Four Agreements

Six or seven years ago I read a book written by Don Miguel Ruiz titled The Four Agreements. It's kind of new agey and hippy, but for a sensitive soul like myself, I like to remember these "agreements" occasionally... I wish I took them to heart much more, because day to day interactions would be so much more beneficial if I did... Here's an excerpt from a summary of the book, highlighting the main points:

"The First Agreement - Be Impeccable With Your Word

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using words to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth, of what is good, and what you want. Choose your words carefully in what you say to others, as well as what you say internally to yourself.

The Second Agreement - Don't Take Anything Personally

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering and worrying. You can simply say, "next".

The Third Agreement - Don't Make Assumptions

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. You have to learn to ask for what you want with conviction and confidence. Others cannot read your mind. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

The Fourth Agreement - Always Do Your Best

Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. It will be different from day to day. Under any circumstance, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

"As you build the habit of the four new agreements, your best will become better than it used to be."

Just figured I might not be the only one who might benefit from this reminder! :)