As this yr attracts to an in depth, I discover myself reflecting as soon as once more, however this time, the reflection feels heavier, deeper, and extra pressing. Final yr, I wrote about studying to pause, to be current, to step away from the relentless should be busy.
This yr has taught me one thing equally necessary: what we do issues. Not within the résumé sense. Not within the “have a look at how a lot I achieved” sense. It issues as a result of our actions go away ripples. Our presence leaves marks. The alternatives we make, even the quiet ones, have influence.
This lesson didn’t come simply.
In January, I misplaced an in depth pal and colleague. She was 38. She was far too younger. She was far too good. She was far too lively and objective to be gone so quickly. She was the sort of one who believed fiercely in relationships, connection, neighborhood, and in supporting the underdog each probability she bought. She by no means hesitated to elevate somebody up, to talk up for what was proper, or to provide somebody the good thing about the doubt when the world was too able to dismiss them.
Dropping her made me ask myself: What am I doing with the time I’ve? How am I exhibiting up for others? What influence do I wish to go away?
This yr, I attempted to honor her by residing the values she embodied.
- I mentored college students who have been not sure of themselves, however crammed with potential.
- I taught legislation faculty and poured into my college students, not simply doctrine, however perception in themselves, perception within the career we’re nonetheless making an attempt to form.
- I confirmed up for individuals who wanted area, silence, or just somebody to sit down with them with out judgment.
- I leaned into the laborious moments, doing what was proper even when it was uncomfortable or inconvenient.
- I challenged individuals (gently, actually) to be one of the best model of themselves as a result of she at all times challenged me to be mine.
And what have I gotten in return?
A lot greater than I ever anticipated.
I’ve realized about individuals’s tales and the struggles they carry quietly. I’ve realized about resilience. I’ve realized about how a lot a small act (a dialog, a check-in, a possibility) can imply to somebody who wanted it greater than you realized.
Most of all, I’ve realized how fortunate I’m. And for that, I proceed to be grateful.
As a result of right here is the reality I stored relearning this yr: gratitude grows whenever you give it away. Paying it ahead isn’t nearly serving to others; it’s about increasing your individual understanding of the world. It deepens your empathy. It sharpens your perspective. It reminds you, particularly in a career that rewards busyness and ego, that your actual legacy isn’t present in your output.
It’s present in your influence.
This yr wasn’t about doing much less, like final yr. It was about doing extra of what issues, extra of what leaves individuals higher than you discovered them, extra of what displays who you wish to be when nobody is protecting rating.
And once more, the authorized career doesn’t at all times make that simple. We’re taught to maneuver quick, to compartmentalize, to win, to carry out, however slowing down final yr made area for different issues this yr. Goal.
Intention. Service. Connection.
I’m grateful for the scholars who trusted me sufficient to let me information them.
I’m grateful for individuals who allowed me to step into their lives throughout troublesome seasons.
I’m grateful for the quiet moments that jogged my memory of what, and who, really issues.
I’m grateful for the possibility to hold ahead the spirit of somebody who taught me a lot just by how she lived.
And I’m grateful for the reminder that life is fragile, fleeting, and much too quick to waste on issues that don’t construct others up.
We don’t get to manage how a lot time we’ve got, however we do get to manage how we use it and who we develop into due to it.
This yr, I selected gratitude. I selected presence. I selected influence. I selected to pay it ahead.
For this, and for all the teachings that got here wrapped in each pleasure and grief-
I’m, nonetheless, deeply grateful.
Lisa Lang is an achieved in-house lawyer and thought chief devoted to empowering fellow authorized professionals. She provides insights and assets tailor-made for in-house counsel via her web site and weblog, Why This, Not That™ (www.lawyerlisalang.com). Lisa actively engages with the authorized neighborhood by way of LinkedIn, sharing her experience and fostering significant connections. You possibly can attain her at [email protected], join on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawyerlisalang/).
