Listening, really listening, is something I had to learn how to do better when I stopped meeting clients face to face. 

At the time, I was meeting folks in their homes and at their businesses.  I was driving across Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico.

Personal service right?  But then, I got sick and wasn’t able to do the windshield time. 

I later learned my sickness was due to autoimmune issues combined with Epstein Barr (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).  Traditional doctors told me that it was just me and to get more rest. I knew something wasn’t right, but did the best I could.

It didn’t work, and I got sicker.  My energy levels got so low that I wasn’t even able to go with my husband to harvest firewood for the winter (something I, unbelievably, really loved to do).  I was a couch potato – which is 100%, not my lifestyle.

Finally, I tried Namaste Health Center, a holistic, natural medicine clinic in Durango Colorado.  Dr. Stacy Mulkey, instantly diagnosed me and confirmed it quickly with clinical tests.

She listened to me.  She heard my confusion, frustration, and fear.  She provided a path of healing for me.

To be heard, especially in a challenging and frustrating situation, is so important.  It’s invaluable.  It’s everything.

How did I become a better listener for my clients?  It wasn’t my intention, 

Candidly, I was forced to. No longer was I able to rely on visual cues, like good eye contact and body language. I thought I was already a good listener, but without my physical cues, I was lost. I had to find another way to connect.  

As I’ve always been curious about someone’s health insurance situation, I leaned into my curiosity more. 

I discovered audio cues and nuances in the other person’s voice.  Their pace, phrasing, their intonation.  What they were saying and more importantly not saying.

I didn’t interrupt, I asked questions when I wasn’t clear what they were expressing, and I confirmed & acknowledged.  I demonstrated how much I cared by removing distractions so that I could be fully present. 

Just like Dr. Mulkey did with me. She made my life better, and she inspired me.

The other way I listen is that I listen to myself! If I’m feeling tired and need a 30-minute nap, I’ll do so at lunchtime. Or have a snack if I’m a little hungry, take a quick walk, or do an errand to take a break and reset my energy.

I want to be fully present when I am asked to help with someone’s health plan dilemma. 

The pandemic was an influencer in the evolution of relying more on technology, which has become more mainstream than ever. Screen sharing, video conferencing, and Zoom are all a part of our daily lives. 

While it’s always wonderful for me to meet someone in person, it seems we’ve gotten used to the convenience of instant connection virtually. 

And because of that, listening, and truly hearing someone has become even more challenging.  We have so many more tools &  technology to distract us even more. 

My purpose in using our digital world is to connect even more, listen better and serve well.  I love to share those tools, as you know.  And if you want to check up on my resources, check out my Favorites page! I list out many digital tools that save me time, money, and energy.

While I am a health insurance advisor and it’s my duty to educate and serve, I always confirm my clients’ unresolved issues and their opinion of a potential solution.  I do my best to always explain health plans and the landscape in a way that’s easy to understand and help my people make decisions that are in their best interest.

To be seen, heard and acknowledged is a treasure to experience.

How do you listen well?  I’d like to be an even better listener and learn from you, too!

Live well,
Mary Hunt