THE FOUR AGREEMENTS

I am reading the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It is about the Toltec Teachings. I am not finished yet but the book is really speaking to me.



Don Miguel Ruiz describes Toltec knowledge this way on his website... "Toltec knowledge arises from the same essential unity of truth as all the sacred esoteric traditions around the world. Though it is not a religion, it honors all the spiritual masters who have taught on the earth. Though it does embrace spirit, it is most accurately described as a way of life. Unlike our familiar experience, this way of life is distinguished by the ready accessibility of happiness and love."

These are the four agreements

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 first learned about Don Miguel Ruiz and his book The Four Agreements while sitting in the waiting room at the hospital. My baby girl was having an operation to repair an umbilical hernia ( all went well by the way, and she is doing great). I picked up an issue of Oprah's magazine O, inside was an article Ellen Degeneres talking with Don Miguel Ruiz about his book. Ellen was so wowed by the book she recommended it to Oprah on the air.

I feel like the book is already helping me, changing me. Not in a preachy way, but in a common sense, ah-ha moment kind of way.

I continue to read and learn. I will keep you posted

BOY, I NEED A MEDI-PEDI

This Canadian winter has not been kind to my hands and feet. Sound familiar? I must admit, while I love to go to the salon or spa to get a bit of pampering, it isn't always in the budget, know what I mean? Well I have a few at home options, a couple of things that I love. One is old, the other is a new discovery.

First, is a Mary Kay product. I am not really one to spend a tonne on beauty products on a regular basis but Mary Kay's Satin Hands is just awesome.

This kit goes for $51 cdn. Seems expensive up front but it does last a long time. I have gotten a smaller sampler size kit in the past. It is worth the money though, you will have the softest hands you have ever had.

The second is for your feet. I got this next one as a freebie. I loved them. These socks from AirPlus are aloe infused and extra soft and fussy. Just what you want when you curl up on the couch.

Enjoy!

OH HOW I WISH....

I think back on all the stuff we have bought since becoming parents. A high chair is one of those things that is a necessity once the kids are at that in between stage...too small to sit at the table but big enough to sit on their own and feed themselves. We own 2 high chairs, the first one was a huge mistake. It was big, had a plastic seat cover that let's just say got nasty, really nasty, when all the food got stuck under it and was nearly impossible to clean off. Then we got a great wood Eddie Bauer number, thanks to my dad.The big draw back? It's big and when you kicked it ... BOY DID IT HURT. There were many a throbbing toe and a few curse words to go along. I am happy to say the high chair has been retired to the basement.

Now, if I had only seen this high chair when my kids were still using one. How awesome! It's called the Minui HandySitt




Thanks to my friend Emma over at Urbanbaby & toddler for this find. Emma you always have great finds. Check out her blog for more fantastic stuff

MORE FROM FLORIDA

It's snowing here, AGAIN. And frankly, I need some sun and sand therapy. Since I can't get away to somewhere warm I thought some pictures of our trip to Florida might warm me up!






K and M are searching for shells and running from the waves.



M is showing off just one of the many shells she found on the beach. Shell searching was a daily event during our trip to Florida.