You are Not Alone!
Before joining the NANP team I worked in private practice out of my home office. I loved working from home, helping clients reach their health goals and being a part of the solution they were seeking. The upsides of working at home were many: I no longer had to drive across town to work, fight for parking or wear uncomfortable business suits, nylons and heels. I was able to oversee my own schedule and even throw in a load of laundry when I needed. Life was good!
But, there was a downside…
While working in Corporate America had drained my spirit and my soul, it had provided me with something valuable that I hadn’t noticed until it was gone – the feeling of connectedness. I missed the water cooler talk. I missed seeing my friends at work each day, hearing about their lives, going to lunches, and sharing the commonality of working toward the same objectives. That sense of belonging to a community is hard to find when you work alone and often leads to feelings of isolation.
It’s a terrible feeling that many of us have experienced. That’s why my mission this year is to become a Community Management Master. I’m even taking a certification course to learn how to do just that!
When you think about it, our association is all about making connections – meaningful connections. Case and point, last week a member posted to our Discussion Forum that she was looking to make connections in her area of expertise, and that she felt she was on “an island.” Minutes later another member posted that she was not only practicing the same specialty but lives in the same city! She added, “We are on this island together!”
And then, almost like magic, other members started to chime into the conversation. Each one saying they wanted to connect, to build a group where they could share and help each other solve difficult cases, mentor each other and come together. To help this group move forward I built what’s called a Circle in our Social Community. That was on Friday morning and by mid-afternoon on the same day there were already fourteen members in this Circle, and the conversations are flowing.
Do you feel like you’re out on an island alone? Well, you’re not!
If you feel isolated and are looking to make meaningful connections in our industry, we have the solution. Simply log into your NANP member account and go to either My Community (this is where you'll find Circles that are waiting for you to join or you can form your own) or go to Member Forum where you'll find 150 great conversations to join. Yes, I said 150… amazing, right?
There is no reason to feel alone in our industry. That is the whole point of the NANP; to bring us all together so we aren't floundering by ourselves. If you need help, there are literally hundreds of other members who are happy to help. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for what you need. Whether it's help with a client, a question about a protocol, or advice on a good supplement brand. No matter what you're looking for, your NANP family is here for you!
Helen Keller said, "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." You don't have to be alone in the dark or alone on an island. We're here for you; all you have to do is reach out.
Your partner in holistic nutrition,
Nicole Hodson, NC, BCHNTM
NANP Executive Director
P.S. Not a member yet? What are you waiting for? Go to https://nanp.memberclicks.net/join to start making connections and to get in on the conversations. We're waiting for you.