Journaling Can Help Convert Words into Deeds

This is about the using the journal to create relationships between knowing and doing, coming to the understanding that the actions we perform, our deeds, are the outward expression of our inner thoughts and desires.  The body does what the mind says.  And we can work some of our thoughts into deeds in the pages of our journals.

In her book The Year of Pleasures, Elizabeth Berg wrote, “I’m not talking about things that happen to you.  I’m talking about things you make happen.  I’m talking about purposefully doing one thing that brings you happiness every single day, in a very conscious way.” [p. 158] 

It takes awareness of oneself, consciously seeking to find a daily outward expression in the way of positive actions, i.e. deeds.  And by recording them in a device such as a journal, to keep one self moving ever closer to aligning inner thoughts to outward volition as deeds of action.  Most particularly, these deeds only need be recorded in the journal, not announced to the world.  (We are not talking about ego-nourishment here.)  It is using the journaling process on a daily or regular basis to learn about oneself.  It creates a personal opportunity for beneficial changes in life.

“What is the process by which a talker becomes a doer…?  They get [focused] by an issue.”  [Ronald Kuby.  Note concerning the context of this quote:  Mr. Kuby, a noted defense lawyer in New York City, is discussing terrorism, and his insight brings light to the moment in the thinking process when abstract words become the motivational decision toward concrete actions, deeds.  CR]

Some qualities which may help trigger actions, changes, and deeds could be, but are not restricted to: Curiosity, Bravery, Hope, Ambition, Love, Habit, Imagination, Fear, Memories, Poverty, Self-Examination, Hardship, Dreams, Caring, Nourishing, Helping, Opportunity, Death.

And in the process of moving from Thinking to Saying to Doing, here are some ideas:

·        Aim to bring balance and consistency between words and deeds

·        Aim for improved communication in relationships

·        Honor one’s promises

·        Practice positive ethical standards

·        Exhibit moral behavior

·        Be prudent in judgment

·        Practice kindness and compassion

·        Refrain from idle gossip

·        Treat people fairly

Some Words of Encouragement:

~  “Let deeds, not words, be your adorning.”  [The Hidden Words, Bana’u’llah]

~  “What I hear I forget; What I see, I remember; What I do I know.”  [Chinese Proverb]

~  “Mitzvah; an act of human kindness.”

~  “Watch what we do, not what we say.” [John Mitchell]

~  “Watch your thoughts for they become words; watch your words for they become actions.”  [Proverb]

~   “You  don’t let horses run away with you.  You rein they in.  The same with the wild horses of your mind.”  [The Treasure of Montsigue, Sophy Burnham]