What do you do outside of work that helps/allows you to participate passionately in your Collaborative practice and to give so generously of yourselves and your time to the Collaborative movement?  In other words, what recharges you and helps you show up as your best self at the office when you are in the thick of a really challenging Collaborative matter?

Here are some of the responses from our 2014-2015 Board members: 

Suzan Barrie Aiken, JD, President:  I care deeply about doing my best for the families and organization I serve. I love working with my hands, whether I'm creating and building things, or nurturing my garden. I'm also nourished by dancing with my friends, making and listening to music and walking in nature. All of these ways of spending time outside of work help me bring my best self to my role as a Collaborative professional. Here's a link to a recent article about my big art project: http://blogs.marinij.com/northbaywoman/2014/04/28/suzans-sanctuary/.

Shawn Weber, JD, President-Elect: I have learned that spending quality time with my wife and kids is essential. Keeping myself grounded within my own family is crucial to keeping myself grounded in my work. As conflict resolution is essentially a human enterprise, I find that connecting with my own humanity helps me to better empathize with and serve my clients.

Stephanie Maloney, CFP/CDFA, Vice President:  My family, my husband and three daughters bring me great joy. I live at Venice beach and I find peace and serenity walking the sand with my dog. I find that the Collaborative work I do is a personal calling and that passion is channeled in everything I do. 

Steven Rutlen, CPA/CDFA, Treasurer: Spending quality time with my fiancée and my children helps me stay grounded. I exercise to help me recharge my mind and my body and I like going for motorcycle rides. 

Natalie Leininger, CFP/CDFA:  My backyard is the Delta, and I really enjoy the water. I love to look at the still water and stars at night and very often before work I will grab one of my water-ski buddies and hit the glass water for a vigorous ski and then ... off to the office!  It makes me feel like I am on vacation for a couple of hours!

Vi Ballard, LMFT: Besides working with children of divorce--which keeps me young!--I play tennis three times a week, do yoga once a week and walk along the ocean because I am fortunate enough to live near the Pacific Ocean. These things energize me so I can work at my best with divorcing couples and children.

Hal Bartholomew, JD: In addition to spending time with family and friends, the constant positive interaction with fellow Collaborative professionals in my practice group and elsewhere keeps me energized. I have learned the benefit in separating client challenges from the rest of my life. This allows me to relax and reduces the need to constantly recharge.

Jay Bray, LCSW:  What keeps me energized is exercise and yoga, a renewed interest in photography, working in my Collaborative garden, and travelling with my wife Maureen to fun places.

Ann Buscho, PhD: I like hiking in nature, listening to the sounds of birds, babbling brooks, and wind in the trees. This brings peace into my heart. It's even better if I can take some photos.

Kevin Chroman, JD: I love participating in my children's lives. With 3 teenagers and a 3 year old, life is always interesting. I try to see the world through their eyes. Recently, my 3-year old was given a tiny pumpkin that fit in his hand. He put it outside for it to grow. The next day, I bought a big pumpkin and put it in the same spot. One pumpkin: $10. The look on his face: priceless. Moments like those keep me going. 

John Denny, JD: I recharge in many ways. Today, it was going to church. Time with my wife and children is wonderful and restoring. And I am a sports addict, with a special passion for golf.

David Fink, JD: My yoga and meditation practice is how I remain passionate about my work. My practice helps me to separate out the bustle and chatter of my daily life, and to focus my attention to what is most important to me. The peace I feel when I can find that focus helps to remind me that my work is about ending conflict and bringing peace to those I work with. It has also help me to discover that, while I am working, breathing often works better than talking!

Frederick Glassman, JD: I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and pleasure reading, often two books at the same time.  I love my coffee 24/7, and talking with people from all walks of life, whether in restaurants, on the elevators, or while on my regular 4.0 mile weekend walk. Constant communication, exchanging ideas and learning from others keeps me energized!

George Richardson, JD: While I carry my passion for Collaborative Practice into virtually everything I do (just ask my friends and acquaintances), I certainly get a great charge from spending time with my family and, especially, my four grandchildren. I also love to do needlepoint. The creativity of choosing and applying stitches and textures is a great joy for me. Another joy (most of the time) is being a Giants fanatic. A relaxing day at the ball park always serves me well (and the not so relaxing days can be a real adrenaline rush!)

Amy Rodney, JD: What keeps me passionate about work is doing other things I love as well: going to Giants games, hiking and going to the ballet. The balance of physical activity outside of work and doing the things I love keeps me grounded to do this work.  

Dawn Strachan, CDFA: I love working in the garden and doing DIY projects. I make a point to take time off to spend with my son; we especially love road trips to national parks.  I also really value the time I spend with friends and family and I try not to take the time with them for granted.

Lisa Zonder, JD: I surround myself with family friends and community. Music, singing, playing the violin and garage jam sessions recharge me. I am energized by running, hiking and core training. I am a bookworm, beach bum, movie and sports enthusiast. Taking time out for what I enjoy helps me stay focused and be present for my clients.