Remember this one? – The Four Agreements

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would you choose?

I’ve answered the question a bazillion times over the years — as we all have, I assume — and often with the same answer: My grandmother. We called her Nana. Since it would all be very magical, I’d choose to have dinner with the 1980’s Nana, which of course would mean that I would also be circa 1980’s. That would be way cool. But only if I knew what I know now. I have no desire to go back and relive the decade, especially the end. Ugh. Story for another day … and yes, the “story for another day” pile is getting unruly. Be nice!

I bring this up because there are a few living people I’d really like to meet. Don Miguel Ruiz is one of them. He just seems… kind. And you know what? Kindness is so important!

When I began this self-help blog, I imagined the vast majority of books would be unknown to all but the most stalwart self-helpers. I wanted to share something that nobody else had… where old titles become new and viva la difference! The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is not one of those titles. It’s known the world over and has been quoted a kajillion times by everyone I know. Most of us can rattle off the 4 agreements, too:

• Be impeccable with your word
• Don’t take anything personally
• Don’t make assumptions
• Always do your best

For me, the second agreement is what hooked and reeled me in. I am the kind of person who takes EVERYTHING personally. I think that might come with HSP and/or empath territory. In truth, I still have to remind myself… er, um… all the time. Sometimes, I just whisper to myself: This isn’t about me. This isn’t about me. 

The book itself is small. Easy to carry in a purse or backpack. It’s the kind of thing you can take out while you’re waiting in line… open it anywhere… and read. It never gets old.

Can I share a secret? I didn’t read the book until about… five years ago. I know, right? The thing is, I read an article in a 2001 Oprah Magazine: Ellen Degeneres interviews Don Miguel Ruiz. I felt like I got everything I could possibly want from that article. I even cut it out and put it in my Comfort Book. Oh, wait, you don’t know about my comfort book yet. I promise, I really will share about that soon. Anyway, the agreements speak for themselves, I thought. Having the book really does make the agreements come to life, though. Duh, right?

Originally written on November 29, 2017 by me!