Business opened at the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Annual Meeting and Convention on Wednesday with a keynote address from Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas.
Appearing virtually at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, the three-time gold medalist imparted the wisdom she learned from competing in two Olympic games and rising to the top of her profession. The event was moderated by NJSBA 2022-2023 President Jeralyn L. Lawrence, who covered topics such as leadership, stress management and well-being.
“We all have these beautiful and unique qualities. If you try to embody someone else, you might miss out on your own journey,” Douglas said. “Never limit yourself due to other peoples limited expectations.”
Douglas said managing stress can be difficult as a public figure and for attorneys. To cope with the daily stressors and avoid falling into an unhealthy lifestyle, Douglas said she keeps a strict diet, practices meditation and does a lot of journaling. She often sits with herself in silence to calm the outside noise and buzz of social media. Living on a farm around animals, she said, is very therapeutic.
“I take my mental health very seriously. I try to distance myself from social media, from things that get me down,” Douglas said.
Along with Douglas’ address, NJSBA 2021-2022 President Domenick Carmagnola also congratulated the annual award winners of the Young Lawyers Division and Leadership Academy Fellows.