How often do people deliver on the things they promise others? “I’ll call you right back, I’m in a meeting/in traffic/at work/whatever else.” “Don’t worry; I’m here for you anytime you need me.” “Call me if you need anything.” Have these, and countless others, become automatic responses just so one can get out of talking to someone at that point in time without any argument from the other party? Do they hold any real meaning in today’s world where it seems like everybody’s rushing to do something ALL the time and no one can stop for just a second? Have we all become so busy that we constantly forget to keep our word and return that call, give that support, go that extra mile? Everyone loves to receive, but how many of us really give back? What’s wrong here? Is it me? Is it you? Is it us?

I ask because I notice these things, experience them, witness them. I’ve been guilty of not following through too, but I try to make it right when I can. I just wonder if people really care as much as they say they do. Maybe there’s some sort of hierarchy and if you’re not high enough, you don’t warrant much attention. In other words, you’re not that important. Ouch, right?

The potential mutual exclusivity of words and actions. Don’t say it if you don’t mean it or won’t do it. Yes one can forget, but how many times can one trot out that excuse? Nobody’s memory is that porous in the absence of an underlying medical condition. Talk is cheap, anyone can do that. Actions fill out your words; make them meaningful, powerful, worth something. Otherwise, the words are just empty, flat, meaningless.

Make your words count. Let your actions speak for you. Be reliable. It makes all the difference.