I was introduced to the book, The Four Agreements, during a major struggle in my life. I proceeded to read the literal agreements, and not the book they came from. My brother then insisted it is not the same, so I got the audio book.
After several days of sitting stuck in city traffic, the words etched themselves into my world view
- Be impeccable with your word
- Don’t take anything personally
- Always do your best
- Don’t make assumptions
Don Miguel Ruiz, the author, claims that if you live out these agreements, a lot of the issues you have will diminish. I do not live these agreements out. I am imperfect in a lot of ways; one way in particular is my inability to let go of my assumptions and fears about the rest of the world.
If I didn’t make assumptions, I wouldn’t automatically assume people will react any particular way. If I could get to the point where I didn’t make assumptions about what other people are thinking, I would free myself from trying to figure what they are thinking, be it positive or negative. I would be free to ask questions and really listen to what they have to say and be clearer in communicating my own thoughts.
I know that relearning my way of thinking will take time, and I am giving myself the grace to do that. No matter how hard it is, I know that trying to live out that particular agreement is worth it to me.
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