Love IS an Action.
Love is an Action.
How often do we say, “I love you,” “I love my friends,” or “Family is the most important thing in my life”? And yet, do your actions always demonstrate what you say? If so, how do you show it?
The idea of “Love” is much more than saying I love you. True, sustained, soul-affirming love goes beyond what we say to what we do. It’s how we show up, over and over and over again. To be genuine, our demonstration of love for another must be aligned with our vision and values.
If you’ve downloaded the Vision and Values Worksheet, you know we’re focusing this quarter on Friends and Family.
It’s not a mistake that our relationships are at the core of our self-worth. So, as you walk through the worksheet, reflect back on the guiding questions in our Family and Friends blog.
Who do you surround yourself with? Are your actions aligning with your values?
Esteemable Acts in Action.
It’s not about doing grand gestures, nor is it about doing things perfectly all the time. It’s just about consistently bringing your behavior into alignment with what you say you value.
- Call when you say you will.
It’s easy to promise a check-in when emotions are high, but harder to follow through when the moment passes. But following through—especially when it’s inconvenient—is how we build trust with the people we love, and with ourselves. Whether it’s a five-minute check-in or a longer conversation, your word matters. Do you call friends and family when you say you will? Do you value their time? - Show up on time.
Being on time says, “You matter to me.” It honors someone else’s energy, preparation, and life. It’s not just about punctuality, it’s about presence. When you rush in late or cancel at the last minute, it sends a message, even unintentionally. Being reliable is an Esteemable Act that builds relational safety, integrity, and trust. Do you show up on time or do you straggle in late expecting others to understand that you’re only human? - Offer to help—without being asked.
Don’t wait for someone to always tell you that they need comfort and support. If you notice a friend is overwhelmed, offer to drop off food, watch the kids, or just sit with them. If your sibling is going through something hard, send a card or text reminding them they’re not alone. Being proactive in service to others is one of the purest acts of kindness. When was the last time you reached out to a friend or family member to acknowledge their pain? Is there currently someone in your life who could use an act of kindness? - Remember important dates—not because social media reminded you, but because you care.
Put birthdays, anniversaries, and life milestones in your calendar. Better yet, take time to send a handwritten card, a voice note, or create a cute card in Canva. These moments say, “You’re not just part of my feed—you are part of my life.” - Follow up after hard conversations.
Whether it’s a friend grieving a loss, a child navigating school stress, or a parent feeling isolated—check back with them to see if there is something more they need. A simple, “Hey, I was thinking about our conversation—how are you doing now?” can mean more than you know. - Make space in your schedule for “Intentional time”.
Don’t let “busy” become the reason you disappear from the people who matter. It doesn’t take hours. A 10-minute walk-and-talk call, a planned coffee date once a month, or even a shared playlist can deepen connection. Intention is the Esteemable Act—not the length of time you spend. - Keep private what someone has trusted you with.
Respecting confidentiality—even when it’s tempting to share—is a powerful Esteemable Act. It signals, “Your story is safe with me.” And again, it speaks mounds to your integrity. - Practice presence when you’re with someone.
Put the phone down. Listen with your eyes, not just your ears. Respond, not react. When someone speaks, they’re offering you a glimpse into their heart. Treat it with care.
These are acts of kindness that align you with your Vision and Values. They are love in motion.
Reflection Prompt.
This week, choose one friend or family member to show up for in a meaningful way. Maybe that’s calling just to say, “I was thinking about you,” or take five minutes to write a thank-you note for something they did recently that stuck with you.
If this speaks to you, don’t just read—engage.
This is more than a blog post. It’s an invitation to do the inner work of rebuilding trust, realigning your values, and deepening the relationships that matter most.
Start by downloading the free Vision and Values Worksheet.
Use it to reflect on the prompts, journal your responses, and set goals for how you want to show up in your closest connections this season.
And for those ready to go even deeper—explore the full journey inside the Esteemable Acts book. It’s your guide to becoming the person you can count on—one choice, one action, one relationship at a time.
This quarter is all about Friends and Family. Let’s do this work together, with clarity, compassion, and courage.
Francine D. Ward
Attorney-at-Law, Author, Speaker
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