We have all heard the expression “actions speak louder than words” but do we really apply it in our daily lives? The answer is no, at least not consistently. In these times of great change, it has never been more important to shift our focus from using words to taking action. We need to stop talking and start doing. You may have noticed that many people are quite willing to express their views and opinions on various things but fail to bring them to action. It is also clear that, more often than not, their actions and behavior do not match these very same views and opinions. The unfortunate outcome of this scenario is the loss of trust in our fellow human beings. Communication has broken down and our relationship with others inevitably suffers. Our faith in others has been lost and this loss of trust and lack of faith becomes even more problematic when we consider the individuals in positions of power and authority such as our political leaders, corporate leaders, and religious leaders. They say one thing and do another, too many words and too little action. It’s no wonder we feel manipulated and powerless. There is no need to be discouraged, however. There is action we can take right now to change the entire dynamic. So where do we begin?
We first need to admit that we all have the same problem to one degree or another, nobody is perfect. We’re here to learn. We also need to recognize that in order to implement change in the world, we need to first implement change in ourselves. It’s the only real power we have. If we wait for the world to change first, we’ll be waiting for a very long time! Let’s begin creating change now by looking at what we can do today. It’s all about action. The following are some suggestions to help you get started with the process:
Stop paying so much attention to what other people say – watch what they do. A person’s actions are far more indicative of their real intent, and what they truly believe, than their words.
Remember that other people are watching you as well. Be clear and honest in your intent and follow through. Let’s work on having our words and actions be more in sync.
Always consider the impact your actions will have on others. You will always be more successful in your actions if you have a harmless intent.
It is much easier to discern truth if we think for ourselves. What other people say is irrelevant to a large extent. They have their own peculiar motivations. I am not suggesting that when we think for ourselves, the truth is always available to us. I am saying that when we think for ourselves, we begin to pay more attention to our own experience. Experience is always the best teacher and guide.
Please be aware of any possible manipulation on your end before you take action. Ask yourself, “am I just trying to get what I want at any cost?”
Words mean nothing if they are not supported through action.
We can all do something to help improve the conditions we find ourselves in. Just remaining calm is also an action, by the way! Every human being is capable of having a loving and supportive attitude in these difficult times, and fully capable of bringing these qualities forward through action. Let’s give it a try.
In closing, I would like to stress the importance of an action-oriented approach in life. It has never been more relevant and necessary than it is today. We can all take action every day to help initiate world change, and we can do it together. If we take the opportunity to make the changes in ourselves first, the world will transform around us! Thanks for joining me in these brief remarks, and I hope you find my suggestions helpful. See you next time as we look at “Love in the Current Age”.
All my love and support, stay safe and be well