As a Junior Litigator at a Big Firm, I Ignored My Body’s Warnings—Until I Couldn’t

As a junior litigator, I was determined to work really hard and to prove myself. I wanted to be seen as capable, reliable, and committed.

I was willing to do whatever it took—long hours, late nights, saying yes to every opportunity—because I thought that was the way to succeed.

I had spent years pushing through exhaustion, missing family events and celebrations with friends, and ignoring the signs of overwork—because in my mind, that’s just what you do as a lawyer.

Then, one evening, I faced a moment where my usual "just push through" mindset was confronted with a reality I couldn’t ignore. I had begun experiencing sudden and alarming pregnancy complications.

But, there was a holiday dinner for one of the firm's biggest clients, and I told myself I couldn’t miss it. It would look so bad. My absence would be noticed. My boss would be there and what would he think? What would the clients think? The other associates from my group?

So I went.

I smiled. I engaged in conversation. I forced myself to eat and drink. I did everything that I thought was the "right" thing to do, or at least what I believed a "good" attorney would do.

But inside? My body was sending every possible signal that what I was forcing myself to do was so far from right. It felt so wrong.

I was in immense pain—physical and emotional. Exhausted. Drained. All I wanted was to be back at home with my husband, finding solace in his presence as we faced our impending loss together.

Yet, I had been conditioned to believe that success meant pushing through—no matter what.

Looking back, I realize what I was doing:

👉 Ignoring the signals my body was sending me.
👉 Forcing myself to perform when I desperately needed rest.
👉 Prioritizing showing up for others, when I was failing to show up for myself.

💡 Attorneys are trained to push through challenges and exhaustion. To be our clients' most zealous advocate. To prioritize deadlines, client demands and court dates over their own needs.

But the truth is—we can't do our best job for our clients when we don't take care of ourselves.

And our bodies have an inner wisdom and send us signals.

🌿 The body is part of nature.
🧘 The body is medicine.
🩵 The body is truth.

It is so beneficial to take moments to connect with the body. That is what allows us to notice the signals that the body gives us and then with that awareness we can be guided as to how we can best support ourselves in the moment.

Are you listening to your body?

If you’re searching for ways to reconnect with your body’s wisdom before burnout forces you to, let’s talk. Through mindfulness, I help professionals like you tune in, reset, and thrive—without sacrificing success.

#MindfulnessForLawyers #AttorneyWellness #ListenToYourBody #WisdomOfTheBody