I agree with my parents’ observation: as you get older, life seems to move faster. This past year has flown by. January’s great intentions and lists of projects have been crushed under the calendar’s daily grind. Keeping up with email sometimes is a full-time job. It used to be that work life would occasionally slow down a bit and allow for a collective breather. Not anymore.

In the age of texts, tweets, emails, and other forms of social media, we have become a society of 24/7 connectedness.

It doesn’t always have to be that way. I’ve tried to make it a point to take advantage of what remains the one time of year when we seem to collectively slow down at work while life on the home front takes over – the winter holiday season. Many colleagues take the same time off, ensuring fewer missed meetings and fewer emails awaiting your attention upon your return.

I have always tried to take the second half of December off. It is a time to recharge and reconnect with what is most important in my life: to spend time with family and friends and to remind myself of why I do what I do in life and assess the future.

While it may not seem realistic, the world needs a collective slowdown, shifting to a lower gear to unplug from work as we plug into life outside the office.  

I will spend the holidays at home – which this time of year resembles a cross between a Hallmark card and the Griswolds’ household at Christmas. The kids will be home. With the fire crackling and the tree glowing, I will be reclined in my chair, listening to Bing, Ella, and Dean. I might even pour myself a Coca Cola or two.

On behalf of all my colleagues at the State Bar Center and however you mark this time of year, best wishes to you and those most important in your life for happiness and good health. Try and slow down if you can. Pour yourself an eggnog and put your feet up. Take time to enjoy life and those around you, and see you in the new year!

On behalf of all my colleagues at the State Bar Center and however you mark this time of year, best wishes to you and those most important in your life for happiness and good health.