“The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention.” -John Burroughs

Someone once said we tend to judge other people based on their actions, and ourselves based on our intentions.

Think about it in the context of your own life. If someone is never there for you when you need them, you probably assume they don’t really care–whereas if you struggle to be there for your friends, you might create a laundry list of excuses from stress to obligations.

It’s great to realize you are a good person deep down, even if you’re overwhelmed and you struggle honoring your intentions. Just remember your intentions don’t create the person you’re actually being on a day to day basis. Actions do.

Five seconds of an embrace is worth more than intentions to be loving.

Five minutes of listening without judging is worth more than intentions to be open minded.

Five hours of giving without expectations is worth more than intentions to be helpful.

What are your intentions, and how can you live them today?