The Four Agreements

For my 32nd birthday, Sheri got me a book I'd been wanting. It's called The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz. I had heard such good things about it, and I was dying to read it...and because she is such a good friend, she went right out and bought it for me. I distinctly remember sitting down to start it that very night, but I'm a little fuzzy on the details after that. Obviously, I didn't finish it then.

Or the next time I picked it up either.

Or the next.

Many times over the next few years, I grabbed it to take on vacation or carried it in my purse, hoping to have that insatiable need to read it. But each time I was denied.

You know how sometimes you pick up a book you want to read, and when you start reading, your mind wanders? You start thinking about all sorts of random things that have nothing whatsoever to do with the book...planning your grocery list, thinking about your vacation (which is 4 months away!), trying to figure out when you can get to the gym, wondering when you'll be able to meet up with a friend for lunch...for some reason, you're just not into it. Well, that's what was happening here. I wanted to read it...I wanted the information in it. I just couldn't concentrate on it.

My mind was not ready...not peaceful. And that happens sometimes, through no fault of our own. It just isn't TIME.

Well, that all changed for me when I was working the Auto Show. Sometimes there will be periods of time when I won't have a client, so I always bring a book to read. And guess which one I grabbed on my way out the door this year? That's right...The Four Agreements. And apparently, it was finally TIME.

I read the entire thing in 2 days...it's a small book, and fairly easy reading. The concepts are easy to grasp, and promise "a practical guide to personal freedom". By committing to the four Toltec principles in the book, you can help to create love and happiness in your life. And after reading the book, I can see why. Nothing earth-shattering here, but some very good guidance, indeed. Talk about leading a simpler and drama-free life! And we could definitely all use a little of that!

The Four Agreements are:

1. Be Impeccable with your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love.

2. 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.

3. 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 completely transform your life.

4. 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. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

If you are in need of a little pick-me-up, or are looking for a way to get out of your rut...this just may be the book for you. Ruiz never promises it will be easy to stick to the Four Agreements, but he does assure you your life will undergo dramatic changes if you do. Food for thought!

And Sheri, thanks so much for the book!! It was worth the wait! And it only took me 7 years... ;)