How very true. It is easy to sit and talk and judge others for things, but every action you take (or do not take) determines the sum of who you are.

I try very hard to keep that in mind as I live my life. I have been called deliberate, or calculating in my approach to things, but I prefer to think of it as mindful. Mindful that my actions or inactions create my character, and who I will be remembered as, should I die today.

It's heady stuff if you choose to embrace it.

I agree wholeheartedly with justcuroius.  In addition, I would also say that our actions have impact upon those around us as well.  I think that if we could be a little more mindful of our impact on others, it might help us all get along a little better.  Some folks would disagree with me, I think mainly because realizing that our actions impact others means that we need to be a little more responsible in what we do and say.

I think the above quote can be analogous to the concept that our thoughts create our reality, not the other way around.  Many people would argue this as well, but trust me, it's true.  Thinking that your thoughts are a result of your reality is reactionary in nature, and leaves one totally helpless and powerless.  But really believing that your thoughts CREATE your reality is proactive and empowering, and it will take you far in life. ;)

Gregl - you are completely right in "our thoughts create our reality".  I know a lot has been said about this recently with talk show and such but it's been in practice since the dawn of time...have you heard of The Secret?  Some people call it something different, I do, but that's what is out now.  It's a book and a video too I think.  They have a web site too, check it out.  It's all about the laws of attraction.  What we attract to ourselves whether it is positive or negative.  Again, "our thoughts create our reality".

I have to agree, but at times it can be hard to alternately quell and listen to your own internal dialogue.
What is truly important, (but takes a lot of practice), is to remember that what you speak out loud and into the universe literally gives voice to that reality.
It used to really drive me crazy in my younger days when an XBF would tell me that same thing years and years ago...I finally got fed up and told him where to go, and I do believe he's still there... ;P
Still, I try to remember that when I can't  control my thoughts,  to make sure and take extra care with my words.

Sushisoo, yes it can be difficult to turn off one's thoughts at times, and I too used to have trouble with that.  One thing that greatly helped was taking trips out to the desert.  I would love to go out to the middle of nowhere and camp out for a few days.  I would hike along the railroad tracks during the day and sleep in the back of my truck at night, with no one else around.  It was very humbling to lay in the back of my truck and look up at the billions of stars and realize how LITTLE most things really matter, and to help put into perspective what DOES matter.  Those times were incredibly calming, therapeutic, and spiritually cleansing.  It was amazing how much 'junk' I was able to clear away.

I don't have nearly the time to do that anymore, but that's OK.  I am still able to recall those times at will and 'remind' myself of what I need to be doing.  And all it takes is a glance up at the stars to put me back there. :)