Actions and Words

"We become just by performing just action, temperate by performing temperate action, brave by performing brave action." -Aristotle


"Words are also actions, and actions are a kind of words." -Ralph Waldo Emerson


Hello, my Missing Piece.


I trust you haven't forgotten me, though it may seem like I've forgotten you. I promise I haven't. I have no suitable excuse for being absent for so long. I could say my mind hasn't been too crazy, but we both know that my mind is never calm. I could say I've been too busy, but you can tell by my browser history that I've had time on my hands. The best I can tell you, dear Piece, is that I've wanted what I write to mean something. To be worth reading. And until today, I can't say I've had a real worthy thing to say for months. 


But that is neither here nor there. Now is today, and I have something to share.


Earlier today, my friend sent me a news article that analyzed the career of a particular politician. The article described at length the man's accomplishments and the main critiques dished out by his opponents, but what really stood out to me was the way the author spoke of the man's leadership. He said this man accomplished his goals quietly. This man did not boast excessively of the accomplishments he attained in the name of his constituency. He did not force others to follow his lead. He convinced them that the choice they were making was the right one, and let the rest of the world judge him at that. 

Now I must say, dear Piece, this politician does defend his actions when the time is appropriate, but he has no need to explain every move he makes. The things he does speak for themselves. 


Piece, this article has struck something in me. I've been doing some thinking tonight. I see myself as someone who cares so deeply about others that I'd rather throw myself under a bus than see someone I care about get hurt. 


But why should I have to tell anyone this, Piece?


And that, is where I found my answer. I shouldn't. I shouldn't have to say a word. The actions I take on a daily basis should make it perfectly clear to anyone I come in contact with that I would do as I say I would. Without speaking, I should be able to communicate that I would do whatever it takes to help a friend. 


This is what I'm going to do, Piece. Starting now, I'm living by the phrase "actions speak louder than words." Let people judge me how they will, but I want to show them what I'm capable of. 


My dear Piece, I am an independent, self-reliant, intelligent, vulnerable, humorous, caring sort of female, and I'm about to prove it. Ready or not, it's time to be me. 


I can only hope through this journey that lies ahead, that I'll find you along the way. Goodnight, dear Piece. Thank you for waiting for me. Thank you for everything.