Burnout

Burn out can catch you by surprise.

The past four months have been nonstop on all fronts (personal and professional).

Although I’m not out of the busy season just yet, the light at the end of the tunnel is finally there.

This culminated in a jury trial last week and a firm retreat the past two days.

I very much felt and exhibited the symptoms of burnout leading into last week.

I very much felt the relief, exhaustion, and need to recover through today.

I didn’t understand what was happening.

Yes, I was busy.

Yes, I was emotionally taxed.

But, although some tough things have happened, a lot of the last four months have been very good.

And then it hit me: burn out doesn’t just happen when you’re miserable or facing obstacles.

Burn out can happen even in the midst of positive developments.

The nonstop go can push you towards burning out even when you like what you’re doing.

So, today, I rest before travel.

Today, I find some quiet before the final 24 days of pushing towards the finish line.

Right now, I sit with my coffee, the door to the balcony open, enjoying the San Antonio air and landscape.

Tomorrow, I hit the grind again.

This time with a little more awareness and some renewed appreciation for taking the time to recover.

#lawyerwellbeing #culture #legalissues