Don Miguel Ruiz is a surgeon and author who had a near-death experience that changed his life. After that experience, he created the “Five Agreements,” based on ancient Native American Toltec wisdom. When we break these agreements, according to Mr. Ruiz, we cause needless suffering to ourselves and others. Here are the agreements, followed by my thoughts about them. 

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word.
   Do not break your word, and always say what you mean. Don’t gossip and do not, especially, break your word to yourself. If you tell yourself you will go to the gym, do what you say! Resist gossiping about others and instead put that energy into something positive. If everyone did that, it would be amazing for our world.
   
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally.
   What people do – or don’t do – is not because of you. Quite often, people are choosing what they want or avoiding pain and their actions have nothing to do with you. Do not worry about other people’s opinions or actions, and you will avoid suffering. For sensitive people, this is a very hard one, but I love the idea. 
   
3. Don’t Make Assumptions.
   Don’t assume anything about anyone or anything. Ask questions and express what you want. “With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life,” Mr. Ruiz says.
   
4. Always Do Your Best.
   This is probably my favorite agreement because it recognizes that we all fail, and that we need to try again when we mess up. “Your best” may differ from day to day. But if you honor doing your best, you can avoid beating yourself up when you break an agreement.
   
5. Be Skeptical, But Learn To Listen.
   Listening is a very powerful skill. Use the power of doubt to determine whether something is really true. You can decide whether to react or not react, agree or disagree, depending on what you want.   

To learn more about these agreements, check out Don Miguel Ruiz’s book “The Four Agreements” and his book with his son, Don Jose Ruiz, “The Fifth Agreement.”

I’d love to hear if you are trying these agreements!

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💜😀💜

Kathy

P.S.–If you want to create agreements with yourself that will inspire you each day, schedule a FREE mini coaching session with me HERE.

P.S.S—If you are interested in learning more about my Costa Rican Ultimate Wellness “Blue Zone” Retreat in November, email me HERE.

Kathy McCabe
Life Coach