Do You Agree to the Four Agreements?

Author & spiritual leader, Don Miguel Ruiz, famously created what are known as The Four Agreements to Change Your Life. On the surface, they're pretty simple, but when broken down & analyzed, it can truly be a life challenge.  Speaking for myself, it's something that I'd really like to work on. So I'm sharing it in order to keep myself accountable & hopefully encourage & inspire others to take it on in their lives as well.  So here we go....

Be impeccable with your word.
Words are so powerful. Everything that comes out of our mouths can potentially impact others.  I know as a human being with many flaws, I've participated in talk that I'm not proud of.  And I've also been on the other end of unkind (not to mention untrue) gossip.  Staying true to the principle of the impeccable word, I will definitely be working hard to make sure that I improve myself in the words that I choose to represent the person I want to be. 

Don't take anything personally.
This advice sounds so simple, but how many times have I ignored it? I'm a sensitive person, so I've let myself get hurt by unkind words and actions.  And I see that sensitivity passed on to my kids, especially my first-born.  But this is something I truly want to work on... being "immune to the opinions and actions of others..."  I think conquering this agreement is probably really close to being a fully enlightened person, which I inspire to be.

Don't make assumptions
I think that this agreement is incredibly important especially in forming lasting relationships.  In a marriage, communicating is key.  With my husband, I never assume.  I ask and we talk pretty much about everything. Our ability to express ourselves with one another is one of the keys to our strength as a couple.  As a parent, I've made great pains to make sure my kids can talk to me about everything--even if I've had to stifle my own personal cringy reactions.  As far as the outside world goes, I make it a point to go to the source if I feel it necessary, especially if what I "heard" is about a friend.  I refuse to make judgements or assumptions without hearing the full story. And even with what seems like a "full story", there are always several other sides to the full picture.  So, yes, I will not make assumptions.  Ask. Reserve judgement.  Avoid drama.

Always do your best
This is advice I give my kids all the time. It's incredibly subjective though & hard to quantify.  So, I guess, just "do your best".  Simple.


Everyday is a gift.  It is also a chance to be a better person than we were yesterday.  So, if these agreements help improve your life & outlook, give it a shot. You are worth it! XO