The only reason you are happy is because you choose to be happy. Happiness is a choice, and so is suffering.

Both good and bad statements, don't take any personally. Don't let someone else's emotional garbage become yours. When you're insulted by someone, the moment you agree with that statement, it has been planted in your mind that yes'I'm stupid''I'm fat''I'm ugly'Your mind is a fertile land, be careful of what you allow to grow there because that won't only shape your reality, it would become your realityThis agreement, like the first, would be hard to implement but when you learn to not take anything personally, be it compliments or insults, it becomes very liberating

Never Take Anything Personally

Your word is very powerful. It can manifest and it can destroy. A double edged swordThe word can cast spells and spread emotional poison through gossiping, making hurtful comments about a person, etcWe should be impeccable with our word in that we speak good to and about ourselves and are mindful in the way we talk to others. We should use our word to create and spread positivity.The reason why so many people gossip and say hurtful thing is because misery likes company.Be Mindful of the company you keep. Keep good ones whoencourage you to grow and make you happy

Be Impeccable With Your Word

Making assumptions causes unnecessary anxiety, create problems that dont exist, brings pain and fosters miscommunicationInstead, engage in open and honest communication in your relationships. This would promote trust and clarity.Learn to give people the benefit of doubt...but do not be stupid and in denial

Don't Make Assumptions

When you try your best and commit, truly commit. The judge would find it hard to fault you because you gave it all.This final agreement is what would solidify the first three because implementing these agreements would be very hard and you would fail several timesBut When you decide to keep pushing and keep doing your best, it would definitely be in reach someday and one may become the master of these four agreements.

Always Do Your Best

These four agreements are part of the wisdom of the Toltec people, a community who had been very successful. They're a bit similar to the Stoics.The agreements include:1. Be impeccable with your word2. Never take anything personally3. Dont make assumptions4. Always do your best

The Four Agreements

The problem is, many of the agreements we adhere to are wrong.This book forces you to challenge your own systems and beliefs

In simple terms, agreements are beliefs and systems that we live by.From the moment we are born, we are taught how to behave, how to dream, what is acceptable behaviour and what is not.These are all agreements that we soak up like a sponge. We don't defy because we don't have the mental power to do so at a young age and rebellion causes punishments.These agreements later become a book of law which we use in judging ourselves. Now, as adults, we dont need our parents or teachers to discipline us because we have the Judge, born from the law book, who criticises our behaviour.

What are Agreements?

There are three ways to break old agreements1. Identify agreements that you have that are false and causing you to live an unhappy life then let go of them. Believing in them is what gives them power over you2. Forgive the people who have implanted these wrong agreements in your mind because they didnt know. Forgive yourself too so you may have peace3. Remember that you may die at any point so make memories, love, enjoy your life and live it

Breaking Old Agreements

This book talks about 4 agreements that can transform one's personal hell into paradise

In The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. •  A New York Times bestseller for over a decade •  Translated into 50 languages worldwide   “This book by don Miguel Ruiz, simple yet so powerful, has made a tremendous difference in how I think and act in every encounter.” — Oprah Winfrey “Don Miguel Ruiz’s book is a roadmap to enlightenment and freedom.” — Deepak Chopra, Author, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success “An inspiring book with many great lessons.” — Wayne Dyer, Author, Real Magic “In the tradition of Castaneda, Ruiz distills essential Toltec wisdom, expressing with clarity and impeccability what it means for men and women to live as peaceful warriors in the modern world.” — Dan Millman, Author, Way of the Peaceful Warrior

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Books

Don Miguel Ruiz is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. Don Miguel Ruiz has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. Don Miguel Ruiz's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

Don Miguel Ruiz

Janet Mills is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. Janet Mills has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. Janet Mills's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.