The Four Agreements-Don Miguel Ruiz

I wanted to share a little out of this book which is having a major impact on me, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.

Mr. Ruiz says there are four agreements we have to make with ourselves in order to lead a life of personal freedom.  The first is to “Be impeccable with your word”.  He says to speak with integrity and say only what you mean.  Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or gossip about others.  Use the power of your word in truth and love, and  I couldn’t agree more.

The second is “Don’t take anything personally”.  For me, this is the hardest agreement to make.  Mr.Ruiz says, “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.”

He even says to take things personally is the maximum expression of selfishness, because we make the assumption that everything is about “me”.  That truth kind of reached out and slapped me.

The third agreement is “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.  With just this one agreement, you can transform your life.  I am still working on this one.

And the last one is “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 when you are sick.  Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self- judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

The poet Maya Angelou said, “When you know better, you do better”, and I thank Mr. Ruiz for encouraging us all to do our best.  I am certain once you make these agreements with yourself, you will obtain that personal freedom.  I, for one, am on this road of recovery and continue to seek wellness in all areas.

Be blessed my friends!!