Single Words. Impactful Actions.

Respect. Love. Faith. 

All single words. All impactful actions. Each immensely powerful and integrated into every aspect of my life. 

Respect. It is valuing the beliefs, opinions and actions of yourself and others. Words alone do not define respect. It must be demonstrated through the value you place on those relationships through your actions. It is earned and shared. It is unconditional. 

Love. It is having a deep sense of caring and concern for others regardless of their faults and imperfections. To love others, you must first love yourself. No love is identical; it exists on many levels. Like respect, words alone cannot define love. It must be demonstrated through your actions. It is unconditional. 

Faith. It is having belief and hope in all moments -- good, bad or indifferent. Actions whether demonstrated through personal reflection, expressed words or physical display represent our confidence and trust. Undefined by words only, faith too is unconditional. 

Respect is the foundation of love and faith. Love is built on the pillars of respect and faith. Faith is core to respect and love. 

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE?

In a whirlwind weekend, I was blessed to be influenced by two very important dialogs. The first, a discussion through the late hours of the night and early hours of the morning regarding the foundational beliefs influencing the expectations in life and goals of the future. The second, a mass lead by the priest at the Havre parish at the baptism of my nephew, who is now officially my godson. 

My life is lived with a focus on relationships. Many of these relationships are dependent on trust and open, honest dialog. The most impactful and meaningful dialog sometimes requires that I listen and respond only in personal reflection. Without an intertwined web of respect, love and faith I would be unable to live the good life impacted by these relationships as I follow my life's path.