L. B. (blackeyedsusan) reviewed on 12/1/2008 + 22 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 16

I'm a huge fan of self-help books. Like many, I was caught up in the self-help era of the 90s. Reading _The Four Agreements_ is revisiting ideas and beliefs that helped me through a difficult period of my life. The ideas espoused in this text are familiar, but knowing something isn't the same as applying principles to our lives. I believe in refresher courses.

Ruiz breaks down a path to better living to four agreements: (1) Be impeccable with your word. This is about integrity. Be consciously aware of the power of the spoken word. (2) Don't take anything personal. I laughed at this one. I immediately thought about Susan Jeffers who wrote, _What You Think of Me Is None of My business_. Simply, this means what people say about you isn't about you but them. Don't buy into the hype or criticism. (3) Don't Make Assumptions. Ruiz argues we'd rather make assumptions than ask questions. Ask the questions. (4) Always do your best. Your best changes. Do what you can in the moment and avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Ruiz doesn't say any of this is easy. It's a process. It's repetition. My feeling: why not try it? There is plenty to gain. It takes a lot to change and having someone remind me in simplistic terms is encouraging.

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