The 6th "C": Consideration

This seemingly simple word contains a powerhouse of implications.

I recall, when my son was in his early teens, trying to teach him about good manners and consideration for others and how important it was for his daily interactions with people.  His response: Mom, everyone will think I’m a dork!

A dork?  Yes, it’s really a word – I looked it up.  It means social misfit, among other things.  I felt a stab of fear go through me.  He was at that age where fitting in with his peers was crucial.  I was definitely outnumbered. 

Giving up on this important issue wasn’t an option so I decided that I could still insist on these values at home.  We could set the example as well as requesting that he honour them at home and at work.  He worked part time at our store which became a great place to walk the talk. 

Good manners and consideration for others is about respect.  And, it seemed that our son was correct and the world was changing.  In this increasingly fast-paced world, people are becoming more self-absorbed, self-centred and thoughtless towards others. 

Consideration of others first requires that we become conscious, awake and present.  In other words, it means shifting your focus.  This is where the real power exists. 

When you are experiencing struggle, anxiety, and adversity, shift your focus away from yourself.  Show kindness and consideration and really listen to someone else.  This is a powerful tool for healing yourself and making an impact on others.  Consideration and respect can go a long way to calming the anger, chaos and frenzy of today’s world.

If we had more dorks in the world maybe there would be fewer bullies.