"The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz *Contains Spoilers*

The Four Agreements is a self help book that centers around the agreements that we make with others and how they form how we feel about ourselves and the world around us. A voluntary agreement is described as anything that another person says about us that we agree to, whether in jest or earnestly. This book explains those agreements and the "new" agreements that we must make a conscious effort to enforce in order to begin taking back control of our lives and live freely and happily.

1. Be impeccable with your word. Basically, this rule states that we should think carefully about what we say and only say what we mean. We should speak in earnest, about ourselves and others and always speak with love.

2. Take nothing personal.

Sometimes people say really horrible things to us and we often take it as a "slam" against ourselves, our character or even our worth. However, a lot of times people are merely projecting how they see the world, how they interpret the world, onto you through their words. By refusing to take heed in these words or actions, you are telling the world that you will not be victim to suffering done at the hands of another living in a different world than yourself.

3. Don't make assumptions.

We all know the saying "Assuming makes an ass out of you and me both". This rule solidifies that thought. When we assume something, instead of merely asking questions and gathering information, we are replacing open and honest communication with whatever "reality" we so desire. Communication is KEY to avoiding unjust sadness, anger, pain and other negative emotions.

4. Always do your best

This does not mean that you will progressively give better results or that you will see a steady climb on that effort chart. What is best for 8am you, running on a full night of rest, will not be the same as 2pm you still recovering from a hangover. And that is alright! All that matters is that you do your best with each given "you" at the moment! This reduces "would've, should've, could've" mentality and allows us to regret no decision or action.

Coming from a Pagan religion, listening to this book was a little hard as a lot of it was centered out prayer, God and the universe. Despite that, it was a really informative, short book. I think if you can manage to instill these new agreements into your life and you can actively change the way you think to meet these criteria, you really could see a difference in your life. However, applying these rules and making that conscious change is NOT going to be an easy one!

Pages: 90 Reading time: About 2.5/3 hours Rating: 3.5