Years ago, I was describing to a friend the kind of values that my parents tried to instill in us, and it reminded them of a book called The Four Agreements. Curious, I found a summary of the Agreements and discovered they resonated with me. In trying to abide by these four simple guidelines, I find my relationships and general outlook are positively strengthened.

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.

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.

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.

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.

From The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Miguel Angel Ruiz, M.D.