I found the four agreements on-line today. They are written by Miguel Ruiz. They are written with the following intent: to advocate for personal freedom from agreements and beliefs that we have made with ourselves and others that are creating limitation and unhappiness in our lives.
Now I have to say that I really like what these agreements encourage and wonder how you and I might live differently if we embrace these and live them out…
The four agreements are:
1. 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 and love. (what a beautiful way to use words, to promote 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. (I do believe that we are impacted by others and that is all a part of being in relationship, but I also believe there are times we choose to engage as a victim and that is not healthy nor a good way to live as an image bearer of The King!)
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
(All I can say to this is AMEN!)
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. (We want this from our youth, but do we live it out as responsible adults?)
These four agreements are packed with possibility. I encourage you to choose one new way to move through your day and experiment with it. How might your tomorrow be different from today if you commit to not making assumptions. How might your relationships be healthier if you find the courage to ask questions and express what you really want.
Live responsibly and live well and find what might be creating limitation and unhappiness in your life and address it. Trust me, it is a worthwhile journey!
