Rediscovering the Sense of Wonder

I recently found an old photo that stopped me in my tracks. It was a vivid reminder that every single one of us is born with a natural sense of wonder. As children, we don't worry about billable hours or professional reputations. We just explore, create, and exist in the moment.

My legal career was a wonderful and challenging chapter. It taught me discipline, logic, and how to navigate complex systems. I am proud of that version of myself, but looking back, it was a very serious way to live. Everything had to be structured, argued, and proved.

Finding a Purer Version of Me

Stepping back from the courtroom and into the art studio has allowed me to find my way back to a purer, less serious version of myself. In my 40s, I have finally given myself permission to prioritize "Joy" over "Judgment."

Reclaiming that childhood wonder doesn't mean I have lost my professional edge. Instead, it means I am using my analytical brain to support my creative heart. I am still the same person, but I am finally allowing the most authentic part of me to take the lead. It turns out that life is much more interesting when you stop trying to be the most serious person in the room.

If you could have a do-over of your life, what would you be doing? Would you stay on your current path, or is there a "purer" version of you waiting to be rediscovered?