Our actions define the person that we are, not only our words.

It is so hard when our words come back to haunt us. Too many people post things on a social media site that they might not have said in a face-to-face situation. Likewise, our actions also define the type of person that we are. When we talk down to someone based on their race, religion or even the fact that they are different in some way, then we risk alienating others. These words and actions can come back to us in ways, years later, that are harmful to ourselves and our family and in a way that we weren’t considering when we said those words or performed that action the first time around.

Our reputations are so fragile and so easily broken when we speak or act before we think. It is hard to project into the future how or even who our words and actions may impact, so we have to make sure that what we give of ourselves is the self that we want others to see and admire.

I’ve seen so many people who say one thing then act another way. The worst part is that they can’t or won’t see that about themselves. The most egregious of offenses are those committed by some politicians, actors/actresses, singers, athletic role models, etc. Why? They think that because they have wealth and power, that they can say whatever they want and there are no consequences. These people wonder why we call them hypocritical! If your intent is to accept all, then you should show love to all. Instead, we (those who call them out about their behavior) get called names and are bullied into backing down if we don’t agree with their point of view.

News flash! We all have an equal and just as vital point-of-view! Just because we have a freedom of opinion, doesn’t mean it needs to be posted on social media! I’ve always told my kids, “You can think it, just don’t say it. Be the bigger and better person than they are.” We need to stop and think or consider the possible consequences before the words come rolling out of our mouth, especially if it something that is meant to be demeaning to another person. Put yourself in that other person’s shoes. How would you feel if and when the shoe is on the other foot? Doesn’t feel so good, does it?

What did I learn from this? Am I perfect? Not by a long shot, but at least I recognize that imperfection within myself and I am always striving to learn and grow in order to be better. When I fail to see the truth within my own self, then I can’t be the better person that I am meant to be in the future.

What can you gain from this? Really, really think about what you say before you say it. It’s never easy to hear the truth about something that you need to change, but if many people are condemning you for your actions then that should be a clue that you overstepped. Remember that no one (NO ONE) admires a bully. Your goal should always be to be a person that someone can admire because of the qualities that you possess and not your status in life.