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Do you ever find yourself going through the motions of the day—coffee, court appearance, lunch, client conference, coffee, board meeting, dinner, sleep—without ever consciously considering your surroundings?
I ask the question, because I have had the occasional experience of “waking up” in the middle of the day, en route to some meeting or another, with that feeling that I have been sleepwalking through my day. And I am pretty sure that I’m not the only one who’s experienced this.
In those moments, I believe that I have momentarily forgotten to be grateful, which to me means simply that I am not inspired. Inspiration is defined as something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create; a force or influence that makes someone want to do or create something. Which leads me to the question: Where do I find my inspiration?
Professionally and personally, my inspiration usually comes from witnessing creative and selfless acts by my fellows—whether they be dear friends or total strangers. Did our dear friend Jack DeMeo (dec.) ever say, “No, I’m too busy to participate in that program. You’ll have to find someone else.”
By showing up and participating in our legal community, we are each, in our own way, showing others that they will always have something to come to; something to feel a part of; and hopefully, something to contribute to in their own way.
I’m one of those very fortunate people who grew up in Sonoma County and never left. We live and work in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Each day, I try to spend some time to reflect on my good fortune, and the very crooked path which has led me to exactly where I am today. I can be grateful for the wonderful things that happened along the way, and equally grateful for the hardships. Together, they form the foundation of my life experience and ultimately my ability to connect with the people who look to me for assistance in their darkest times.
Sonoma County offers each of us a great communal bounty. I hope we can continue to show our gratitude by inspiring others. Be inspired. Inspire.
From President's Message, Sonoma County Bar Journal Spring 2014 (B. Hamilton):