Actions speak louder than words don't they

[beautyscientist]

I have just followed someone on Twitter whose bio says that they are passionate about formulating cosmetics. Looked down their tweets - not one mention about their supposedly passionate interest.

I wonder how often we tell others and ourselves as well one thing, while actually doing the complete opposite. I am coming round to the idea that there is no point in issuing manifestos. If you aren't demonstrating that you are passionate about something, then proclaiming that you are is not going to carry any weight.

[RT Wolf]

Yep. Existentialists said the same thing. People who are incongruent like that are no fun to be around.

[Angela]

I am coming round to the idea that there is no point in issuing manifestos.

One really great thing about expressing "out loud" something that your conscious and unconscious are incongruent about, like a passion that you're not living into, is that it puts it out into the world in a way that others are able to support you.

That support might take the form of: "Well, what are you doing about that passion?" or it might sound more like, "From what I can see, you are full of crap, cuz you're not walking your talk," or "yeah, right," or a zillion other things people might say, all of which are an opportunity for you to examine yourself boldly to distinguish your heart's desire and get your whole self launched in that direction.

If you remain silent and don't make any "freudian slips," then it's harder for other players to support you. It's really a brilliant play to let slip these little incongruencies; it makes it much easier and fun to grow if you involve others, rather than trying to do it all on your own.

I wonder how often we tell others and ourselves as well one thing, while actually doing the complete opposite.

It's easier to see it in someone ELSE than it is in yourself.

[Patricia]

I agree with Angela. And I think it's an interesting topic to think about.

Having said that, I know that you - beautyscientist - only used it as an example to support your point, but here's another thought thought/perspective: maybe this person is passionate about the subject s/he claims to be, but doesn't want to use Twitter to express that particular passion. I know it would make sense for them to do that (use Twitter to express it), but it is possible that they have another outlet for that passion that makes more sense to them - but they still want to mention that on their bio as an additional bit of information to connect with others who share the same interests.

I have a passion for writing, but I don't post much about writing on my Twitter account.

[SimonaRich]

I see what you mean but if you keep affirming the same thing over and over and feel that it is true, it has to become your reality.

[Jarreddo]

I know exactly what you mean, if there's one thing I hate, it's people who describe themselves as artists or writers or poets... And you ask "When was the last time you created something?" and they have to think for a few minutes.

The definition of an artist isn't someone who thinks about art, wants to have a career as an artist, drinks expensive tea, talks about art like a knowitall, or wears really cool dark clothes. The true definition of an artist is someone who creates art. Unless you make art regularly, you're a poser.

Of course, the REAL reason I hate when people act this way is that I used to do it ALL THE TIME.

[ns123]

I once told some one I loved camping - but I don't even own a tent. And I have only went camping as a child - and I enjoyed it as a child - immensely so!

As an adult, I've changed and have discovered that I DON'T like camping - but I like taking hikes and being out in nature. I like riding ATV's and cooking outdoors (with a grill). I also like soft beds and running water, so sleeping in tent is not my idea of fun.

Some one could react to my statement: "I love camping!" as: NS is totally full of crap! How can you like camping if you don't even own a tent!?!

I'm just saying, some times, some people are not full of crap on purpose. Maybe the person used to love X... but has not realized that now... they don't really like X any more.

But I do get what you are saying... some people, me included, some times, don't walk the talk. But I'd like to think, when I don't walk my talk... that some one tells me about it! So that I can really access if it's my talk or if it's just "old talk" that I would rather leave behind. Like camping!

[beautyscientist]

I know nothing about the person who prompted this thread other than what I gleaned from their Twitter account. It could well be that they are indeed passionate about formulating cosmetics, but that they don't see Twitter as an outlet for it. It wasn't really a post about them. It was more just the general point that claiming something is much weaker than demonstrating it.

[simplystephen]

People have a difficult time creating profiles within the various social media applications. Twitter is no different. Sometimes you need to dig deeper into the profile and you will find an active contribution to the topic they cite.

Most people do not live "consciously" but rather focus on what is convenient. Perhaps a quick DM to the user would prompt them to review their action.

I agree with your observation. Actions certainly affirm what you are doing but you need to walk the walk. In the words of Nike "Just Do It" is a good rule of thumb.

I too, try to target specific types of twitter followers. I want solid connections. Don't forget that their followers will see your profile and posts if you get mentioned by them, potentially increasing your numbers with like minded people - very powerful. So even if they don't walk the walk, some of their followers might.

[nhaasch]

Originally Posted by RT Wolf

Yep. Existentialists said the same thing. People who are incongruent like that are no fun to be around.

No fun? Contradictions may be of interests because it's may be a sign of something more complex occurring. Most people are making choices about their lives and most people actually have a reason for why they are doing something. I wonder if the incongruent behavior may only be a sign that the person is not being understood?

[codenamesmiley]

Some people use different sites for different interests.

Example: I have to Myspace's. One for relatives, so that I can post and view pictures and updates and keep in touch with relatives. The other, is for my paranormal interests. Half my family thinks I'm nuts for my passion for paranormal. Why would I mix them with my interests that they need no be all into..in the same place?

You see, sometimes people use one site to display their interests or employment, and the other to just keep in touch with people outside of their interests or employment. It don't mean that person is a fake. It means that maybe...their twitter friends would make their business look bad or unprofessional, so they keep them separate from that. Maybe their closest friends and family doubt them or tell them they are living a pipe-dream, so they keep it elsewhere to avoid the constant disapproval..in order to keep and maintain those relationships.

There could be hundreds of possibilities as to why this person does not seem to meet up to your criteria. Also ask yourself, does this person seem dishonest to you, or are you just looking for the bad because of something personal to you that has nothing to do with them..or something someone told you about them, that has nothing to do with you?

Things are not always what they seem (nor what they don't seem to be)

Blessings,
Rebecca