ( see https :// www . gabar . org / wellness / mental /). These are great improvements ! They provide selfmanagement tools , but they are only a start . My challenge to each of you — and to myself — goes further . Move beyond managing the madness . Let go what we cannot control and change our outlooks . Live our lives in a way where we can look forward to someday looking back . Embrace the madness .
Wishing you all the best !
Christopher P . Lightner Atlanta Bar Association President
Ansley Golf Club www . atlantabar . org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 5