Get a Hobby, They Said!

“Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.”—Julia Child

Nowadays, passion gets a bad rap. When I was in my 20s, I was told to pursue my passion, and that would lead to a happy life (even if it didn’t pay the rent).

However, Scott Galloway, author of The Algebra of Wealth, thinks that’s absolutely the worst advice anyone can possibly be given. Instead, Galloway suggests pursuing what you’re good at (although it may be boring) and a good life will ensue.

Seems like an either/or proposition? Well, the quote from Julia Child suggests a different way: Find something you’re passionate about and stay interested in it. And that seems to be what some attorneys do as these passions become hobbies. The theme of this issue is hobbies, and we have a number of stories from lawyers about pursuing these hobbies.

Stephen Terrell talks about how various hobbies helped him get through different stages of his life. Joe Baldiga has a “colorful” story about being a weekend paintball warrior and how he finds it not only relaxing but surprisingly simpatico with his litigation practice.

Some hobbies have a historical bent. Douglas Church gets to follow his history muse by collecting all the books written about or associated with Abraham Lincoln, who happens to be his distant cousin. And Stanley Jaskiewicz writes about his plan to give walking historical tours in his beloved Philadelphia.

And some hobbies are just transcendent in nature. Lyle Solomon finds serenity and tranquility in the pool. Jerry Todaro writes about his almost Zen-like appreciation of fly fishing, and Norm Tabler feels all of the joy of a writer’s life.

Plus, we have some other excellent articles.

Jeffery Allen and Ashley Hallene’s tech column is a comprehensive assessment of Copilot, an AI-powered virtual assistant. Terrell’s On Second Thought column deals with a situation common to a lot of seniors. Plus, Tabler writes about his moment in the spotlight.

Finally, we have our playlist, this time highlighting songs with a hobby theme. Michael Richmond and Randi Starrett have compiled an interesting and wide-ranging list we think you’ll enjoy. If you have some titles you want to add, email your suggestions to us at [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]. Then watch the next issue of Voice of Experience, the monthly electronic newsletter of the Senior Lawyers Division, for these additions suggested by you, our readers.

I hope you find the issue as thought provoking as I did.