In this year's Shabbos Shuva drasha, the Tolna Rebbe Shlita quoted Rebbe Yechezkel of Kuzmir. He said that if a person is rushing to Kol Nidrei, already feeling the awe and gravity of the day, and he sees a Jew who is troubled and just needs to .... talk, but just ignores him and keeps going to shul - he hasn't begun to understand what Yom Kippur is all about. The most IMPORTANT thing to do at that moment is to stop and listen [he can say Kol Nidrei by himself later].
To be great ISN'T THAT HARD. It just requires that we step out of ourselves and our immediate concerns from time to time.
SWEETEST FRIENDS!! - I write this as someone who knows so many people going through rough times. Shalom bayis issues, problem with children, health challenges, financial crises, work related pressures and anxiety, unhealed scars of childhood, weight related issues, disappointing favorite sports teams that almost never win the championship [OK - that is not so bad:-)] etc. etc. etc.
Let us all give them of our time [without an active phone to interrupt] and open our hearts to be with them in their struggles. [And sometimes - a few bucks would also help - but that is not my point]. We can start by listening to and empathizing with our spouses [if we are lucky enough to have one or two. Two?? Didn't Rabbeinu Gershom outlaw that a thousand years ago?]. We can do this best by reflecting back to them what they are saying to make them sure that they are being fully understood. We can then move on to our children, siblings friends etc.etc.
If we can open ourselves to bear the burdens of others - Hashem will hopefully act in kind and help us bear ours [or remove them altogether].
I thank all those who sent names for tefilla - enabling me to open my heart and soul for them in front of Hashem.
Bi-ahava rabba,
Me 
