Our Actions

There are all kinds of electronic gadgets that inform us about ourselves. For instance fitness trackers and smart watches monitor daily activities such as: the number of steps we take in a day, the number of calories we take in and the number of calories we use up. Smart watches and fitness trackers can measure our heart rate, sleep patterns and stress levels. 

As of yet, I don’t think there is a gadget that informs us about our thinking. But, i think that if we want to know what we are thinking, all we have to do is to take a look at our actions.

Although it’s been said that actions speak louder than words, I’d like to rephrase that idiom. I think my actions actually show me what I’m thinking. 

If I reflect on what I do or do not do, I may discover what I am telling myself. What I am telling myself may be just fine or it may not be just fine.  

For instance, a year or so ago I applied for a job that I thought I’d like, that I thought I’d be good at doing and that I thought would be fun. I was hired which made me happy. But, there was more to the job than I’d first anticipated. 

My personality lends itself to overcoming obstacles and I was committed to learning all that I needed to learn. I asked questions, I had a teachable attitude and I was eager. But, in the end, I did not make the cut. On my fourth day, the manager told me that she had to let me go. I was just not working out. Ouch!

I went out the door of that business telling myself not to take it personally and applied for two other jobs. I was hired for both of those jobs, but chose only one. 

I am happy to say that I am succeeding with the one I chose, but for a full year, I did not darken the door of that other business where I had not succeeded as an employee.

Even though I’d told myself, “Don’t take it personally,” my actions clearly told me that I had taken it personally. 

Finally, I went into that business a few weeks back. I wanted to duck and run when I first saw the manager, but I didn’t. Instead, we cordially greeted each other and spoke for a few minutes. 

I have to say that after that, I no longer feel that original bruise. 

Though I’d told myself just because I hadn’t made the cut didn’t mean I was a loser, my action; avoiding going into that business for a full year, told me that I didn’t believe what I told myself. 

Why Bother?

Why bother noticing our actions? When we notice our actions they won’t tell us a lie. Instead, they will show us plainly just exactly what we are thinking.

P.S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who, like me, know they need to change, but are not quite sure where to start. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.