I Made It To The Fiftieth Year Luncheon...Now What?

I have had a goal for a long time...to make it to the Florida Bar Fifty Year Senior Lawyer's Luncheon. Today is the day, and I find myself thinking about the past Fifty years. Good times, bad times, painful times, joyous times. All of them have one thing in common. They happen whether we like it or not. The Stoics speak truth when they say it is about our choices. I choose to be happy, no matter what. But, how to find a balance between total indolence in a retirement of doing nothing, and a life consuming law practice that takes every moment? I have chosen the solo path; primarily because it makes it easier to choose when I want to be active, and when I choose to vegetate. Semi retirement is the answer for me. At all costs, I have wanted to avoid the fate of Seneca's lawyer:

"Seneca, an ambitious guy if there ever was one, wrote about the shameful spectacle of the “lawyer whose dying breath passes while at court, at an advanced age, pleading for unknown litigants and still seeking the approval of ignorant spectators.” He was just talking about Odysseus in another form—he was talking about all of us who can’t stop, who have to keep going, who have to keep achieving, who are incapable of knowing what “enough” is.

The key to a great life—and to happiness—is stillness. It’s contentment. It’s enjoying what we have. It’s the ability to say no. To reject the temptation to do more, more, more—even if more is another impressive journey or an occupational honor." 

                                                                                     Ryan Holiday

 

So, I will continue to work; but, at my own pace. I resolve to enjoy the stillness, when I can, and to strive mightily against the rising tide, when I choose. What more is there?

Comments

[Jay]

Congrats on your 50 years of practice, Rick. I hope you and can continue to practice at your preferred pace for as many years as you like.

[Rickgeorges]

Thanks Jay.