Yesterday, I contacted a company about a product. I did not bother to leave a voicemail as these can be digital blackholes. A couple of hours later, I was surprised to receive a call from a product specialist. He was helpful, described the product, and never once pushed a sale. He listened.
After a few minutes, he said, “I’m here when you are ready and will be glad to help you design the product you need.” Never once during the call did he read from a script or interject what he thought I should or should not purchase.
I was surprised that he listened to how I wanted to custom design the product and answered my questions. This week, two individuals have heard and understood what I was saying when describing my vision and what tools I need. They both offered help and support. They did not attempt to convince me that I should do something different or that their plan was better.
Not being heard is one of the most frustrating feelings we can experience as humans. I am sure our pets feel the same way half the time too.
Today we listen passively to others as we scroll through the constant stream of digital noise. Yet, regardless of social media, we experience conversations with individuals so entrenched in their worldview that they can’t hear or refuse to hear what we are saying.
When we feel unheard, we also feel invisible.
For the past six months, I felt unheard. So instead of remaining stuck and talking to the same people repeatedly, I decided to make a change on my end. As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I have resumed my personal journey following my North Star.
While writing To Be Human – Always, I started asking myself each day, “am I living the life I seek to live.” This week, I added a second question, “Am I expending energy with individuals who listen passively or not at all?”