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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThis isn\u2019t to imply that I\u2019ve never been inconsiderate of someone else\u2019s time, space or emotions. Oh, I absolutely have. <\/strong>But, as an empathetic and HSP (highly sensitive person), I generally take into account the feelings and emotions of others. So, it’s challenging to be on the receiving end of inconsiderate decisions, especially from those I hold in high regard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You know that feeling when you text someone and they decide to text you back several days later\u2014or perhaps never texts you back at all? What about when you make plans with someone, and they cancel last minute? How about when you make yourself available for someone who never seems to be available when you need them in return? And that friendship that still exists solely because you’re the person reaching out to maintain it, does that make you feel good? <\/p>\n\n\n\n I don\u2019t think anyone appreciates being ignored or landing last on someone\u2019s priority list, but these things happen all the time. And, if we’re being honest, at some point in our lives we’ve probably left someone we care about feeling undervalued because of how we chose to prioritize our time. Often, its completely unintentional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But patterns matter. They exist, and they send a very strong message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a rule of thumb, I say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once is a mistake, twice is a habit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And multiple times is certainly an affirmation of character. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One of my biggest regrets in life is missing out on seeing the legendary Maya Angelou speak in person when she visited my college campus several years ago. At the time, my priorities as a pre-medical student involved juggling school, a crummy ex-boyfriend and any semblance of a social life that could squeeze past the constant flow of stress. I have no recollection of what exam, meeting or personal endeavor was more important than carving out time to meet THE Maya Angelou that day. And, sadly enough, I did not realize how skewed my priorities were until she died the very next year, and I realized I had missed out on an opportunity that I could never get back<\/strong>. I had not yet discovered my love for writing. And, if I had, I certainly would have done anything within my power to make myself available to be in the presence of such a wise and influential soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maya Angelou may no longer be with us, but many of her gems can still inspire us today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The quotes, <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. People know themselves much better than you. So, that’s why it’s important to stop expecting them to be something other than who they are.<\/em>\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n and<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/thoughtfulgems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Feb10-25-1024x681.jpg\")
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