From the President

Dear Members, Colleagues, and Friends,

It’s October and it is officially my favorite time of year – autumn. While we make time to enjoy all the “hygge” things (all the apple and pumpkin deliciousness, firepits, sweatshirts), it is important to note that October is Mental Health Awareness Month. In keeping with the focus on mental health, our theme for October is “Boundaries.”

Boundaries have not always been my friend. As a perennial “people pleaser,” the notion was foreign to me until about 5 years ago. Now, I find that boundaries are an essential part of my quest to maintain my own mental wellness. I think people often misunderstand boundaries by equating them with being mean or selfish. But I think that by communicating our boundaries we ensure the opposite eventuality. By stating our boundaries, we are expressing our needs and wants which helps to prevent misunderstandings with others because we have been clear about what is and what is not acceptable. It ensures that we feel safe and supported and reduces the likelihood that we will be mean out of frustration or harbor feelings of resentment. Expressing your boundaries is essential to building and maintaining healthy relationships. And don’t just take my word for it. Studies have shown that those with healthy boundaries have better sleep, less burnout, less stress and more joy in their lives.

My favorite quote about boundaries sums it all up nicely. “Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously.” – Prentis Hemphill

Are you ready to set some boundaries in your life so you can chase those goals you set last month? If so, here are this month’s book and podcast recommendations:

• Books: Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab,
• Chapter 10, “Draw Your Lines,” Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
• Podcast: How to Say No: Boundaries with Nedra Glover Tawwab, We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle

And lest we forget, we have an informative and thought-provoking CLE at this month’s luncheon on October 5, 2022 entitled “Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, Personhood and the 14th Amendment” that is being presented by Professor Carliss Chatman, Associate Professor at the Washington and Lee School of Law. Professor Chatman will analyze the Dobbs decision in relation to changing ideas of personhood and the ever-evolving legal landscape of reproductive rights. I am sure this is a presentation you do not want to miss. If you haven’t registered, there’s no time to waste: Register Here.

Sherry Fox
MRWBA President

 _________________________________

Register Now for October 5th Program!

Next Wednesday, join MRWBA as we welcome Professor Carliss Chatman, Associate Professor of Law a Washington & Lee School of Law, as she takes a look at the Dobbs decision in relation to changing ideas of personhood and the ever-evolving legal landscape of reproductive rights. Pending approval for 1 CLE Credit.

Click here to register now!

 _________________________________