be more considerate of others

sometimes its like prying open my rib cage with pliers, to have to stop thinking about myself and my problems and listen, really listen, to what someone else is trying to communicate.

there are the simple things to do that make people feel good, like calling them if you know theyve been sick or done something big (job interview, etc) to see how they are doing. this is something i should be more conscious of.

a friend of mind shared this realization to me a while ago, and i think about this alot. something along the lines of “no need to worry so much. people dont think about you very much; they are too busy thinking and worrying about themselves.”

i dont mean to be contradictory, but thinking about this idea in relationship to this goal i wonder if being more open and honest to and about yourself that you want out of situation IS being more considerate of others. considering yourself – straightforward and honest (really honest, that is, easier said than done) – is the larger part of being considerate of others.