A Message from the President
Kara Vincent Throughout my life, I have been instructed by my parents to implement a mindset of gratitude. They taught me to appreciate all that I have and they instilled in me the recognition that everything that has happened in our lives has brought us to where we are now. Both the good and the bad (especially the bad) circumstances that we live through shape us and provide experiences that enable us to grow and help other do the same. June 4th was my parents’ 56th wedding anniversary. I’ve included a picture of them on their wedding day in this months’ column because I am grateful for them – for their commitment to each other, and the love and support they have given me over the years. Plus, who’s going to stop me, right? This picture is a reminder to me to be grateful. This month, our nation celebrates its independence. Even with the political conflict and various social issues for which no one has a perfect answer, I am still grateful. I recently attended a high school graduation ceremony at Holland Hall. The speaker was a teacher who was selected by the students.
Happy 4th of July! 2 Tulsa Lawyer
Choosing Gratitude
The recurring theme throughout his speech was (I’m paraphrasing here) “Change the way you view your circumstances and your circumstances will change.” Gratitude provides the necessary shift in thought process that allows us to view the situations that life presents in a different way. So, today, I choose gratitude. I’m grateful that I am able to express my views in this article without concern that my words may lead to a jail sentence. I’m grateful that I have a job and that if I want to work, I can. There are many more things for which I’m grateful – and many more people too. So, I’ll just provide one more. I grateful that I am part of this legal community. Not just a listing of people who have managed to pass a test and can practice law (because we’ll never get it perfect). I’m talking about a group of individuals who have voluntarily managed to accomplish a great deal for those in the larger community around them. We have sections and committees comprised of attorneys who are passionate…and not just about their representation of clients in the courtroom. They have each dedicated themselves to a worthy cause and they spend countless hours making a difference by educating, assisting and empowering those around them. There are not enough times when the members of the TCBA are thanked for everything they do. So, this month I’d like to express my gratitude for the efforts of the members of the TCBA who make a difference to
