Happiness is….
Well I think it is something different for each of us. For me it is the simplest of things. Taking my daughter each morning to the coffee shop where she clambers on a stool to climb up on a table and grab a sachet of sugar. She will say ‘just one’ as she tries to smuggle at least 2 into her little hands. Happiness for me is just that- a simple routine.
And I am a happy family lawyer aren’t I?
This evening while being immersed in ‘new love’ on Channel 10 as the first series of ‘The Bachelor’ finished up, here I was trying to create the contents of my book on divorce! (The irony!) You know- that book I said I was going to write to help keep my friends, family and clients out of the Family Courts.
I had such clarity and am now seemingly so confused. I asked myself- If I were to suffer a marriage breakdown what would I want to know?
The answer, in the simplest sense- that I will be ok and that my relationship with my daughter will be just as good as if our marriage had lasted. I think it is that simple for a lot of people.
I am lucky to not be in such a situation and yet spend every day advising clients who are. Today, with the help of a new friend, I realised something so simple that is no doubt obvious to many- family Law issues are about 2 things-
- Children
- Money (or the stuff associated with money- the stuff we own, earn or owe)
But what I also realised is that most of the work I do as a family lawyer is not about children, stuff or money it is about feelings and emotions- the stuff that I really have not been trained to provide any useful advice on at all!
And so my point- Happy Family Lawyers- who are they? Do they exist?
Yes they do. I am one (most of the time!) and I think that is because more than anything I enjoy the feelings and emotions that make up most of what I do and those moments of happiness that can come in even the most adverse situations.
Today an email from a client summed it all up beautifully- “Wow- That’s made my day. I’m a very happy man”.
We all need moments of happiness in our lives and the real beauty is being able to see them and enjoy them just as they happen.
I have not got too far on that book tonight but can at least go to bed celebrating a little happiness.
This blog is wonderful. I was an unhappy lawyer, and about 10 months ago took a pay cut to do a job in mental health as a case worker. I am wondering if I shouldn’t return to the law and take my knack for counseling with me to create a happy life in the law. This post makes me think I can do just that (while also earning a decent living and paying off my law school loans)
Thanks Rebecca. It is lovely to hear that my silly notes have touched someone so far away. Give law another go. It can be a wonderful career.