The (Life Changing) Four Agreements

Books can be life changing. For me “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz was certainly that.

Like many people, for years I was shy, struggled with what people thought of me and had a lot of self-judgement. This book gave me practical advice and opened a door that forever changed how I view others and myself. I found a personal freedom in discovering a way to accept myself and others just as they are.

While I’m not perfect and sometimes forget, life is so much easier whenever I follow these four special agreements.

The Four Agreements

  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. 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-judgement, self-abuse, and regret.

Visit Don Miguel Ruiz website for more information.

Laugh Daily for Mind, Body and Spirit

We all love to laugh. A good joke, a funny movie, time with friends or a silly situation can trigger the giggles, and that can lead to a full-out belly laugh.

There are numerous benefits – from releasing stress to strengthening our immune systems, improving the function of the heart and even temporarily relieving pain. Laughing helps us to relax, recharge and shift perspective. It brings us together and brightens our day. And it feels good!

To receive full benefit of laughter, do it on a daily basis. Start with a smile, then a quiet giggle and slowly move into a full out laugh. Do this near someone else and it will become contagious!

View this short video and see if you can keep a straight face. LOL!