Mediation

Yesterday I mediated a case I'd been working on for the last couple of years. Although it was an excellent result for my client, I have ambiguous feelings. After literally years of building the case, arguing motions, taking depositions, and working closely with my clients, it just seems somehow impossible that it can come to an end without a trial. To get out of litigation mode and into closure sometimes is difficult for me. I suppose that's why after my own lawsuit, I ended up going to lawschool and working for decades with my former lawyer...

Identity?

On my dear friend Barbara's wall was written in large black letters: "You are what you repeatedly do." When I read those words the meaning seemed clear, "doing" meant something you do physically. As I continue to ponder what it means to be a burn survivor in my own personal experience I keep coming around to the phrase above, only my understanding of "doing" now focuses on the mental aspect. You are what you repeatedly think about, or more correctly, how you think about it. When thoughts spring up through fear or self-condemnation, these thoughts rarely water seeds of love and joy. Those two seeds, present in everyone, if cultivated, can perhaps shift the mental "doing" toward a place where it feels comfortable to just be. I aspire to "be" as intentionally and as lovingly as I can. Moment to beautiful moment, just be.