Up and down

I am working on making 2013 a better year. I am working on being grateful. I have been reminded recently of The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz that I read a number of years ago.

The four agreements are:

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.

***
I've fallen back into some of the habits that aren't helpful-- I am taking things too personally and I've been assuming rather than just letting things be.

I am working on doing my best, although lately I have been tired and putting my efforts into frustrating exercises.

I am working hard to only use my words for good. I want to use my words-- for good-- and use my words-- well-- and use my words--

more often.