Over the last two months, I have learned a thing or two about how easy it is to feel stressed and overwhelmed even when doing the things we love. I started my new business because I wanted to help lawyers learn practical ways to take care of themselves and enjoy their careers even more than they already do. What I found in the process is that I was plagued by feelings of self-doubt because I let my inner critic speak louder than the inner voice that fuels my excitement and passion. I felt like I needed to do things a certain way to meet other peoples’ expectations rather than my own, and I worried that if things didn’t look perfect on my website that people wouldn’t want to work with me.

Thankfully, I have people in my life (like my amazing husband, Luke, and my incredible web designer, Izzy Waite (PSA: please hire her for ALL your web/branding needs!)) who can talk some sense into me, remind me to be kind to myself, and encourage me to take the advice that I so often give to others – be kind and patient with yourself! I was reminded that even though I have a lot to offer in the well-being space, I’m still doing a lot of things for the first time, and it’s okay to stumble and learn how to “not” do something in the process. I’ve had many conversations with lawyers in practice over 20 years who made a mistake that caused them to question everything about their talent. As much as we may want to believe otherwise, we are not perfect. Not when we’re doing something for the first time or doing something for the 100th time. And that’s okay!

If you find yourself feeling discouraged or frustrated when things don’t go as planned, remember that you are only human and deserve a little love and grace in those moments (actually, we deserve a LOT of love and grace in ALL moments). I’ve been there, and I know how hard this can be. I actually have post-its around my office reminding me of these things and I know other lawyers who have journals where they keep track of positive feedback and “smile folders” with positive emails. Think about what you need to learn to be kind and patient with yourself. While it would be nice to think we shouldn’t need such reminders, self-criticism is a real thing and one way to let your positive inner voice speak louder than your inner critic is to use reminders until self-love becomes your default!

Self-Compassion

CATEGORY

3/21/2022

POSTED

Be Kind and Patient with Yourself

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Take a moment and feel your breath.

Inhale through your nose for four counts and exhale out your mouth for eight counts. When you feel stressed, come back to your breath. 

 Celebrating the “little things”

by other lawyers!

I wear fun socks each day, and now I'm known as the "fun sock lady" at my gym!
- Anne H. (Virginia)

I go to the gym before the sun is up and lately I have been walking there without my headphones in to enjoy the quiet peacefulness of the city before everyone wakes up. It’s sort of a meditative way to begin the day instead of constantly having pods/music/radio in my ear.
- Andrew C. (Pennsylvania)

Our firm has appointed me as “minister of culture” and my job is to always look to boost morale with work events, happy hours, fun sports pools and contests, and ensure we all take moments out of our days/weeks/months to enjoy our time together as co-workers and friends. - Tony C. (Virginia)

Be grateful for all you have to be grateful! - Kevin D. (Iowa)

I try to get outside for a walk every day, either with my dog or by myself! - Lori B. (Ohio)

I take mini-breaks throughout the day to play pieces I enjoy on my piano!
– Alice S. (Minnesota)

I always try to project positive energy to those around me regardless of the day I’m having. I’d rather project positivity than bring others down with negativity.
 - Bill O. (Illinois)


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