I Need to Be My Best Self

When I first came out of law school, I was known for three things:
1) my intelligence,
2) my commitment to serving others, and
3) my ability and willingness to take on any authority.

During my first two to three years as an attorney at [...], I strongly and consistently demonstrated all three qualities.  Over time, though, the negativity and attempts, intentional or not, to wear away my self-esteem began to effect me.  As with anything in life, when there is no passion or desire, one's effectiveness becomes dulled.  In the same way, feeling let down by [...], the reciprocal began to come true: I began to let down [...]; classic action-reaction.  With my passion and desire waning, my effectiveness as an attorney began to dull.  For the past year or so, I've become a lesser version of the lawyer that I can and should be.  And as is true with any relationship that is not making you a better person, I've begun to question why I should continue in this relationship...

I look back and see the three things I was known for when I first came out of law school.  With those three qualities, especially when I'm at my best, I can go anywhere and work for anyone.  So why stay at [...]?

I want to be the best version of myself that I can be, not just for myself, but because by being less than I can be, those whom I serve are not getting the service they deserve.  I want to put myself in a position where I feel strong and confident on the inside, in my own self-esteem, so my best qualities, including the three listed above, are freely and naturally demonstrated.  I need to feel good about myself, so I can do not just good work, but the best work possible.