What you spoke and how you lived were two sides of the same coin.

Anyone who has travelled for any length of time is aware of how each culture does things differently.

In Japan, for example, slurping your soup is considered a compliment to the cook. It would be impolite not to suck! Throwing your shoe at someone is extremely insulting in Arab cultures.

When meeting someone in Thailand, you should bow rather than shake their hand. In Vietnam, you should only shake hands with people who are on the same level as you, whether by status or age. In some nations, it is customary for the lady to initiate the handshake, and it is considered impolite for a male to offer. Double cheek kisses are the norm in Mediterranean countries.

Your body language communicates a tale, one that is larger than the one you tell with your words.

In this scenario, I'm making comparisons between your body language and how you live. When visiting a another culture, it is your responsibility to comprehend the differences between your own and theirs and to adapt while you are there. It is only right to refrain from engaging in offensive actions.

I can tell you about the differences between all of these civilizations, but if I visit those places and ignore those words, I will not be glorified. I'm simply demonstrating to the world that I say one thing and then do something completely different.

It's not enough to talk the talk; you must also walk the walk.

Anyone who has worked for someone who says one thing but does another understands the irritation that comes with working for someone who says one thing but does another. Children who dispute their parents and are told, "Do as I say, not as I do," as an answer.

It makes no difference if someone is in charge. It makes no difference. Walking the walk is a considerably more relevant example. In a religious institution, for example, a preacher loses the respect of a congregation when they speak the talk but don't practise the walk.

Someone setting a poor example by standing in front of a large gathering of people and laying down the rule as it appears in their holy book, then disregarding that commandment in their own life. In most cases, congregations will not tolerate it, and the preacher will be forced to resign. They'll most likely move on to another congregation, but history has a way of repeating itself.

A climate change activist is another recent example. Leonardo DiCaprio has long been a proponent of environmental protection. Over 35 different conservation activities throughout the world are supported by his charity. It is involved in a large number of projects around the world. He is a committed vegan. His homes are environmentally friendly, and he commutes by bike in New York City and by electric vehicle abroad. He puts up a significant amount of effort.

When others point out his carbon footprint (40+ tonnes annually) in comparison to the ordinary American, however, his words lose some of their heft (19 tonnes annually). He tries to offset his carbon footprint by planting trees, but his efforts are insufficient.

So, while his environmental effort is vital and influential, his words lose their meaning when his deeds fall short of his rhetoric. Regardless of how hard he tries, he falls short, and this provides naysayers with an easy target on which to focus and discredit the job. He is only one guy, but when his actions do not match his statements, the entire cause is jeopardised.

It's not enough to say the words; they're meaningless without your actions to back them up.

What would you say if I asked you what your basic values are?

If you tell me that honesty is the most important fundamental value you hold dear, yet you lie frequently and make excuses to cover up for yourself, I will not listen to you.

I'm not going to trust you if you say family is your most important core value but you work 80 hours a week, miss all of your children's activities, and haven't had supper with your family in months.

It's not about what you say, but rather how you live.

Consider someone you've long admired but who has also disappointed you. What was it that disappointed you? Was there a disconnect between their words and actions? Probably. Many people are passionate about specific sectors and interests, and it's easy to become enamoured with the hero worship of notable figures in those fields. It's difficult to comprehend that their deeds don't match their words. Nothing is more frustrating, and many people will overlook it for a while, but we all have our limits.

You need to set a higher bar for yourself. It's not about being perfect; it's about appreciating the power of your words while also understanding that your actions matter more, and the two must be in sync.

Your behaviours should demonstrate that you are living out those words.

If you claim to value your family, you must demonstrate this by making time for them.

If you claim to appreciate honesty, you must demonstrate it through your actions by being truthful in all of your interactions.

Your actions have the potential to make the world a better place to live. It matters how you live. It's important to you, it's important for you, and it's important for everyone else.

Remember that it all starts with you, and how you live has the greatest impact on you. It is entirely up to you to decide what you will say and do. That is the energy you bring into the world if you choose to talk generously, act respectfully, and do things with joy and love. If you live out your spoken message, you will be lot happier.

As a result, you will have an impact on others. They will not only notice that your actions and words are in sync, but they will also sense the beneficial influence of your honest behaviour. It will be seen by your family, colleagues, acquaintances, and even strangers on the street.

It is in the cosmos the instant you say something. You can't go back in time, especially in the world we live in now.

It's the same with your behaviours. You can't undo what you've done after you've done it.

Most of the time, it isn't a problem, but it can be if you act without thinking. You may not believe anyone is watching, but someone is constantly looking. That isn't to imply that the prospect of being observed should keep you on the straight and narrow.

Your beliefs should keep you on track, but your character is who you are when no one else is around. What other people think of you is your reputation. When no one is looking, your character is your true self.

So, do you live up to your words? If not, what are your plans to address the situation?