Actions and Words

Make no mistake, everything we do as well as say communicates something about us. It gives a glimpse as to where we are at that particular moment. It suggests what is on our mind. Ultimately, it gives others insight into what kind of person we are. This, of course, is not to say that people always interpret our actions correctly or fairly. At times, they don't. At times, people completely misread our actions and end up assessing us as a person incorrectly. When this happens, it is unfair to us and them. This is why it is important for us to give as much thought to our actions as we do our words.

What are we communicating when we smile? What are we communicating when we see someone slip on an ice patch and simply keep walking? What are we communicating when as a presidential candidate we nominate a person who's experience people question to be our running mate and then parcel out her public exposure to the national media as economically as bread at a breadline? People around you draw their own conclusions and act accordingly.

My point here is not so much to make a political statement as it is to reinforce the old adage that actions do speak as loudly as words; perhaps on some occasions even louder. This should not be taken lightly. As a result, particularly if we want others to see us as we see ourselves, then it is important that we be as honest in our actions as we are with our words. Ideally, the two should be as much in sync as are our head and heart. Communication, after all, does matter.