Choosing Gratitude

Throughout my life, I have been instructed by my parents to implement a mindset of gratitude. They taught me to appreciate all that I have and they instilled in me the recognition that everything that has happened in our lives has brought us to where we are now. Both the good and the bad (especially the bad) circumstances that we live through shape us and provide experiences that enable us to grow and help other do the same. June 4th was my parents’ 56th wedding anniversary. I’ve included a picture of them on their wedding day in this months’ column because I am grateful for them – for their commitment to each other, and the love and support they have given me over the years. Plus, who’s going to stop me, right? This picture is a reminder to me to be grateful. This month, our nation celebrates its independence. Even with the political conflict and various social issues for which no one has a perfect answer, I am still grateful. I recently attended a high school graduation ceremony at Holland Hall. The speaker was a teacher who was selected by the students. The recurring theme throughout his speech was (I’m paraphrasing here) “Change the way you view your circumstances and your circumstances will change.” Gratitude provides the necessary shift in thought process that allows us to view the situations that life presents in a different way. So, today, I choose gratitude. I’m grateful that I am able to express my views in this article without concern that my words may lead to a jail sentence. I’m grateful that I have a job and that if I want to work, I can. There are many more things for which I’m grateful – and many more people too. So, I’ll just provide one more. I grateful that I am part of this legal community. Not just a listing of people who have managed to pass a test and can practice law (because we’ll never get it perfect). I’m talking about a group of individuals who have voluntarily managed to accomplish a great deal for those in the larger community around them. We have sections and committees comprised of attorneys who are passionate…and not just about their representation of clients in the courtroom. They have each dedicated themselves to a worthy cause and they spend countless hours making a difference by educating, assisting and empowering those around them. There are not enough times when the members of the TCBA are thanked for everything they do. So, this month I’d like to express my gratitude for the efforts of the members of the TCBA who make a difference to

the larger communities in which they serve. When I was younger, I would sometimes write poems. They were juvenile because, well, I was juvenile. Somewhere along the way, poetry turned to term papers, and the majority of my poems came in the form of Christmas letters. I think I got my penchant for crafting rhyming lyrics from my mother. For our birthdays, she would write rhyming riddles that provided clues for where our birthday gifts were hidden. Often, we would find a wrapped gift in the dryer, and on rare occasions in my father’s underwear drawer (finding a word to rhyme with underwear was not an easy task). I thought about ending this month’s article with an original poem, but time constraints and billable hours prohibited me. I will, however, end this article with a poem written by Julie Herbert called “A Day Will Come.” A day will come in every life, When appreciation is rendered. And this should be taken seriously, And given with love and tender.

Anyone who deserves appreciation, Must have done something great. So share with them the way you feel, And always treat them right.

But keep in mind that appreciation, Should be given again and again. If you truly appreciate, You'll remind them how great they've been.

Do something special to thank the ones, Who've made a difference to you. But don't forget to thank them again, For everything they do.

The TCBA appreciates the effort of its members and the positive effect your actions have on the larger surrounding community. In recognition of their acts, the TCBA hosted member events throughout the month of June and has a planned Happy Hour at Fassler Hall on July 14th at 5:00. We hope you’ll attend.

I hope that you each have an opportunity to get some rest over the 4th of July holiday and I hope that you realize the impact you have on the people around you and the opportunities you have each day to make a difference. I encourage each of you to expand your circles of influence and when the you need to find a path forward, I hope you will choose gratitude.