Sherri Shackelford here today! One of the greatest books on writing I've ever received - has nothing to do with writing. Elizabeth Wells gave me this book the first year I joined RWA (Way back in late 2007), and I've referred to it often
Don Miguel Ruiz, 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.
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Love it. It applies to so many things!
ReplyDeletePeace, Julie
Oooh, I like that!! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI was all tied up in knots the other day, and I realized I was breaking the 3rd agreement. I was making assumptions based on spotty information! I wish I could live closer to the agreements, but I'm trying :)
ReplyDeleteWow, what wisdom!! I love this, Sherri. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I've always "preached" Agreement 2. It's difficult, but I've always tried to give people the benefit of the doubt. Most of the time, they're just dealing with their own stuff.
Very interesting, Sherri. I have most trouble with #2. I worry about what others think of me, unfortunately, so this would be a great rule for me to follow! I like #4, too. Someone told me recently to be gentle with myself. Not an easy thing to do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
I love this Sherri, thanks for posting it!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful words to live by! Thanks Sherri for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteThose are fabulous things to remember. Thanks!
ReplyDelete