Some Thoughts and Advice About Life

 

By: Paul Luvera

This week I’d like to share some thoughts about how we view life as trial lawyers. Some of this directly does apply to trying cases and some of it is general advice about our attitudes about life.

The late Ann Landers printed these “tips for life” one time in her advice column:

1. When you say I’m sorry, look the person in the eye.
2. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt, but it’s the only way to live life completely.
3. Call your mom.
4. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
5. Remember silence is sometimes the best answer.
6. When you have an argument with someone close to you, deal with the current situation and don’t bring up the past.
7. Never interrupt when you are being complimented.
8. Mind your own business.
9. Trust in God, but lock your door.

10. When you know you are wrong, take immediate steps to fix it.

Alexander Chalmers, the Scottish writer, has said, “The three grand essentials of happiness are: Something to do, someone to love and something to hope for.” Bill Cosby was quoted as saying: “I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure – try to please everybody.”

William Van Hooser gave his rule for long life as, “Life’s a dance. Take it one step at a time and keep listening for the music.”

When two rodeo cowboys from Twin Bridges, Montana were asked about their rule of life they said, “There’s only about three things that’s really most important. Be honest, do your best and like what you’re doing. And get up as good as winner as you are a loser.” They were talking about rodeo, but the advice is good for all of us.

As someone has said, “Do what you enjoy – what you’re best at – and life will let you find a way to succeed.”

Now here’s a quote that I think does apply to trying cases. Christian D. Larson said, “Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind; to talk health happiness and prosperity; to forget the mistakes of the past and profit by them; to wear a cheerful countenance and give a smile to everyone you meet; to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.”

It’s been pointed out that life is like an hourglass. Only one grain of sand can pass at a time. When you are so busy you are flying in all directions remember that each of the tasks need to be dealt with one at a time and not all at once. That’s a good idea for us to remember when we have so many issues to deal with at the same time.

Another set of ideas I think we should consider is: Live with enthusiasm. Dance like nobody is watching. Work like you don’t need the money and love like you have never been hurt.

Well that’s all I have time for. I hope something here is helpful. Thanks for reading this blog.

Paul Luvera is a veteran trial lawyer from Seattle.