I was busy today, doing many things on a lengthy list. I had a few tasks important to me, yet noticed that I was tempted to postpone - it was a labor-intensive list! And then I reminded myself of the first of the Toltec "Four Agreements" -
I. "BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD"
Don Miguel Ruiz, in The Four Agreements, shared teachings from the historic Toltec culture of Mexico. He wrote that we have a multitude of agreements through our family and wider culture, that create "fog" or "mitote" within ourselves (p. 16). He suggests that following The Four Agreements leads to clarity - clearing the fog. The First Agreement is to "be impeccable with your word."
My North American, modern version of this: Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Most of us strive for this with family, friends and work relationships. I'd like to remind you: It's important to count yourself as deserving of this, too.
Each time that you set a positive goal or make a thoughtful resolution, and then take steps to meet it, you are keeping a promise to yourself. When you do this, you emphasize to yourself that you are worth a promise kept.
I encourage you to keep promises that you make to yourself. As you live to your promise each day, you are impeccable with your word. You are respecting yourself. I hope you'll start to notice the effects on your mood, your beliefs and your relationships.
Happy New Year!
Julie
