"The only class of people less grateful than lawyers are teenagers." This alarming statement was made by psychology professor and lecturer Robert Emmons, who speaks to people from all walks of life, one of them being lawyers.

If you are like most people, you have made some resolutions or goals for the New Year. You might have set a goal of working out more, laid out a plan for saving more money, resolved to quit smoking, or set your sights on losing weight. Chances are, you have made resolutions in years past, too. But we all know what happens. Most of the time, our resolutions do not make it all the way to the end of the year, or even to the end of winter.

In carrying out our work as a committee, we were guided by the principle that BAMSL's Executive Board should be, to the extent possible, qualified and representative of the diverse elements of the Association's membership including, but not limited to, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, geography, and areas and types of practice and have a willingness to commit time, energy and talents to BAMSL. We believe our recommended slate of candidates is reflective of that.

Each December since I began practicing law, I have attended the ABA Criminal Tax and Civil Tax Controversy Institute in Las Vegas. The conference is critical to my law practice, but invariably conflicts with BAMSL's Motion for Kids (MFK). As such, while MFK is one of BAMSL's and the Saint Louis Bar Foundation's signature projects, I never had the opportunity to attend. As president, there was no way I would miss it this year, so I juggled my trip a little. MFK was, by far, my favorite day as BAMSL president to date.

The holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day is a joyous season for some, but others find this season challenging. Rather than dwelling on the myriad reasons why the holidays can be difficult, we can take actions that increase our ability to overcome the challenges and ease their effects.

The holiday season is upon us. We already have had snow and there have been reindeer strategically placed around the Galleria since Halloween. Lego catalogs arrive in the mail every other day (ugh, we have so many Legos at our home we could open a museum) and the holiday aisles at Schnucks are stocked with red and green wrapping paper and M&Ms, mini-Christmas trees, and popcorn tins.

The holidays can be a great time of gathering with friends and family to share our gratitude, but we often overindulge and may harm our physical health. Please keep these 12 tips in mind to help stay healthy this holiday season.

Many lawyers are unaware of how to overcome their mental health issues. However, help is available if you take the time to address these issues in your life.

BAMSL is pleased to announce its partnership with Insurance Specialists, Inc. (ISI). ISI provides BAMSL members with a practical alternative to traditional insurance: a Level-Funded Health Plan.

In September, BAMSL hosted its annual "Welcome to the Bar" event for attorneys recently admitted to the Missouri Bar. The Hon. Stephen Clark of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri graciously welcomed the new attorneys in his courtroom, provided them with some sage advice, and then everyone headed to happy hour at the Missouri Athletic Club.