The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

I get some of the titles for my independent reading through other people's sites. In the course of scouring the tangled web for new titles, I always come across the four agreements--be it from a bookish but sharp-witted girl who blogs in Brooklyn or from a power lady dictating style in the Third World. I have read it a long time ago and I think running across it every once in a while is the world's way of reminding me of what's important.

Today is choose day, choose character.

The Four Agreements:

Agreement 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.

Agreement 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.

Agreement 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.

Agreement 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.