The medical transcription profession is becoming more geographically disconnected all the time. So many of us work from home, some as employees and some as contractors. The normal places we used to network do not seem as prevalent as they once were either. So this week got me thinking about how we stay connected.

I think this profession is one where you can easily become isolated. I also think that’s a dangerous place to be. Connections are important in life, both personal and professional.

Connections to People

I ran across a wonderful quote the other day. Jack Kornfield said, “When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another – and ourselves.” What a powerful statement.

Are you busy? I don’t think I know anyone who would say no to that! And yet, sometimes we are just “caught up in the busyness of the world.” A blog I frequently read said this week if you’re too busy for connecting to people, it’s not that you’re too busy, but that you have a time management problem. Somehow in our world today the phrase “I’m just so busy!” has become like a red badge of courage, proudly worn and shown off to the world. And we compete with each other about who is the busiest! If you’re too busy for connecting with people, rethink that one.

Connections to our Industry and Profession

Years ago, we didn’t have a way to stay connected to the happenings in our profession. We worked, often in offices in the basement of the hospital, interacted with coworkers, and came home. I don’t think many of us even realized it WAS a profession back then. Then AAMT was born. That gave us a connection to the profession and to others who understood what we do. Local chapters thrived as people came together with a common passion, seeking recognition of what we did as a profession and not just a job.

Today that world is very different. Some still get their connections to and about the industry through a professional association. The internet has opened up a wide world to us as well. We interact with people across the world, many of whom we will never meet in person. We have resource sites for reference material. We have many different associations that we may belong to and where we participate. We find websites and blogs where we can connect with like-minded people to share ideas and brainstorm about our future.

The truth is there isn’t just one place anymore. The world is full of a great deal of opportunity. If you aren’t staying up to date on things, they will change without your knowledge. I talked with an MT this week and when I reminded her that not everything online is negative and you can learn to filter that out, her response was “I just don’t go online and read things.” Wow, then how do you get your information? I challenge you to be sure you’re connected to more than one source so you have a well-rounded picture. Even with things that may be perceived as “negative,” there is often a morsel of gold within. Don’t develop tunnel vision by accepting all of your information from one place.

Connections to YOURSELF

Do you ever feel personally disconnected? I sure do. It’s those times that I know it’s time to step back, take some deep breaths, and spend some time doing something for pure pleasure and enjoyment. It is how I refresh. Sometimes it’s as simple as spending time sitting on the couch with Turbo the Wonder Dog, petting him and feeling how soft his fur is and getting his hugs and kisses. Sometimes it’s curling up with a great book, not a business book, a great novel that’s just a for fun read. Sometimes it’s even just getting out of the house, going to the farmer’s market, or going to have my nails done. Even a short trip to Starbucks often does the trip. It’s important to stay connected to who you are as a person as well!

Connections are Important

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou

Having connections makes us happier people. We are more informed. Spending time with people who support what we are doing in life helps as well.

What Are Your Connections?

How about you? What are some ways you stay connected? Are there other ways you could try? Leave your thoughts in a comment here. I look forward to it.