From the President

MARTESHA L. JOHNSON, Publisher WILLIAM T. RAMSEY, Editor-in-Chief CAROLINE SAPP, Managing Editor LAUREN POOLE, Managing Editor ADRIENNE BENNETT CLUFF, Layout/Design/ Production

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The Nashville Bar Association, established in 1831, is a professional organization serving the legal community of Nashville, Tennessee. Our mission is to improve the practice of law through education, service, and fellowship. The NBA—with 2,500+ members—is the largest metropolitan bar association in Tennessee.

As we all know, February is the shortest month of the year. It feels almost like you blink and its March Madness. This year, with the latest Covid-19 surge and the continuous ebb and flow of anxiety from the pandemic, it is so easy to want to rush through the month to hopefully get to the “better” days ahead. This year I am choosing to make the most of all that February has to offer, and I hope you will join me. This month, the month of love, provides us an opportunity to give the greatest gift of love possible: self-care.

Historically, self-care has not been synonymous with the legal profession. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, legal professionals suffered high rates of depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Our role as lawyers requires us to advocate for the needs of others, to help our clients fix their lives, and to provide wise counsel to those who trust us with their issues. We have to be on, to show up with our best selves, and in our day to day work, there isn’t much space for self-care. We have to change this narrative.

Oprah Winfrey is credited with saying, “Breathe. Let Go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” We are living in a time where death and sickness is all around. The American Psychological Association reports stress and burnout is at an all time high across professions. Friends, the legal profession needs to embrace radical self-care. How do we do it? By being intentional in our practices and encouraging the shift that will make self-care a core value for lawyers and the legal profession.

Self-Love is the Best Love.

This month I am issuing a show yourself some love challenge. I am asking you to take a break from the chaos of life and connect with yourself, commit to doing something you love every day, and find ways to relax all month. I would love to see your self-care moments this month. Please share them with me!

February is also the month dedicated to recognizing African-American History. This is an important time to celebrate the impact of African-American culture and contributions to society. As you plan your month, consider: • Supporting a Black-owned business. • Visiting the National Museum for African-American Music. • Completing a 21 day race & equity challenge with your colleagues. • Joining and supporting the efforts of the NBA diversity committee. • Donating to a Historically Black College or University.

Much Love, n