By definition, consideration means "careful thought; meditation; deliberation and thoughtfulness for others" (Webster's dictionary) When my husband and I first moved into our new subdivision, I was anxious to meet our new next-door-neighbors, yet despite all of my smiling and waving, it took over 18 months before either made time for introductions.

Were they simply too busy? Perhaps.

Were they being inconsiderate? Oh yea.

Being inconsiderate means neglecting other people's feelings and being unable (or purposefully unwilling) to be thoughtful. It's not paying attention to the "little things," forgetting one's manners, and becoming too out-of-sync to be nice.

Being considerate takes effort. It requires mental thought with careful contemplation. It means becoming in tune with others through self-reflection and spiritual awareness. Consideration takes on many positive illuminations, yet not everyone's awakened to its light.

While shopping at the grocery store recently, I placed my items on the conveyer belt, as the cashier robotically remarked, "Hello. How are you?" Then, without even looking up, she reached for my very first item.

"I'm wonderful. How are you?" I enthusiastically replied.

There was no response - only the sound of the scanner. It was as if I was talking to a machine.

There was no eye contact, no smile, and absolutely no confirmation that I'd even been heard - not even a guttural grunt. Was this sheer ignorance or downright laziness? Let's hope it wasn't done on purpose. Contrary to popular belief, just because a person lacks thoughtfulness, doesn't mean they're selfish. They may simply be in the dark and not yet awakened or aware.

A considerate person makes our entire being smile. They can step into our shoes with deliberate empathy and give back positive response wherever they may be.

Consideration is a compatible and adaptable connection - a mixing of the minds - a relationship so harmonious and succinct that two or more individuals become completely incapable of anything but love.

Consideration is like chamomile - it's a selfless medicine for the soul. It means becoming so aligned with another person's nature that their needs become our own.

Consideration is the art of thoughtfulness. It's holding the door and presenting a smile, offering to help when a friend is in need, waiting for another when their shoe laces untie, returning messages with prompt follow through, and remembering to send a thank you card the moment your gift was received.

Consideration requires pause with attentive observation. - It means asking your Self, what would be more considerate? Sharing those home-baked cookies with coworkers or keeping them all to your self?

What would be more thoughtful? Remembering a belated birthday or purposefully forgetting because "they can never remember yours"?

Consideration doesn't come easy. It's an intentional clear-eyed wisdom requiring spiritual recognition and deep cognition.

Winnie the Pooh said it best, "A little Consideration, a Little Thought for Others, Makes all the Difference."

Are you considerate?

Consider it.

You'll become so much more thoughtful when you do.