I have been overwhelmed by many good things coming my
way. I could almost say too many good things. I just can’t seem to move fast
enough to do them all. Because of this conundrum, I am not preparing the
variety of food that I usually do, I sometimes am not preparing it the
healthiest way, I am not addressing the questions about food that people ask me
as quickly as I like, and that is just the beginning of my frustration around
too many good things. A strange but fun situation.
When I get ramped up about not doing all that I want to
do as well as I want to do it, I default to Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four
Agreements http://www.miguelruiz.com/fouragreements.html.
This is one of the best books I have read, and whenever I am in a flurry I
default to it. The Four Agreements are relevant to every difficulty I have
encountered, and are certainly relevant to the food journey upon which many
people are embarking. If you are feeling overwhelmed and you do not know if you
are beginning your journey the best way for you, remember the Four Agreements.
If you did not properly prepare a food, remember the Agreements. If you ate
something you know you shouldn’t, reflect on the Agreements. The Agreements
give me the perspective I need to feel good about what I am doing.
What are the Four Agreements?
1.
Take nothing personally
2.
Make no assumptions
3.
Always do you best
4.
Be impeccable/True/Sincere with your word
Take
Nothing Personally. When it comes to the food/healing journey,
it is important to take nothing personally. For example, my father is less than
supportive of our decision to eat organically and he is non-committal at best
regarding using food to heal. At the beginning of the journey, six years ago
when Colson was born, that upset me. I now know not to take my father’s
criticism personally. It is about him and not me.
Make
No Assumptions. Why is my father not supportive? I do not
know. I could make assumptions about that, but they will not lead to the answer.
In the case of my father (and step-mom), my assumptions will most likely
increase the distance between us on this issue. So I don’t make any and have
moved on.
Always
Do Your Best. This one is the biggest Agreement for me
on this food journey. It has helped me to move past my family’s resistance to
my journey because I am doing my best. I remember it when I do not do things as
well as I like. Why haven’t I started that next batch of sauerkraut yet, for
example. Or, why haven’t I made time lately to answer questions that people ask
me. Why am I still writing this blog post instead of working out right now? Because
I am doing my best and I just can’t do everything when I think I should. It is
paramount to remember that YOU ARE ALWAYS DOING YOUR BEST at that particular
time. You are unable to do anything but your best.
Be
Impeccable/True/Sincere With Your Word
This is an area where I have no worries. I use words to help, not injure. I have not and probably never will banish the occasional non-helping thoughts that sometimes develop. The good news is that these thoughts become less and less the more I follow the Four Agreements. I can only move strongly forward when I do this.
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