MT Connections
Go to Source
Like many of you, I woke up Friday to the horrible news of Continental Air Flight 3407, which landed on a house in Clarence Center, New York, killing all 49 passengers and 1 on the ground. It was especially alarming to me as both my husband and I grew up in Buffalo near that suburb and know many people in the community. My nephew lives ¼ mile from the crash site – we were actually there 2 weeks ago celebrating his son’s first birthday. While reassured none of our immediate family or friends were involved, we have such empathy for the fire departments, churches, neighbors, schools, etc., that are involved in a multitude of ways in this tragedy, as I am sure most people in our country share their pain.
How can we bring a positive out of such a nightmare? If nothing else, let’s see it as a reminder of how life can turn on a dime and commit ourselves to living each day as if it were our last. There is no guarantee how many days or how few days we have on this planet, so we may as well live it to the fullest. How sad to live a life of “could have,” “would have” or “should have.” Let’s just do it!
Do we really need the sun, the moon and the stars lined up perfectly to act on something? Of course not! Professionally, how can we translate the opportunity to do something good into action, either for ourselves or others? Let me give you some ideas, and perhaps you will later share with this blog some of your own.
Let’s start with each of us. Could you pursue a credential? Is there a continuing education opportunity coming up? Does your résumé need updating? Do your desk and files need organizing? Do you have e-mails you have been putting on hold? Have you tried to minimize stress in your life so that you are mentally able to focus when you are at work?
Now let’s extend ourselves to others. It doesn’t take a lot of money or even a lot of time to make a difference in someone’s life. If you have old reference books or journals, perhaps you could donate them to a school or student or a young colleague. Is there someone at work who needs an encouraging word? For a few minutes a week, you could become a mentor to a student through AHDI, AHIMA, a local college, even your workplace. If you work in a facility, you could offer to help with continuing education with new medications, procedures, Web sites, or even assist starting a small newsletter. I think joining a local and/or national professional group is a worthwhile investment of our money and time. You don’t have to jump in and run for president! You can “just” be a member until if and when you are ready to share your talent. If you have been a member of such an organization and need a little nudge to get involved, consider yourself nudged by me!
Life certainly can turn on a dime and I hope we can all keep our focus on what is important to us and not put off a plan to act on what we value and are able to share.
