In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry notices similarities between him and Tom Riddle. Tom Riddle grows up to become Voldemort and Harry is worried that there is evil inside him, too.
Dumbledore agrees that they share some traits, but then he tells him, “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
Our choices reveal what is really in our hearts. What we choose to do will always triumph over the mere fact that we have certain abilities. If you accept the difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do, then it all comes down to choice and action. But choice can be a funny thing…some of us fall into the trap of forgetting just how much choice we have. And not taking action is also a choice.
When we chose things and take a course of action, we need to take full ownership of ourselves. That means taking responsibility for what’s going on with our lives – both the good and bad. It means not relying on other people or events to define our happiness. It’s being willing to go against the grain and do what you need to do to achieve the results you want, even if other people don’t get it. It’s about being honest with yourself about your strengths, weaknesses and shortcomings and seeing these things as an opportunity for you to grow and improve yourself.
Choice is action, and action speak louder than words and abilities.
