Actions speak louder than words. It is a saying most have heard at least once in their life- I assume. I am a big advocate of being both a person of your word- and of your actions towards those in your life.
Often times, people are let down. They are let down because they are told something over and over by someone in their life. They whole-heartedly believe what was told to them, because it may have been told by someone that they care about.
The person who makes a promise, either follows through or does not follow through. Of course, things are roses and sunshine when promises are kept. But what happens when they are not kept?
When promises are broken- or a person is directly lied to their face repeatedly, it can most definitely cause some strain for whatever type of relationship the two people have. Perhaps the person making the promises doesn’t know how to follow through, or, they are just a human being who needs to do some personal improvements on themselves to make themselves better.
Respect and trust will falter. It is a terrible feeling I am sure when someone tells you that they no longer trust or respect you. It is an equally horrible feeling when someone has to move you to that category in their life. They realize that someone they once liked or even admired- has failed them in a way. OR- they are just tired of their BS.
Take a minute to reflect on some situations that you could have responded better to. What did you say to a person or make a ‘fake promise’ about? What could you have said differently?
Actions.
Actions speak louder. Are you the type of person to show your character through your actions?
My close inner circle knows that when I say something, or do something- I mean it almost 95% of the time. They know this because I set expectations for what type of friend or family member I am going to be to them. I also hope that they mirror the type of friend I am to them. I am not calling myself perfect by any means. I do this because I try my hardest to give respect to whomever I am associating with. It is a common courtesy that I feel can easily be forgotten.
Showing up. I thoroughly believe that you show up for the people worth showing up for in your life. Being that friend that will be there at 2am when someone calls needing help- is leading with character and kindness.
For example: I had had a bad night of overthinking and probably crying. It was a decision that I know I needed to make, but did not want to hurt someone’s feelings. I was delaying. I hate delaying. I was really bothered and knew that I needed input to put my mind at ease. So, what do I do? I call on two of my friends. I was that person who needed advice at 2am.
I had messaged each of them, “You up?” I even called one of them. One of them got back to me within 30 minutes of texting. She knows everything about me. Sometimes it’s almost scary. I get her advice, and seem solid in my decision.
Right after hanging up, I receive a half-asleep call from my other friend asking if I am okay. She stayed on the phone with me for an hour. We kept revisiting options, and the call also leads to a really healthy conversation about a weak spot in our friendship. We grew stronger that night.
Take a moment to reflect on the people in your life. People who you were close to at one time, and people who you are close to now. What makes them a decent person? What makes them a person of their word or of their actions? What draws them to you as a person?
These people may have their own flaws. Everyone does. But what about them really stands out to you? Is it their sheer kindness to strangers? Their dedication to their family? Their love to make you feel special and know that you are a worthwhile person in their life?
Actions speak louder than words. However, both are important to leading a fulfilling life. Keeping your word, and showing those around you that you follow through with your promises are both characteristics of being a decent human being.
Danae Decker 