It’s not just about a smile; it’s about a way of being. It’s about embracing the good, even when things are tough. It’s about finding the silver lining in every cloud. This is the legacy of my mom, and it’s something I strive to emulate. I want to be the kind of person who can find the good in any situation, who can see the beauty in the everyday, and who can inspire others to do the same.
I’ve always been a bit of a grump, a bit of a curmudgeon, and I’ve never been one to readily offer a smile. But Mom’s insistence on smiling, even when I was grumpy, planted a seed in my mind. I started to notice that smiling, even when I didn’t feel like it, could actually make me feel better. It was a subtle shift, but it was a shift nonetheless. The author’s mom’s influence extended beyond just smiling. She instilled in her a deep sense of empathy and compassion.
He said nothing about my years of experience and the prestigious legal career I had built. He said nothing about my accomplishments, skills, and work ethic. He only focused on my appearance, which I found to be a frustrating and demeaning comment.
This ability to remain calm under pressure, to maintain composure in the face of adversity, was crucial in my career. It allowed me to think clearly, make sound judgments, and ultimately, deliver successful outcomes. For instance, during a particularly challenging case involving a complex legal issue, I was able to remain calm and collected, even when facing intense pressure from opposing counsel. I was able to analyze the situation, identify key legal arguments, and formulate a strong defense strategy. This calm demeanor allowed me to effectively communicate with my team, ensuring everyone was on the same page and working towards a common goal.
