Lesson this week

as written in the book by "don Miguel Ruiz"

Be impeccable with your word.
~say what you mean and mean what you say.  Words can create and words can destroy, and words if taken the wrong way can hurt.  Once they are said they can never be taken back.  When you hurt you may say things that are better left unsaid.  At times like that journalling or writing and burning may serve us better.  Gossip produces conflict and creates drama.  Instead use words for truth and encouragement.  Be positive.

Don't take anything personally
~nothing other people say or do is because of you.  IT is a result of their own world.  Making stuff up in our heads and then believing it doesn't do anyone any good.   What people say or do is a result of their own world.  When we take things personally we feel offended and react by defending ourselves and create drama.. needless drama.  This is a huge lesson I am trying to create a new pattern around.  When we don't take things personally we take away the power other people have over us.  We become immune to manipulation. If you  refuse to take things personally even when someone is trying to draw you in then you remain peaceful.
~ when you set limits use your words to speak truth and encourage.  Use "I" statements.  Don't put yourself down.  Don't blame.  Offer possible alternatives.  

Don't make assumptions
~don't assume.  We create drama by making assumptions and by taking things personally, and then by gossiping about our assumptions and trying to make someone else wrong based on our assumptions.
~gather facts about the situation and about our own beliefs.  It is also important to gain knowledge about the facts, about how others perceive the situation and our own beliefs.
Communicate!!!!! Communicate... its saves so much energy and pain.

Always do your best
~your best will be different moment to moment.  Keep doing your best. 
~do your best to live up to the other 3 AGREEMENTS.
~work for a win/win all the time.
~explore other's opinions and implement an agreement.

If you live by these FOUR AGREEMENTS life will become better.  I know it.  Never make assumptions and don't take things personally.. Be the observer.  Think "what would love do " in this situation... instead say.. hmm.. that's interesting they are reacting like that... back off.. don't push .. don't assume...  it does cause needless drama.  There are always reasons people are reacting the way they are.  More than likely they are going through something that they are not ready to share yet.  Give it time.  Give them time.  And Pray.  God sees it all and he will help.