Lessons from Summer Camp

When I was a camp counselor,** a child psychologist came to orientation each year to help us better understand our role and relationship with campers.

Two things have always stuck with me:

First, the power of using "and" instead of "but." Human brains tend to turn off when they even feel a "but" coming. See if you can use "and" instead and keep the conversation and dynamic more positive and engaging.

I caught myself on this one yesterday when responding to comments in a draft pleading I was reviewing. I think this can be a small yet powerful shift, especially when addressing those you manage and those you know tend to be a bit self-conscious and/or anxious.

Second, think of life as a tug-of-war. Often, people are begging you to pick up the rope, to get in a back and forth. You do not have to pick up the rope.

I am less capable of catching myself on this one, but it has been 17 years since my last summer camp orientation and this concept sticks with me. Pausing to ask myself, "Do I have to pick up this rope?," often brings some much needed perspective.

**I went to the same summer camp for 14 years--8 as a camper, 6 as a counselor. I worked my way up from ACIT (meal server), club leader (songleader, co-captain, Go Rangers!), LCIT (unpaid, junior junior counselor), Junior Counselor, Senior Counselor, to Head Counselor. Those 14 summers hold some of the most transformative moments of my life. I am who I am today because of summer camp.

The picture is me (far left) circa 2002, my first summer as a counselor (LCIT). I was sixteen and having the time of my life.

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