For Inktober this year I am featuring quotes from famous women authors. I couldn’t even imagine not including Jane Austen. She was a Minister’s daughter, never married, and wrote a total of seven books. She went away to school, and ended up back home due to illness and finished her education by being home schooled by her Father. She published her work under the name “A Lady” and later republished all her works under her own name. No one who knew her ever expected her words to have the impact they have had over the centuries.
I love this quote from her novel, Sense and Sensibility. They remind us – even today – that you can talk all you want, you can have whatever options you dare to believe, BUT it is what you DO that defines you. People may remember your painful or kind words, and your opinions help other understand who you are and what you believe. It is your actions that speak so loudly that nothing else compares. Forget things, and people will know you cannot be trusted or don’t really care. Neglect things and people will figure out that they are not important. Show up late or unprepared and people will know that you do not respect their time. The other side is also true – ALWAYS do what you say you are going to do and people will trust you and your word. Give without expecting recognition and your generosity will be seen as genuine and kind. Being kind, thoughtful and caring lets people know you are person who is concerned with more that just yourself. Thinking before you speak assures people that you are thoughtful and compassionate.
Actions have power, the most power as human beings that we can muster. Their magical powers give us the ability to express who we are and what is important to us more than anything said or implied. For it is our actions that live beyond our years. It is what we do each and every day that builds our life and our legacy.
What do your actions say about who you are? It’s what we DO in this life that truly matters. Maybe today is a good day to rethink, act, and act wisely.
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