When I grow up....

Even at my age, I'm still working on who I want to be when I grow up. Lately I'm thinking that might be to become so at peace with myself and the world around me that no storm, natural or human created, derails me from the pursuit of love and peace. What does that look like? What does that require of me?
As that's been floating around in my head over the last 6 months or so, a song sprang into my consciousness that a group of us sang out for the first time recently. Singing it with this group first in my living room brought great joy. I see so many faces when I sing these words.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftt5KH6TnhE&list=RDFtt5KH6TnhE

But that song is just an expression of a moment and a sentiment. How do I find that peace with myself and the world in the way I desire? My friend Mary Morgan came to mind and the four agreements she shared one evening.

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.

http://www.toltecspirit.com/

If I can focus on these and sing out my heart, I just might be ready to grow up. And when I finally do, I know it will be time to go to the next level of understanding. Therein lies my Salvation.