Walking your talk

What words do you use as you describe your relationship with the world around you? Your words may be those you speak aloud or those expressed in thought alone. There is no difference in the power they hold. You may share with friends and family your supposed love for others, yet ignore them when they are in need. Do you volunteer your time and talent for a cause you value? I once heard that you should never volunteer to do anything that doesn't promote you professionally. I wonder what the world would be like if we each adopted that agenda. How did the speaker of those words walk his talk and what was life like in return for that position? I am more careful with my words these days. Walking my talk requires that I live in integrity. I try not to promise anything I can't deliver. Old habits are hard to break and I sometimes find myself reverting back to them. All I can do is to catch myself in the act, make amends when needed, and be gentle with myself. I find that I am much more aware of the times when I have stepped off the path of my talk. I feel a gnawing sensation in the pit of my stomach that tells me something is amiss. When this occurs, I adjust accordingly. Life seems to go so much better both for me and those around me when my words and my actions are in alignment. How well do your words and actions match each other today?